SONOS CLUB : STORMY J

Stormy J is a Bristol-based DJ and broadcaster pioneering a new genre: jab-house — a bold 160 BPM fusion of Grenadian jab-jab, Trinidadian soca and a spectrum of house, dance and rave music. She blends her Caribbean heritage and deep-rooted family ties to carnival culture with a passion for dance music, creating a sound that sits at the intersection of rave and Caribbean carnival, brought to life through genre-bending mash-ups and DJ sets.

INTERVIEW

What first drew you to DJing, and how has your sound evolved over time?

STORMY J: I’ve always loved the transfer of energy that is created between the music, the DJ and the audience - I’ve always found that transfer pretty magical. When Boiler Room first started putting videos on YouTube I was obsessed with watching them, seeing those transfers of energy in such intimate sweaty spaces gave me zest for life. My creative career started out in radio, and I used to be a presenter on Westside Radio and I remember witnessing the way DJ Olos combined his DJ skills with broadcasting skills and it opened my mind because it was at that point I realised how interlinked Djing and radio is. From then onwards I began to teach myself how to DJ. In my early DJ career I was obsessed with Disclosure and I wouldn’t go a single set without playing them. Over time I’ve evolved to playing house and dance music that speaks to my Caribbean identity more. This has led me to pioneering my own sub-genre called jab-house.

How would you describe the emotions or energy you try to bring to your sets?

STORMY J: I try to bring a hard rave and wild carnival energy to my sets. I also love allowing people to reminisce through vintage piano chords in house music, taking my audience back to the early days of house. And I love atmospheric synths which I find magically transports the audience to other realms.

Are there any particular artists, cultures, or experiences that have shaped your musical identity?

STORMY J: The jab-house genre is one that is largely shaping my musical identity at the moment. Jab-house is heavily influenced by jab jab culture which is a Caribbean carnival tradition mainly stemming from Grenada. The experience of my grandparents passing inspired me to look deeply into my Caribbean heritage.

How do you balance playing what you love versus what the crowd expects?

STORMY J:I see it as a conversation rather than a compromise. I’ll start by locking the crowd in with something familiar, then once I’ve got their trust, I’ll bring in more unexpected or experimental sounds — that’s where jab-house really comes through.Those moments are important to me because they show people something new. I’ve found that once a crowd is with you, they’re open to that — you just have to take them there in the right way.

The music industry can be intense. How do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being?

STORMY J: I protect my mental health in the music industry by limiting the amount of time that I spend on social media. While it is good to stay connected and in the loop I am a strong believer of the saying “comparison is the thief of joy”. I find my mental state is better when I allow myself to get lost in the magic of my own creative sauce as opposed to constantly comparing myself to others and getting wrapped up in the algorithm.

What keeps you inspired and motivated when you hit creative or personal challenges

STORMY J:I love going to live music gigs and dancing with friends to music played on huge sound systems, it brings me joy being in the rave with good people and it motivates me to go home and work on my music. I also take inspiration from listening to motivational speakers and taking a breaks in nature or going to the gym.

Beyond music, how do you see yourself in the world—what drives you and your purpose?

STORMY J: Beyond music, I’m driven by the idea of leaving a legacy that outlives me.That comes from my granddad, who founded Ebony Steelband in 1968. Even though he passed away in 2009, what he built is still going strong today. Seeing that showed me the power of creating something that lasts and continues to impact people. That’s what inspires me — not just to make music, but to build something meaningful that lives beyond me.‍ ‍

Have you faced any challenges in the industry that shaped the way you approach your craft?

STORMY J: One challenge I’ve faced is feeling like I needed to fit into a certain box as a DJ. Over time, that’s actually shaped my approach in a positive way, because it pushed me to stop trying to fit in and instead create my own lane. It’s motivated me to be more intentional, more unique, and unapologetic in my sound — creating something that reflects my full identity rather than just one side of it.

Do you think electronic music is becoming more inclusive? What progress do you hope to see?

STORMY J: I think electronic music is becoming more inclusive and I see more events centred around black, queer DJs and women DJs. Shout out a particular platform called NoAllMaleLineUps who are on a mission to challenge every all male line up there is out there! I hope to see more platforms taking this direct approach and being brave to demand a better future for marginalised groups.

How do you navigate spaces where you might feel underrepresented or overlooked?

STORMY J: I navigate those spaces by staying true to myself and reminding myself that I carry my ancestors with me. When I walk into a room, I imagine they’re right there beside me. It gives me a sense of strength and grounding, and it helps take away any anxiety around feeling underrepresented or overlooked. It reminds me that I belong in those spaces just as much as anyone else.

What’s a festival, venue, or city you dream of performing at and why?

STORMY J: There are a few! But off the top of my head it would be a dream to play at Notting Hill Carnival. I’ve been going since I was 3 years old, it’s a big part of my family history and it’s my favourite time of year.

Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?

STORMY J: I’m passionate about reworking and customising my clothes! Whether thats drawing a new pattern on an old pair of Buffalo platform shoes or adding a million tassels of yarn to an old mesh top - I love bringing new life to clothes I already have.

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.