Words by Lillian FlexMami Ahen
The year 2016 marks a palpable change in the atmosphere. The year where problematic banter went challenged, Solange released a burner of an album A Seat At The Table and the power of the matriarchy excelled.
It also marked the second consecutive year of FBi Dance Class; the initiative developed by FBi Radio in conjunction with V MoVement as a proactive way to combat limited female representation in the Aussie dance music scene.
The Dance Class curriculum consists of a series of masterclasses presented by current FBi radio presenters/alumni to mentor a selection of female music enthusiasts. The course exists to nurture interests and elevated skill sets to arm trainees with the tools needed to deliver the hottest (and most hype) content.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5o3GkbEIOA
Second year graduates (ZEFGIRLCLUB, Soft Hands, Ebony Boadu, Venus and Katia) have joined forces to take their newfound knowledge to the optimum level to create PLTFRM; an open-minded safe space and a non-genre specific party. What better time than the present to cultivate a space that encourages camaraderie for the sake of culture? It’s going down on December 10 at Freda’s:
In light of the news, I took a virtual seat down in the DMs of the respective members of PLTFRM, buckled my metaphorical seatbelt of mindfulness and floored it into the minds of these game changers to snatch some vital nuggets of truth.
What is PLTFRM?
PLTFRM is our brand new club night dedicated to providing a safe and open-minded space for people to party. The idea came to fruition through exploring ways to embrace versatility and add something fresh to Sydney’s re-emerging club scene. We span multiple genres to try and give everyone a taste of tracks they might not usually listen to. Overall, it’s literally a platform to give dope DJs an opportunity to play whatever they want.
No boundaries, no rules, just good music.
ZEFGIRLCLUB
Who are you?
ZEFGIRLCLUB, DJ + 1/2 of GIRLIRL, also known as Soulja Boy’s #1 Soulja Girl
Describe your DJ aesthetic, vibe and the genres you play?
As a solo DJ, I hold a high appreciation for the crossovers between world and club music i.e grime, vogue, dancehall, girl rap, rave/hardcore… though I’ll never play a set void of bass. I’m all about hard hitting beats, a sporty pace and dancing hard. My sets are hyperclub, global, and high-energy.
What takes an average DJ set to the next level?
Stage presence. I cannot stress this enough. If you’re a DJ who exudes enthusiasm, vibrancy, and an obvious attachment for what you’re putting out there, that vibe will transfer to the crowd. A great DJ set is infectious, and a great DJ sparkles.
Who is your dream B2B partner and why?
LSDXOXO. He produces my dream music and is extra, extra, extra high energy. If a DJ can get me sweating just by listening to their Boiler Room, that’s someone I wanna bounce with IRL.
What is a song lyric that inspires you?
“You don’t have to like me but you will respect my drive” – simply because, who doesn’t wanna be that bitch that gets it daily, knows her worth, and works hard for what she wants because she knows she’s destined to thrive?
Three tracks you’re rinsing right now?
DVST – Chaos 2.0
Umbertron – Body Banger
Manikan & Taste Tester – Back to Back
EBONY BOADU
Who are you?
Ebony Boadu. DJ, party thrower, Simpsons (Season 2-14) lover and enthusiast.
Describe your DJ aesthetic, vibe and the genres you play?
I play predominantly hip-hop, but I love anything that makes you wanna dance. Whether it’s twerk, dancehall, turnin’ up to new school rap or jumping along to jersey club – as long as I’m into it I’ll play it. It’s girly, heavy and happy.
What takes an average DJ set to the next level?
So much preparation and organisation goes into planning a set, but when you get to the club you have to be able to read a crowd while staying true to your own vibe. That’s what takes it to the next level.
Name an artist that’s integral to your interest in music/DJing?
Kanye West is the sole reason I’m so heavily into hip-hop. 808’s and Heartbreaks was the first album I ever bought and ‘Love Lockdown’ was my favourite song for years. His confidence in particular inspires me. Performing in front of a room full of people requires a huge amount of self-belief, which is integral to succeeding.
Name a song lyric that inspires you?
“I ain’t riding no waves, too busy making my own waves baby, surfin’ on my on waves baby” – Kid Cudi.
Three tracks you’re rinsing right now?
Leikeli47 – Money
Kelis – Milkshake (Dawin Remix)
Blessed – Insanity
VENUS
Who are you?
VENUS, DJ + Advocate for Baby Bangs on Everyone – because it suits all face shapes and you can totally pull it off. I believe in you!
Describe the genre you play? Describe your DJ vibe/aesthetic in three words?
I’ll have to say left-of-centre club tunes and “so peppy it’s almost cheesy” dance tracks you can enjoy without irony. It’s bouncy, fun and unpredictable.
What takes an average DJ set to the next level?
Great transitions! It’s a toss up between ‘Barely There’ – when a you barely realise a new song has come in and they’ve changed it under your nose or a ‘Perfect Match’ – hearing two songs unexpectedly work complementing each other or in a way you wouldn’t have thought. If I’m impressed with your transos, consider me your biggest fan.
What’s one thing that people don’t understand about DJing that you want people to know?
When people say all DJs do is press buttons, it’s so insulting… don’t they know we turn knobs as well? There are a lot of things outside of the button mashing and knob twisting that you have to consider.
Do you have rhythm? Do you know your songs? Do you know the way they should fit together? Elements of the songs construction, like if a breakdowns coming or a vocals about to kick in? Can you read a vibe? Can you ~create~ one? That’s not even everything you have to consider, but basically it’s a lot of prep work for what seems to be a very simple thing.
Name an artist that’s integral to your interest in music/DJing? Describe how they’ve influenced you?
Nina Las Vegas, for sure! I remember listening to Mix Up when I was a pizza delivery driver and deciding I was going to learn to DJ. Her diverse taste introduced me to a lot of the artists that I still love, and also now she’s a label head and a producer. She basically shaped the kind of DJ I am today and of course is at a level I aspire to be at in the future.
Name a song track that describes your current outlook on life and why?
I’m feeling ‘9 to 5’ by Dolly Parton, a fun song about being a cog in the capitalist machine and facing workplace sexism.
KATIA
Who are you?
Katia; graphic designer by day and techno selector by night.
Describe your DJ aesthetic, vibe and the genres you play?
I play all forms of techno and have lately been experimenting with breakbeat and ghetto house/techno. It’s dark, entrancing and rave-y.
What is that one element that can ruin an entire DJ set?
Playing purely for yourself and/or intentionally not reading the crowd. Being perceptive enough to read the room and adapt is a vital skill.
Who is your dream B2B partner and why?
Nina Kraviz. Her music taste is impeccable – despite the views of a fair few Melbournians. The combination of her ghetto/eclectic techno and my 90’s sounding breakbeat tracks would produce something quite dynamic and interesting.
Name an artist that’s integral to your interest in music/DJing?
Ryan James Ford. He’s a producer from Canada who creates beautiful, entrancing sounds. I purchased one of his records, ‘G5olk 4Rfete’ from a German label ‘Answer Code Request’ and it is by far my favourite addition. His music is a combination of both hard techno and beautiful light, airy, melodic sounds, which are very pleasant to listen to.
When I first discovered him, I was in complete awe thinking “If I were to make music this is exactly what it would sound like” – which is what I’m trying to do at the moment. DJing isn’t enough. I have way too many ideas I need to put out into the world.
3 tracks you’re rinsing right now?
TwichGarden – Untitled
Discotopia – Îòøóìåëè Ëåòíèå Äîæäè (which translates to summer rain noises)
Roseen – Separation
