5 DJs, 4 CITIES: MEET THE NEXT WAVE OF MIXING TALENT
If the last 18 months have taught us anything, it’s the value of music, self-expression and the triumphant return to nightlife. In celebration of this, Pioneer DJ hit us up to showcase some of Europe’s hottest musical talent, one mix at a time. We spoke to DJs from four cities: London, Berlin, Milan and Paris, to discover what music means to them, while using Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-FLX6 decks and HDJ-CUE1BT bluetooth headphones .
From being an outlet for creativity, lockdown-induced frustration or just a way of honing a passion, we linked up with the musicians who are forging new paths in their city. Flex your boundaries – and check them out below.
CESTA – LONDON
Repping the London scene is Connor Gaffe aka Cesta – the stylist, selector and creator bridging fashion and music. From lighting up the decks at parties to mixing on Boiler Room, Connor juggles creative endeavours with the ease of even the most seasoned professionals. His work is informed by narrative. Check out what we got up to with him and Pioneer DJ below.
BETSY JOHNSON – LONDON
Betsy Johnson seemingly does it all. From being a creative director and DJ working in fashion to (inadvertently) walking Balenciaga’s SS22 red carpet, Betsy is a big name in the fashion circuit. However, she also mixes – delivering some high-bpm, high-drama sets at afterparties and club nights galore. Catch the creative mixing everything from techno to trance, and flitting between London and Paris on the daily. No big deal.
JAXX TMS – BERLIN
Coming in hot from Berlin is Jacqueline – AKA Jaxx TMS. As well as broadcasting live from Berlin-based radio THF, she’s also part of DJ collective Slic Unit, formed to empower women of colour within music. Her accolades don’t stop here, though – Jaxx is also involved with Half Moon, a Brooklyn-based independent music and media company. Miss Worldwiiiide.
JEUNE POUCE – PARIS
Chloé Thomas, also known as Jeune Pouce, is a model and DJ operating from Paris. Learning to mix helped her to come out of her shell, gain confidence and “realise that anything is possible”: a sentiment she wants to pass on to the next wave of emerging selectors. From appearing on festival lineups to mixing for Valentino, Jeune also places a distinct emphasis on the narrative capabilities of her work. Catch her clip below.
VOLANTIS – MILAN
Volantis, or Alessandro Carnevali, is an integral member of both the Italian clubbing and Milanese underground scenes. With over 10 years of selecting and exploring, Volantis’ sound has been rooted in Disco, but branches into the electronic landscapes throughout his sets. Having been Magazzini Generali’s resident DJ, Volantis also founded his own label: Alzaya Records. Based in Milan, the label showcases the best in Italo Underground.
These creatives are pioneers in their scenes, all across Europe. Check them out in action below.
CREDITS
Project Director: Pavel Dler
Project Manager: Sophie Hanson
Production & Talent Manager: James Loach
Creative Director: Liam James
Video Editor: Jonny Hynes
Sound Producer: Teo Pouzmpouris
Copy: Stella Hughes
Videography & Photography:
London: Liam James
Paris: Gabriel Popoff
Milan: Edward Scheller – with special thanks to @tempiodelfuturoperduto
Berlin: Thilo Swora
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See also: MEET GARDNA, THE BRISTOL DUB ARTIST EXPLODING THE SOUND SYSTEM
