SONOS CLUB : ASIAN BRAT
Multi-genre technical DJ ASIAN BRAT subverts expectations by provoking the music industry with heavy bass and funky rhythms, using sound as a tool to ridicule and confront prejudice within the scene. Through the approach, ASIAN BRAT questions norms and biases in contemporary music culture while delivering high-energy, technically driven sets.
ASIAN BRAT totals over 2M global plays on SoundCloud’s streaming service, whilst representing the UK’s Sexy Lady Massive: an all female collective striving for female empowerment.
INTERVIEW
How would you describe the emotions or energy you try to bring to your sets?
ASIAN BRAT: As a multi genre DJ, I think it’s really important to brand yourself around a feeling rather than one specific sound. If you’re a grime DJ, there’s naturally going to be that gritty, raw edge running through your sets every time. But for me, because I move across different genres, I can’t rely on one particular sound or aesthetic to define me. So for me, I have to define my sets through the intensities of heavy basslines and big drops. Those feelings are consistent in all my sets, so when people come to see me, they know they’re getting powerful, high-impact experience every time .
Are there any particular artists, cultures, or experiences that have shaped your musical identity?
ASIAN BRAT: My top inspirations within DJing have got to be the technical legends Neffa-T and DJ EZ. I’d like to call myself a technical DJ, but for me, these two are truly the ones who define what that title means. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched EZ’s London Boiler Room and Neffa-T’s 6 deck technical mix. Someone ask them to host a masterclass!
How do you balance playing what you love versus what the crowd expects?
ASIAN BRAT: Because I plan my sets in advance, there’s usually already a structure to how my set will flow. As I mentioned before, when people come to see my set, it’s less about a specific genre and more about the feeling and the technicality of the mix. So generally, the people who come to see me already know what kind of energy and style to expect. That said, there are always some people in the crowd who were already at the venue or who don’t really know who I am, and I’ll admit that can make it more challenging. In those situations, I focus on keeping the energy high and letting the mixing and track selection speak for itself. Even if they didn’t come specifically to see me, the goal is to win them over by the end of the set.
Is there a particular genre or sound you’re currently exploring or excited about?
ASIAN BRAT: I’ve always been known as a 140 DJ, but recently I’ve started getting bookings for faster 160bpm sets. I’m really enjoying these faster, booty-bouncing sounds because they still have that 4x4 energy I’m used to, but with an extra punch that keeps the crowd moving. It’s been fun experimenting with this tempo while keeping true to my sound - high energy and heavy basslines.
The music industry can be intense. How do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being?
ASIAN BRAT: I’ve been really into my fitness recently. I run every day, sometimes with my dog, and that routine definitely helps me to clear my head. My dog Roxie, a six-year-old Doberman, is a huge part of that too, just spending time with her, or going for walks, keeps me grounded and helps me switch off from the intensity of the music industry.
What keeps you inspired and motivated when you hit creative or personal challenges?
ASIAN BRAT: When I hit creative or personal challenges, I try to remind myself of the bigger picture — it’s not about the destination but the journey. That mindset helps me push through tough challenges and keeps me moving forward. I’ll admit it’s hard sometimes because I’m naturally a sucker for comparing myself to others, and that’s usually when I get stuck. When that happens, I try to step back and focus on what I can control — my growth, my sound, and my skills, rather than measuring myself against someone else’s path. That being said, discipline is important, and knowing I have a set coming up that I need to prepare for pushes me to just get it done. Hearing new music helps me to get that set planned, as I’m often inspired by receiving dubs from producers. And when I do get that set done, or that track finished, the satisfaction I get reminds me of why I started in the first place.
Beyond music, how do you see yourself in the world—what drives you and your purpose?
ASIAN BRAT: My main goal in life is to be successful and to feel fulfilled to know that my time here on earth was meaningful. That’s why performing means so much to me, where every set feels like an accomplishment, like I’ve left my mark on people’s lives. If someone walks away from a 1 hour set having genuinely enjoyed it, I feel like I’ve achieved something real.
Have you faced any challenges in the industry that shaped the way you approach your craft?
ASIAN BRAT: I don't know if that one has happened to me yet to be honest, but I feel it's coming soon. I have been getting a lot of downloads from the universe lately about ways to engage with DJing so i know when it happens in the future its going to be EPIC
How do you navigate spaces where you might feel underrepresented or overlooked?
ASIAN BRAT: I’ve actually been quite lucky in that I’ve rarely felt directly discriminated against because of my gender or race — by that I mean things like not being booked simply because I am Asian. If anything, I’ve sometimes experienced the opposite, where it feels like I’ve been booked only because I’m a woman or a person of colour, almost to fill a diversity spot on a lineup. I don’t really agree with that approach. I believe in my ability and I believe that I can compete with other DJs on the lineup, including white cisgender male DJs who often dominate the scene. I’d much rather be booked because of my talent and technical ability, not just because a promoter needs to broaden their diversity on a poster. It all comes down to mindset at the end of the day. When you look at the bigger picture, I feel fortunate to be living in today’s society compared to what things were like 100 years ago, when looking at representation and equality. Things are improving, but there’s still lots of work to be done. I try to focus purely on the music, and letting the work and skills to speak for themselves.
If you could create your dream lineup for an event, who would be on it?
ASIAN BRAT: Neffa-T, DJ EZ, Spinscott, Jeff Mills, A-Trak. And they would all have a massive projector behind them, showing a birds eye view of the decks.
What’s a festival, venue, or city you dream of performing at, and why?
ASIAN BRAT: My dream festival to perform at was always Boomtown Fair, but I was actually lucky enough to achieve that goal last summer when my collective played at Hidden Woods. I’d love a chance to play in Australia though, as a lot of my followers on SoundCloud are Aussies, so it would be cool to get a chance to go down there.
Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?
ASIAN BRAT: Music is my life I don’t really do much outside of it. Even when I’m not DJing, I’m still working on something music related. I’ve been dabbling in production here and there, but I do want to start releasing more tracks, however at the moment all I’ve got is a massive hard drive full of unfinished ideas. I just haven’t felt confident enough to finish anything because I want to really find my sound as a producer first, in the same way that I’ve taken my time to develop and define my sound as a DJ. Hopefully in the near future I get to release something properly in which I’m entirely proud of.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
