A DJ born and raised in Ukraine is not only recognised for her outstanding DJ skills but also by her stunning looks. In 2010, she participated in Ukraine’s biggest DJ contest “ProDJ Awards” and was awarded as the “Best Female DJ of the Year”. After that, working part time as a model for FHM and XXL and other magazines, she is living the life of a newcomer superstar playing in clubs and events not only in Europe but all around the world. Her attractive smile and exceptional DJ skills would not fail to make the crowd go wild everytime. We have managed to get an interview with Juicy M talking about her upcoming releases and about DJ Mag.
Q1. We heard your new track “Need U Around” is stored on 9th of September. What made you collaborated with Esty Leone in this time? Can you tell us more about your new track?
I had the idea of this song a long time before I actually met Esty. When I first saw and heard her signing during my writer's camp in Los Angeles I knew right away that this is it, she's exactly what I have been looking for. Luckily, she also liked my idea and we worked very well together, finishing the song in just a few hours. For me, it was super exciting as it was my very first experience of co-writing.
Q2. You have visited Japan many times. Can you share your impression of Japan? What was the most surprising or impressive experience? Something within your expectation?
Japan is definitely one of my favorite countries to visit for many reasons. First of all, I am totally in love with your culture, traditions, style and food! Secondly, every time I go there for a show it's always crazy parties and so much fun, I really like the fact I have so many girls fans in Japan, it's awesome and I'm really looking forward to coming back in October for my gigs in Osaka and Tokyo! The most surprising experience is 'No dancing' rule and this alarm in DJ booth, during my first gig in Tokyo I always looked to that alarm and was hoping it's not gonna work and I'm not going to hide from police :)
Q3. Your DJ technique is so amazing. How did you get the skill? And what do you think most important thing to be great DJ?
I always was a huge fan of turntablism and scratching, so I started learning to DJ on vinyl and worked as a hip hop DJ for 7 years until I switched to electronic dance music. And the most important thing for me as a DJ is innovation - you shouldn't do your mixing because others do so, be creative! There is no rule book for this.
Q4. Who or what is the most musically influenced to you? If so, why is that?
The person who influenced me the most is probably Skrillex, and now also him as a part of Jack U. Once we played together in South Africa, I was on small hip hop stage and he was on huge main stage, and when I saw his show the only thing was on my mind: "I wanna be like him, rocking thousands of people on the main stage!". That was one of the key moments of my career.
Q5. As well-known international DJ and producer, I wonder what made you decide to become a music producer especially in electronic in the beginning. What was your motive?
Well, when I was a hip hop DJ I never thought about making my own music - I did some mashups and edits, like most of the DJs do, but not producing. Then when I eventually started playing electronic music I realized that it's no longer about your skills as a DJ, but first of all about your music and fan base as an artist. So since 2013 I begin learning to produce tracks and even now I still consider myself young and starting producer.
Q6. What do you have coming up next?
I'm going for my Asia tour for 3 weeks and I'll have two shows in Japan, I'm very excited about it! Also, I have 3 tracks finished now, one is a pure club banger 'Maracana' I did in collaboration with DJ and producer from Brazil - Turinno. Others two are my solo singles called 'Say My Name' and 'Feel Like Dancing' with great vocalists from the US - Angel Tyler and DAVS. I don't know the release schedule yet, but hopefully, my fans could hear all these tracks before the end of the year!
Q7. What is DJ Mag to you as a DJ and producer?
DJ Mag always was something special for me as starting DJ and producer. This dream to be in TOP 100 DJs poll by DJ Mag, all DJs around the world are very motivated by it.
Q8. TOP 100 DJs voting started in Japan from this year. Would you like to leave a message for your voters in Japan?
Hey guys, thanks so much for voting and stay tuned - there so much stuff are coming, hope you gonna enjoy my new music and live sets! You're the best!
Her natural talent in music and hungry attitude towards her DJ career enables her to play 4 CDJs without headphones. The video on YouTube “Juicy M mixing on 4 CDJs” regardless of her looks and style, proves that her skills are one of the previleged in the game. The EDM industry is very tough for females to prove their ability and the reality is that, there are only a few female players in DJ Mag Top 100 DJs. However, in 2014, she established her own label called JUMMP Records to compete and prove her worth in the industry. Can she make a change as a female DJ? Juicy M is definitely one of the DJs under a spotlight right now.
