London’s music scene has been buzzing for quite some time, but in the age of new genres like grime and psytrance exploding on the scene, it’s now captivating the city’s youth in the most unique and enchanting ways. We’ve tapped some of the most influential women from both in front and behind the scenes of London’s ever-evolving music culture who have become integral parts of the next generation of music. Meet the women helping to shape the subcultures of London and dominating in everything that they do.
SHANNEN SP
What do you find most exciting about the music scene in London?
In London, you can have a psytrance event running opposite a grime night … and I would go to both.
What made you fall in love with music?
One of my best friends when I was growing up, who was coincidentally the only other black kid in the area, bought turntables and starting taking me to clubs when I was around 15. He took me to Exodus and DMZ which are famous UK parties with incredible sound systems — I remember being blown away by that. Funny enough, we’re both DJs now.
What is your favorite accomplishment so far?
Saying yes to and doing stuff that is fucking scary. My first ever DJ set was playing before Björk at the club night I run with Kode9 called Ø — it was pretty intense and afterwards I was like ‘whatttttt just happened?’ Developing and shaping Ø is definitely up there. Being able to travel too – I’m feeling really blessed for that.
What are you working on now?
I’m doing vocals for a couple of producers, djing and we have plans to do some Ø sessions outside of the UK. I’m creating a mix series called Shannen SP Bira mixes, part one was aired on [BBC Radio] 1xtra. The mixes are loose reinterpretations of Shona Bira sessions, an all-night ritual practiced by Shona people from Zimbabwe where a group will play music for hours – including the mbira, gourd shakers, singing and handclapping and invite ancestral spirits for possession and guidance with problem solving. My family is Shona, so doing these mixes help me connect the dots between where I am now as a part of the diaspora.
JGRREY
What do you find most exciting about the music scene in London?
I’ve found that the music industry in London moves at the same pace as any city. But I find that there are so many underground live music scenes here, everywhere you go there will be a place to discover some crazy new live music of any genre, and that, to me, is special.
What does London sound like to you?
Unapologetically full of soul. It sounds like the wind hitting your face as you walk out the underground. It sounds like sirens and children’s laughter at the same time. It sounds heavy. It sounds like clashing sounds, but still sweet. It sounds full.
What motivates you?
Seeing other artists make beautiful music; it makes me want to also.
What made you fall in love with music?
Beyoncé’s vocal runs, the film Dream Girls, and Chicago.
What is your favorite thing you’ve accomplished so far?
Lily Allen knows who I am.
What are you working on now?
Myself, some collaborations, my visuals and live [performances]… but mainly myself.
MISCHA NOTCUTT
What do you find most exciting about the music scene in London?
I love London for its forever evolution! This is down to the mix of people here, I hope Brexit doesn’t damage this.
What does London sound like to you?
London always sounds and feels like home.
What motivates you?
I think I have a need to feel and be creative. That’s what motivates me. I also always want to push myself.
What made you fall in love with music?
I don’t remember the first moment, but It’s been as long as I can remember.
What are you working on now?
At the moment I am finishing [my music collective] PDA’s compilation. All proceeds are going to my fellow PDA collaborator, Ms. Carrie Stacks’ charity she has set up called AQEM. Everyone who has played PDA has submitted a track. Super excited for some other projects coming in 2019 too but can’t talk about them yet.
NADIA ROSE
What do you find most exciting about the music scene in London?
The organic way the scene has built over the years and is now leading movements in music.
What does London sound like to you?
Congested.
What motivates you?
Hate.
What is your favorite accomplishment so far?
The fact that I set out to be in the industry doing music and I am doing exactly what I [wanted] to achieve.
What are you working on now?
World Domination.
GREENTEA PENG
What do you find most exciting about the music scene in London?
The variety, the freedom of expression. There are no rules here no guidelines to follow we’re lucky ‘cause we’ve had some of the best musicians in the world pave the way for us. We’ve got the best examples.
What does London sound like to you?
A vibrant mess, heavy banging, and colorful whispers… it’s a mad ting really.
What inspires you?
Sometimes nothing and sometimes everything, I go in definite waves of feeling inspired. Sometimes I feel so flat I could fade away and other times I’m HERE so present of my surroundings and bursting full of shit to say that I could scream. I find that when I’m slightly down or can see things that don’t feel right going on around me. That’s when the lyrics flow. London does inspire me, it’s my favorite place and my worst place to be in the world all at the same time. I guess my inspiration comes from inner conflict.
What motivates you?
I wanna make music that’s it. I wouldn’t describe myself as a motivated or particularly ambitious character, I’m easy. Couple years ago I thought I’d work in a bar for the rest of my life on a beach and I was cool with that. But now I’m making songs, hearing the reaction from people, feeling the connection that happens when people understand you and your music. Knowing that people need and want to hear certain things, that’s motivation in its self now.
What made you fall in love with music?
I was born in love with music. I’ve been singing and dancing for as long as I can remember. There isn’t one specific thing, it’s innate. My dad sings and my mum was a raver between them I was exposed to so much rhythm from classical to jungle tunes music has always been apart of my life.
What is your favorite accomplishment so far?
I don’t know man, I don’t look at things as accomplishments. I’ve had some amazing experiences over the last year for sure. My reality has kind of done a 360-degree spin. I did support the beautiful Neneh Cherry on her tour and that was crazy. A very hard but rewarding experience.
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