SONOS CLUB : REENIE
Meet Reenie, a key figure in the London scene and beyond. Her sets have lit up the stages of London most iconic venues and parties including Unfold, Mala Junta, Howl, and Sextou.
As a Black, Queer, Non-Binary DJ, host, and producer, Reenie has captivated audiences across the UK and internationally. Her performances are renowned for creating electric energy and unforgettable experiences. Reenie has graced the lineups of some of London's most exciting events and has collaborated with major names like Glitterbox, Homobloc, Peggy Gou, Confidence Man, and even the iconic Coachella festival. Her influence and presence continue to shape and inspire London's vibrant queer nightlife community.
INTERVIEW
What first drew you to DJing, and how has your sound evolved over time?
REENIE: I used to be an international GOGO dancer and self proclaimed party girl (until instagram banned that kind of language). And I would be dance for the most incredible house and techno DJs all night long. From Peggy Gou at Coachella and Confidence Man at Glastonbury, to LSDXOXO at Fold.
I was deeply inspired and desperate to switch sides and curate the beats! My sound has developed quite a lot as I’ve been on this journey to find sounds that have been influenced by the BIPOC diaspora.
How would you describe the emotions or energy you try to bring to your sets?
REENIE: Right now my focus is on how I want people to feel during my sets. With carefully selected lyrical samples and sounds found in nature. Sounds that create an urgency to release tension and stimulate collective connection on the dance floor.
Are there any particular artists, cultures, or experiences that have shaped your musical identity?
REENIE: I’m from the UK and it’s very clear to hear in my sets. You’ll hear some very classic bass bass lines that are undeniably London. I’m trying to reroute us back to the origins of techno and give Detroit its flowers. Its influence has had an affect on the black diaspora worldwide.
What’s your approach to curating a mix do you follow a structure, or is it more instinctive?
REENIE: My approach is naturally instinctive, depending on who I’m surrounded by in that moment. But I always follow my basic core principles “hot, sexy, wet”.
How do you balance playing what you love versus what the crowd expects?
REENIE: Then balance is an interesting one, I think i know my audience quite well, and we tend to be a bunch of baddies on the spectrum that love to flow and change. So we’ll all get a little bit of what we love when our collective energy calls for it.
Is there a particular genre or sound you’re currently exploring or excited about?
REENIE: I’m really enjoying breakbeat at the moment, it keeps me really pumped to move and move and move!
The music industry can be intense. How do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being?
REENIE: I’m entering an era right now of trying to practice prioritising my own self and needs. Being selfish isn’t always a negative, if you’re extremely conscious about how you practice it, you could end up being the most present and intentional human to yourself and your loved ones.
What keeps you inspired and motivated when you hit creative or personal challenges?
REENIE: I tend to shut myself away from experiencing music in a work motivated mindset. That’s what stops the creative process being natural. So I just immerse myself in just connecting, connecting with my friends, we have such incredible insightful discussions that inspire me. Reconnecting with myself and what encourages feeling within myself. And then of course, going to the club for fun! When the pressure is off, the creativity flows!
Beyond music, how do you see yourself in the world what drives you and your purpose?
REENIE: What drives me is connection, what brings me joy and purpose is being able to understand and be understood by the incredible people around me. It’s a never ending joy.
Have you faced any challenges in the industry that shaped the way you approach your craft?
REENIE: The only challenges tend be when I’m faced with anything or anyone that tries to steer me in a direction that doesn’t align with my style or values. It just motivates me to continue to stay true to who I am. I’m Black, Queer, Non-binary and a South London babe, you’ll feel it in everything I do. I’m relentless when it comes to this!
Do you think electronic music is becoming more inclusive? What progress do you hope to see?
REENIE: Queer and BIPOC representation and inclusion in the industry is constantly on the edge of being muffled. And we have to keep pushing to put ourselves in spaces where we can curate the lineups. This is something I will be prioritising in my work next year, creating opportunities for the diaspora to be seen and heard.
How do you navigate spaces where you might feel underrepresented or overlooked?
REENIE: It’s can feel disheartening, but those are the moments where I make a lot of joyful and impactful noise, it’s already a massive accomplishment being in the room.
If you could create your dream lineup for an event, who would be on it?
REENIE: Dream lineup would include changemakers such as LSDXOXO, Toccororo, Black Club, Lexii and so many more BIPOC icons.
What’s a festival, venue, or city you dream of performing at, and why?
REENIE:I’ve always dreamt of performing in Australia, and I’m making that happen right now!
I’ll be touring Australia from the 31st October till the 6th January!
They have the most incredible producers and DJs and I can’t wait to collaborate and explore that amazing part of the world!
Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?
REENIE:Right now I’m working on creating an incredible UK festival/event site that will have its own permanent facilities and late licence. Which will make it so much easier and cost effective for people of all backgrounds to produce their own events
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.
