Canadian underground DJ/Producer, Nino Brown has grown exponentially in the underground scene over the past few years. She is also one of the co-founders of Yes Yes Y`all, Canada`s most popular party series. We had the chance to interview her and get her views on the underground scene, her Indian experiences and more. Here are excerpts from the interview:-
1) How was the start of your career as a Female DJ?
I was privileged enough to have accidentally fallen into the world of DJing. Its true I didn’t know many female selectors at the time and most of my mentors were men. At first I didn’t take it seriously, but coming from a more hip hop/dancehall background, and having some exposure to big room d&b raves as a teenager, on top of being one of the only girls in my city (at that time) to be doing it, there was an added pressure to keep up and master the craft. I was really lucky that my party series Yes Yes Y’all (YYY) gained popularity and became a Toronto staple because that gave me the confidence and resources to pursue DJing as an actual career.
2) Tell us something about YYY and how did it start? Also your vision for it?
Truly the vision was simple. To create an inclusive space that was prioritizing marginalized folks, but also keeping the feel of a dirty bashment rave or a wild house party. A club where people feel more comfortable to 100% be themselves but not compromising the music and party atmosphere.
3) You have played in various parts of the world, which city happens to be your favourite and why?
In my experience Montreal party goers give the most. I find they have eclectic and open-minded tastes and are ready for anything on the dance floor. Any DJ appreciates that kind of crowd. Toronto I understand the most because its home, and we have one of the best dancehall and soca scenes on the planet, but its not a nightlife friendly town. Recently I visited Auckland, NZ for the first time and was shocked how much I felt like I identified with the people there. Cant wait to go back and its so beautiful.
4) Which festival do you desire to play the most?
I had the honor of playing Magnetic Fields last year and curious to see more of the festival circuit here in India. To be honest, I’m more of a sweaty club, lots of twerking kinda person. I feel the most comfortable in the underground dance party space than a festival, but I’m trying to change that 😉
5) What do you think is the future of underground music and where do you see it in the next 10 years?
I’m seeing a lot of corporatization of dance spaces, even in the underground party world. I understand it, and in a way am appreciative of the resources propping up the industry, but it makes me worried we are losing the essence of the underworld. It seems difficult these days to keep anything sacred, but with that said weirdos are currently at the forefront. I’m confident the kids will continue to be political and resistant and naturally scenes will manifest.
6) How was your experience at INCA, and about the set you played at Younion during the Blockparty with Monica Dogra and the Indian crowds receptiveness to it?
I love being in Mumbai, I feel so comfortable here so I was really excited to be a part of it all. I was definitely caught in a bit of a grey zone, feeling like I wasn’t hip hop enough for some kids, and not hard enough for the club kids. I like to jump genres and show that all types of music can blend together and create a seamless experience and perhaps thats an acquired taste. I really appreciated the kids I met after my set who got my story and what I was trying to do, that validated the whole experience for me. Its hard to play in a city for the first time and have a bit of a night that’s more open format, because it really is going in blind.
7) Can you share a few insights from the panel discussion you were a part of- Inclusive is the new exclusive!
I never thought even a few years back I would be in the motherland discussing these topics. I’ve been doing this a long time now, with no guide book, so it was an honour to have an opportunity to speak on my experiences. Having the confidence now to finally feel good about being myself and sharing my work was a blessing and I’m happy to have been included.
8) One message to the upcoming Female DJ/Producers that they should be aware of or keep in mind while they are pursuing this field, and some tips so they could better themselves?
Develop your own style and master your craft, sounds cliche but practice does make perfect. Don’t be afraid to be yourself because thats the first thing people notice.
9) Any message for the Indian fans?
Stay open minded!
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