SONOS CLUB : RIETTA
Rietta is a London-based DJ whose journey began in community radio Voices Radio, Reprezent Radio and Foundation FM, shaping her into a dynamic selector known for high-energy, open-format sets that fuse soul, house, R&B, dancehall, garage and electronic sounds. Since then, she’s collaborated with brands including New Balance, Size?, Puma and Red Bull, while lighting up stages at festivals like Cross The Tracks and We Out Here Festival, as well as iconic London venues including HERE at Outernet, Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat, soho house, The Cause, NTS loft, and fabric.
INTERVIEW
What first drew you to DJing, and how has your sound evolved over time?
I grew up in a musical family, with a brother who is a soul artist, a father who collected and played vinyls as passion and a mother who was part of the praise and worship group at church. Soulful sounds have always been an integral part of my identity, so in 2022 I copped some decks and started bedroom djing. b) It's evolved as I've explored more and more of the different facets of soul music and my roots, I started DJing with neo soul and now play everything from soulful house, to reggae and dancehall, and world music. I try not to limit myself to my own understanding of what soul is and experiment with different sounds when I feel like it.
How do you craft a sound that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience?
for me this has always been a challenging balancing act. It’s almost like the chicken or egg debate, becuase it’s so important to cater to a crowd and connect with your audience however I do honestly believe that as artists / performers we need to connect with ourselves and our truth first. So I’m quite selective with the songs I play, I don’t play songs I don’t like for one, and usually play with the hope that other people can connect with it in some way even if it’s not in the way I did.
The music industry can be intense. How do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being?
It truly can be. To allow myself to stop and do nothing sometimes. And give myself grace. We're not built to consistently perform and pre occupy ourselves. so I just touched some grass and relax and practice gratitude
What keeps you inspired and motivated when you hit creative or personal challenges?
I think like with any creative industry it's easy to get lost in Ego. So I remind myself why I started, who and what I'm doing it for and allow myself the time and space to breathe and explore passions outside of music / djing because they all can inspire each other.
The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?
My faith keeps me grounded. Staying active is key - outside of DJing I’m a Fitness coach, I love supporting positive lifestyle changes and tbh my clients inspire me to keep going too so it’s reciprocal. Also learning to say no and not be everywhere out of a fear of missing out that was a big one and has changed my life for the better.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?
Remembering that it’s okay to not always curate, produce or create. Sometimes we just need to rest in stillness, and allow ourselves to refill, be inspired and reconnect with the simplicity of life.
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.
