SONOS CLUB : MACHINE WOMAN
Machine Woman is an artist, sound explorer, and promoter working at the edges of electronic music culture. She runs the experimental imprint Sonic Disturbances, hosts a show on Subtle Radio, and curates MWTV, a YouTube interview series spotlighting artists shaping contemporary underground music.
Her work spans releases and remixes for labels including Delsin Records,Technicolour, K7!, and Ninja Tune, alongside international performances at venues and festivals such as Berghain, Bassiani, Mutek, Dark Mofo, and Tate Modern and Drum Sheds.
INTERVIEW
What made you fall in love with DJing, and how has your approach evolved?
MACHINE WOMAN: My record collection, the music other producers send me, and the tracks I find myself — I just wanted to share what I hear and what makes me excited. I’ve always wanted to share that moment. My approach is more relaxed now. Mistakes happen, it’s natural. I focus more on that special moment when two records come together.
How do you craft a sound that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience?
MACHINE WOMAN: I like textures in compositions, whatever it is house, techno, experimental, or dubstep. I like layers that come from nowhere and keep you interested, keep your curiosity fresh. It also depends on the audience and the mise-en-scène of the experience you’re curating for them, but you can always put a bit of yourself into it.
Are there any unexpected influences that have shaped your music selection or style?
MACHINE WOMAN: Yes when I was a teenager I loved Slipknot and Deftones. Maybe that’s again about layers: when you’re in a band, you have to play in harmony. And that’s something that translates into my DJ sets now. I look for harmony, and it can come from unexpected places.
Do you prefer to plan your sets in ad vance or go with the flow based on the crowd?
MACHINE WOMAN: I like to prepare in advance, or at least have a few options. Usually I include new tracks I want to play, but if you see the crowd isn’t responding, you have to change it up. Preparing your music is important, because things can change last minute. I’ve had this happen at Tate Modern and at Drumsheds I had to change my set last minute.
What’s a recent musical discovery that has excited or influenced you?
MACHINE WOMAN: Portuguese techno. A promo landed in my inbox last year from Norbak and I really liked the record, so I started to look deeper into his work and his collective, Hayes. It made me start to like techno again I’d gone off it over the last few years and lost interest, but this time I sensed a different approach, a fresh view. They’ve also played around with dubstep, so again layers and textures come into what the Hayes collective / label puts out.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?
MACHINE WOMAN: Listening to other people’s mixes, checking out new music, learning new techniques, watching some YouTube videos on how to make something and then trying to do it yourself. But also giving yourself space.
How do you see yourself within the music scene and the world at large what impact do you hope to have?
MACHINE WOMAN: I see myself as someone who is continuously curious about music and the people behind it labels, artists, producers, vocalists, etc. I hope I’m an example that things can be done in different ways through DIY, and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
How do you think electronic music culture is evolving in terms of inclusivity and diversity?
MACHINE WOMAN: It’s improving, but in specific places. In some, it’s just talk to get points and not get cancelled. People in positions of greater influence can make a bigger impact, but often it’s smaller promoters, collectives, and activists who are pushing the conversation and amplifying the pressure for change.
What do you think DJs can do to push the scene forward in a more meaningful way?
MACHINE WOMAN: A few examples: sharing setlists, inputting them into PROs so it becomes more of an every-gig routine and helps music producers get paid royalties from gigs, shining a light on music discoveries, suggesting lineup additions, starting labels, and amplifying voices ++
If you could curate your dream lineup for a festival or event, who would be on it?
MACHINE WOMAN: I would probably say a bunch of my friends, as I think it would be lovely to see all the talented people in one place. :) I’d want to see different genres and a mix of live electronics and DJs, and also some bands. I won’t name any names because there are so many ……
What’s a festival, venue, or country you dream of performing in, and why?
MACHINE WOMAN: I’ve been lucky to travel far with my project, but there are still so many places I’d love to visit… Mexico has been on my list for a long time!! I have a few friends there, and I think it would be great to spend some time in Mexico with them. I feel like there’s a lot to discover. It would also be cool to go to Puerto Rico and visit Bad Bunny 🙂
Outside of music, is there a passion project or creative goal you’d love to explore?
MACHINE WOMAN: YESSSSSS — MWTV, my YouTube channel. I’m in the process of uploading over 80 interviews I’ve done with great, great people in music and art… wait, it still relates to music haha 😄
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.
