Lady Lea
I’ve never really stepped behind the decks (and I say never because scratching on dual Fisher Price turntables in the 80’s doesn’t count), but I imagine one of the most enjoyable and difficult challenges for a DJ is vibing out a crowd.
Vibe the crowd wrong and your gigs will be few and far in between. Blend the right song at the right time when an energy-low crowd needs it most, and you’re a DJ god or goddess.
Which brings us to the focus of this interview—deep house goddess Lady Lea. The South African DJ has vibed out a crowd of 1.2 million people, manages her own record company, and even runs an all-female DJ agency. During our interview we talk about why she first got behind the decks, her favorite place to spin in South Africa, and more.
ML: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with me. Your bio says that you started DJing about 14 years ago, and I read somewhere that you started with your brother Morgan. What made you want to be a DJ at such a young age, and did your brother influence your style and music?
Lady Lea: Music was always my passion in life since I was a little girl. I started recording music from the radio onto tapes and always went around playing it to people as if it was my new track I had just discovered! I also started going out at a very young age, so the nightlife and DJing caught my interest very quickly. My brother was a big part of the reason I started DJing, but I think we always enjoyed similar music, although at times we play very different to each other.
ML: You've had over 20 residencies, beginning with DNA in Pretoria, your hometown, and even a second residency in Johannesburg. Where's your favorite place in South Africa to do a gig?
Lady Lea: At the moment, it’s probably Truth in Johannesburg.
ML: Let's talk a little bit more about South Africa and the house scene there. Not knowing much about it, I could see how it would be influenced by Europe. Does American house have any influence there, or is it mostly a European style?
Lady Lea: Yes, American house definitely does have a big influence here. It always has…especially the deeper side of house music.
ML: When I google your name, over and over you're mentioned as one of the top DJs in South Africa, male or female. Do you find you still have to prove yourself at home or when you spin abroad because you're a female DJ?
Lady Lea: I think I will always have to prove myself, but not because I am a female dj, but [because] I believe you’re only as good as your last set, so I always strive to be on top of my game. And you never know who is listening in the crowd.
ML: What do you do that no other DJ does? What's your unique talent as a DJ?
Lady Lea: I think my sound and crazy energy behind the decks is unique. I have loads of fun when I play and hopefully people can see and feel it.
ML: One unique thing about you is that not only did you open your own record shop, Flipside Records, but you also converted it into a recording studio and record label, producing your own music. Was that a natural progression for you?
Lady Lea: Yes it was; music production is ultimately what I really want to do, along with playing my tunes to people live. There are a lot of other big projects in the pipe line…I've just started my own female DJ agency called Divas on Decks, and I will be releasing albums through my own record company called Beat Boutique. So yeah, the music industry is huge, loads of opportunities. Loads of fun too!!
ML: Is it true you're doing the German Love Parade again? You must be geeked. What was it like to spin for over 1.2 million people? Do you just feed off their energy and give it right back to them?
Lady Lea: I went in 2007 and was meant to go again in 2008 but unfortunately the organizers struggled to get sponsorship for the SA truck, so we lost the truck last year. I will definitely make sure I make it back there at some stage though!
The energy is indescribable, my jaw was practically on the floor all day, I felt like a kid at a funfair; there were no limits. The music, sound, people, energy, vibe…everything was mind-blowing and it was the most amazing feeling playing my music to so many people. Heaven!
ML: Where's your favorite place to spin abroad and why?
Lady Lea: I would say at this point it’s London as I always have an amazing turn out at my gigs there. There are a lot of South Africans there from back in the day when I started playing, so they always come out to support when I'm there. Besides that, Ibiza is also steaming hot right now.
ML: Besides the German Love Parade, what other gigs do you have coming up?
Lady Lea: I'll be in London on the 25th of July for a SA reunion party! There will be more UK events happening around that. Checkout my website for all info coming soon.
ML: Cool. Thank you for your time.
Lady Lea: Thanks a mill.
