SONOS CLUB : PRNCSS
PRNCSS is a multi-disciplinary artist, producer, and DJ, whose sound is a dynamic blend of genres including Afrohouse/Tech, Amapiano, 3 Step, Gqom, and UK Bass. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Dublin, Ireland, she now calls the UK home, where she draws inspiration from the diverse cultures she's encountered. Her music is a powerful fusion of heavy bass intertwined with African rhythms, making her a leading figure in the Afrofuturism music scene.
INTERVIEW
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how your cultural background has it influenced your sound?
PRNCSS: My musical journey has been quite eclectic. Growing up in Zimbabwe we listened to a lot of South African music , we also had one tv station and there was a tv show that showed music from other African countries like the Congo, Central African music and local artists. Then when I became a teenager I was involved in bands and then my experimental phase began and I was exposed to rock music, indie music which evolved to much more niche sounds. Then in my early uni years I started raving quite a lot and was introduced to bass music from Dubstep, Broken beat plenty of UK Bass music. As I started my journey as a DJ I became re-acquainted with South African dance music like Afrohouse/Amapiano/ Gqom. I am forever hungry to find interesting genres and Africa is pretty hot right now when it comes to producing
What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?
PRNCSS: We attended a lot weddings as children I think African weddings are so special when it came to curation of music and a lot of it came with dances tailored to the music and marrying those two art forms really left an imprint in my memory when it came to sounds. I can still remember weddings I attended when I was 8 and how the music made me feel at that moment and time. Id also say the holidays such as Christmas because a lot of artists in Africa would always drop a December hit and Christmas was our summer time so you'd always hear that song blasted out cars that were heavily decked out with powerful sound systems
How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?
PRNCSS: Music is me and I am my heritage. It is a part of who I am and how I live my life. Those are the parts that naturally exist in my sets. I can't integrate something that lives in me.
Are there any specific artists or genres from your background that have been particularly influential to your craft?
PRNCSS: Yes most definitely rock music for its chaotic nature, Bass music for energy such as dubstep,footwork, Gqom and Amapiano/ Afrohouse just speaks to my soul. It's like food I can never get enough. As for artists ill name a couple Bloc Party, Joy Orbison,Dj Rashad,Death Grips, Kabza De Small, Black Coffee
When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey?
PRNCSS: How do you build it? I haven't got to curate music yet, I always go by feel.I think that style of play is so freeing and actually hones your skills as a DJ because it allows me to always be prepared to play a show at any time. For me when I play to the crowd I want it to feel like a party. I like to introduce music to people that might have not heard a particular genre. So im always seeking curious music lovers on the dance floor. I know the people that feel it will tap in. I really trust my ear and my track selection and think ultimately that's what makes a great set
What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?
PRNCSS: Always staying tapped in with my ear, I use many tools like social media, dsps, friends,shazam. I think wherever you can find a great track, collect it!
How do you balance between your roots and staying fresh with modern trends in your sets?
PRNCSS: by tapping into how I'm feeling when I'm listening and playing music. I think the vibe always speaks and lets you know what you should play. I try not to follow trends usually im the one introducing some new sounds to people
Can you talk about a track or mix you’ve created that holds a special meaning to you? What’s the story behind it?
PRNCSS: 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
As a DJ from a BIPOC background, what are some challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
PRNCSS: The barriers to entry to elevate without kissing a lot of ass. I know you have to graft but we only have one body and there's only so much networking one can do without losing your mind. I think if talent was the focus rather than promoters putting their friends on the line up or a whole festival of just male DJs I think we could have more interesting musical spaces. I think that's why djing feels a bit stale at the moment it's just not diverse enough. I don't know if I've overcome the barriers yet but certainly chipping away at it.
How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?
PRNCSS: It's what keeps things fresh and lively. So to me its everything
Have there been moments where you’ve felt your identity helped you stand out or connect with your audience in unexpected ways?
PRNCSS:Yes, I'm a very particular looking person and sometimes that works to my advantage and how I present myself makes me quite approachable so i think my audience appreciates that
What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?
PRNCSS: AFRICAN ELECTRONIC MUSIC!!!! Im so excited to see what is going to come out western and central countries.South Africa and Nigeria have been dominating the past couple of years but i want to hear whats going on in Senegal, Cameroon,Rwanda etc
How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?
PRNCSS: My music is always evolving. I have a genuine curiosity for new sounds and textures. I really want to hear what experimental african music is going to sound like
If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?
PRNCSS: Moderat, Mount Kimbie,Flying Lotus, DJ Rashad, The XX, MDU TRP,Bloc Party, The Prodigy, Death Grips,Black Coffee, DJ EZ, Eryka Badu are some of the few and some of the best to do it. It'll be an eclectic vibey day.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers from underrepresented communities?
PRNCSS: Know your music, learn to beat match the rest is extra. Have fun and love what you are doing dont chase trends.
How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?
PRNCSS: I'm not always motivated and you have to accept that there will be seasons of high energy and gigging and there will be seasons of rest so it's important to honor each moment and your body because you only get one vehicle. Rejuvenation allows creativity to flow in don't fall for the trap of over producing just do it when you feel aligned to it
What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?
PRNCSS: Damn that girl knows many dope genres lol!!!
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.
