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Exclusive interview with New York-based techno DJ – Miss Sheila

Miss Sheila was born in South Africa, moved to New York by the age of seven, spent her childhood there, and moved to Portugal as a teenager, quickly discovering clubs, dance music, and DJing. Fascinated by her records and her skill at mixing music, she decided to study her and she was soon invited to take a spin at a local nightclub, but she was soon offered management by a DJ agency. was proposed. In 1999, Miss Sheila began spinning regularly at the country’s hottest underground clubs and festivals, which helped her gain more attention, and in 2001 she danced Club She was nominated for the magazine’s Best New Artist Award.

Since then, he has made numerous appearances on TV, magazines, and radio. Miss Sheila became famous for its mix of house music, tech house and techno at the time. She has played in Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Holland, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, USA, Canada, Africa and more, and she has played with many of today’s superstar DJs.

Miss Sheila released her co-produced track “Sheila’s Temptation” on Tango Records in 2001, co-written with Joski, and has since worked as a producer to this day, working with autechtone, happy techno, unity records, and herself. Has released works from labels such as Digital Waves, which is the label of. She has released original songs by local and international talent. Miss Sheila is consistent, charismatic and friendly she’s a proven DJ. She is definitely ushering in a whole new era for female DJs in her home country and is looking forward to showing the world why her unique technique and rhythms have earned her the title of Queen of Techno. Portugal.

Exclusive interview

1) What inspired you to start DJing and producing electronic dance music?

I became interested in DJing when I first started going to raves and clubs. That same year he opened a bar and built a DJ booth where he began to explore the art of mixing. Shortly after, I was invited to play in a club. The artist’s agent happened to be there, along with other DJs he represented, and signed me on the spot. About two years after starting DJing, he started producing electronic music. Electronic music was a must if you wanted to stand out.

2) Who has the biggest influence on you in your industry?

I used to have a lot of them, but as my skills have evolved it’s become harder to surprise me too. More recently, we’ve been focusing on Charlotte De Witt and women like her who finally broke down the walls of her largely male-dominated DJ world.

3) Can you describe the process of creating a new track?

Well, I usually start by precisely defining the direction of the track, then I start playing around with the beats and basslines until I have the perfect groove, then I use synths to seamlessly blend them into the beat. try to fit. Once everything is put together, look for a hook or even a cherry on top.

4) How do you prepare for a gig? Do you have a pre-performance ritual or routine?

Well, I spent a week looking for and buying new music to play. When I get to a gig, I usually have a drink and then feel the crowd and know exactly where I need to be acoustically careful to get the party started.

5) What’s your favorite gig or event so far in your career?

There have been many, but I can’t pick a specific one. I’ve been blessed to play great gigs and events all over the place, but now more than ever I feel like I’m at my limit.

6) What do you enjoy most about performing as a DJ?

It’s what I do best and what I’ve wanted to do for many years. I have the privilege of choosing what I know to be great music and sharing it with a crowd who want to hear it as much as I want to play it for them. A perfect storm.

7) Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote as a DJ and producer?

Well, I laughed, cried, and ran a lot. For example, many years ago I was playing at a beach party, and the booth was a small hut made out of wood and hay. How the strobe controller ignited and there was a small fire in the hay so at first I tried to run but the door of the shed was jammed with people trying to get out so I literally had a record in my hand I picked it up and tried to put out the fire. Thankfully it worked, but I ended up ruining some records. I cried after that!smile

8) How can I find new music to play live?

Well, I’m always on top of my game, I listen to a lot of music, and I can easily appreciate the ever-changing styles even if I’m of my generation, and I think that I call it evolutionary consistency, and I’m one of those who appreciates it.

9) What’s next for new projects and goals?

As a DJ, my main goal is to share my music and skills with the world, continue to evolve as a producer, and get my music played by the best people and heard by everyone. .

10) What do you like to do in your free time outside of music? Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of your industry?

yes! I am a new mother and there is nothing I love more than spending time with my son.

11) How do you tailor your set to the energy and atmosphere of each gig’s crowd?

Whether it’s high energy or dark melodies, we have enough music for every situation. FYI, BPM is always there. I have to confess, I love high-energy, uplifting techno.

12) What challenges did you face as a DJ? How did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was being a woman! When I first started working, I quickly learned that I had to work twice as hard to earn the respect of my peers and, as I mentioned earlier, the mostly male-dominated industry. Thankfully, it’s been that way for over a decade of my career. Things have changed, and I couldn’t be happier to know that I was part of the change.

13) How do you think the electronic dance music industry has changed since you first started?

First of all, music and events have become very rich, and it has changed greatly. At the time, the “underground music movement” was just that, “underground” and known only to a few. So now it can even be considered mainstream, but this is also called evolution, and I can fully appreciate it.

14) What do you hope to achieve with your music in the long term?

I want to leave my mark on the electronic dance scene and I believe I have achieved it in my country and I am very grateful that the time has come to leave it to the rest of the world. .

15) What tips and advice do you have for aspiring DJs and producers just starting out in the industry?

Work hard and passionately, and stay humble on the climbs because you might be crossing the road with everyone on the descents.

end…

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