14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHEVIE

EVIE is a London-based DJ/producer who has released material on Nervous, Pitch and TBX, picking up support from the likes of Marco Carola, East End Dubs, Archie Hamilton, and, of course, Jamie Jones. Landing on Jones’ Hottrax imprint for the first time this July, EVIE brings her unique blend of Garage and Deep Tech with influences from Minimal, Jungle and Deep House across the two-track ‘Get Jiggy’ EP.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hey guys I’m EVIE, DJ and music producer from London who specialises in minimal deep tech and garage. Recently my EP 'Get Jiggy' has been released on one of my favourite labels, Hottrax, and has been majorly climbing in the charts! 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Musically it would have to be Jamie Jones as I haven’t had the opportunity to meet him yet! But otherwise it would have to be Stone Cold Steve Austin from the WWE as he was one of my favorite people growing up!  

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to slow down time or speed up time - would be amazing to slow down time when playing some of my most memorable gigs but then speed it up when I’m on long flights. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

Probably The Grinch; it was and is still one of my all time favourite films. I think it would have been cool to have had some more moodier music with this to go with his character! 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

East End Dubs for sure, I’ve been following his journey since 2014 from Magna Carta to Fuse days. I’ve always appreciated what he’s done for our scene and how he’s made his own spin on the minimal and deep tech sound. From selling out shows for his label and having some brilliant releases he’s one I always look up to when thinking of my future. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

I’ve always been heavily influenced by music since I can remember listening to all genres specially rock n roll as I was growing up. I’ve been following the house/garage scene since I was in my teens and as soon as I could in I started going to parties. I went to Ibiza in 2012 where I properly experienced the music and I was sold ever since. It was only in 2017 that I finally got the courage to start practicing DJing in my bedroom and kitchen. I had watched Jamie Jones’s documentary on YouTube and soon came to realize how much I enjoyed playing, so that’s when I started playing out. At first I was so nervous but as I played out more my confidence grew into what it is today.

I knew I wanted to make music as well so I went to Studio 808 and did a 6 month course there but felt like I needed to spend more time on production. This led to me quitting my full time job to focus on my music career - the best thing I ever done!

Don’t get me wrong it’s been hard at times money wise but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m so proud of myself for pushing and pushing myself to never giving up.  

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

When I’m having a down day I like to just get creative and get in the studio it helps me take my mind off things and just focus on what I really love doing. I also love going for walks and going to the gym it really helps me mentally. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

Has to be Do Not Sleep at Amnesia, it was my debut there for a start and I ended up unexpectedly closing B4B with East End Dubs, Luuk Van Dyke and Sidney Charles. I look up to all of these artists so much, when I come off the decks I was literally shaking and I couldn’t sleep at all that night. My adrenaline was so high and I can’t explain how that made me feel. Once in a lifetime.  

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

I think at first I was trying to make music I thought suited labels or artists but as I’ve grown I’ve learnt to just focus on what I really love. People would tell me my music is too moody so I would try and make more upbeat style tracks only to come back to my minimal deep tech and garage sounds which is where I’m at today! 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

I really love old school grime and breakbeat and love to play these when I get the right opportunities! I love the drums and bass-lines on these style tracks and grew up listening to these sounds. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

1) Jamie Jones - Road to the studio. Reminds me of when I first started getting into house music and when I first come across Jamie. I remember him playing this at DC10 back in like 2012, it just is one of them memorable tracks for me.

2) Toyboy & Robin - Jaded. Have so many memories listening to this track on the sound of deep house 2 album blaring on my first ever car whilst going to some of the best parties in my early raving days in the UK!

3) Yousef, Hot Since 82 - Beg. This is when I first realized how much I liked deeper moodier sounds. I think this is one of the tracks that helped influence the music I make today, the deep house sound is still one of my absolute favorites it paved the way for artists like me. 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

I’ve always thought the Lake District is so beautiful and has the most unreal scenery! There’s not much going on there night life wise and I always say to my mum it would be cool if they did a rave here! 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

So I’ve got a few things that are in the pipeline that I can’t confirm yet but I’m working on doing a Bandcamp release myself the end of the year. I’ve got some amazing shows line up including Paradise ADE which is a bucket list moment for me along with doing Do Not Sleep Amnesia closings which I’m really excited for. There’s lots more lined up - watch this space! 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I’m a hardcore WWE fan, ask me any question and I’ll know the answer!