A familiar and prominent figure in Naarm dance and queer scene, DAWS has recently relocated to the UK and is proceeding to rip it up all over the EU just like we expected her to - prolifically.
Always blessed with an eclectic selection of vibrant house, classics and new, her abundant sets have played the likes of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, Gaytimes, and Pitch Music and Arts in 2022, as well as support legends like Octo Octa, Bambounou, Carista, DJ Boring, and CC Disco.
Can you tell us a little bit about the energy behind this mix and what you would prescribe doing while listening to it?
The main inspiration for this mix came after a string of sunset to sunrise euphoric and heartfelt dancefloor moments at this years’ Love International festival in Croatia. I was lucky enough to go with my partner and some dear friends, one of whom (Pete) started a WhatsApp group to link all the queer people in attendance at the festival together overe the course of the week. Pete introduced and united some pretty special people, and the new friends we made quickly became to feel like old friends, feeling a love and sense of belonging like we’d already known each other for a lifetime.
This mix has a number of tracks that have similar energies to the feelings we experienced during the festival - calm yet uplifting to dance near the ocean in the heat of the day, vocals that expel you back into reality, and a general overarching feeling of love and celebration for all the people we are yet to and have already created life changing relationships with, and nostalgic for the memories we are still creating.
Congratulations on relocating to the UK! How has the move been and how are you finding it thus far?
It’s been super lovely to receive such a warm welcome from friends over here, it sure makes a huge difference to have someone invite you to dinner, recommend their favorite cafe, or lend a couch when you’ve just moved. I’m not sure if it’s going to be our forever home, but it’s been a treat to spend the summer here and explore some of the best club nights, queer events, and spend some sunny days in the park. Dalston Superstore, Borne Fruits (the party) and Body Movements Festival have been my UK highlights so far.
You’ve been making the most of EU summer I see, what has been your favourite set or experience yet?
This is a really tough question to answer because I’ve spent the most part of the last 4 months walking away from DJ sets feeling totally overwhelmed with amazement for new music or a refreshed sense of inspiration for familiar sounds and genres. For example, at Love International Shy One played one of the best house music sets I’ve heard in yonks, and despite knowing a few of the tracks in the set, the way they were mixed was so refreshing and inspiring to hear blended in that way.
There is such a wealth of extreme talent, skill, and effortless finesse in the DJ community here and I feel very lucky to have taken time to experience it all as a punter. As much as I love DJing and playing often, taking time to enjoy and actually go to festivals from start to finish has really sparked something within me that was perhaps a little neglected when I was working 9-5 and then prepping and playing almost every weekend back in so-called Australia. I think in future I’d like to make sure I take enough time every now and then to slow down and fit in a little bit of extra fun and experience the party like the majority of the dancefloor does.
“There is such a wealth of extreme talent, skill, and effortless finesse in the DJ community here and I feel very lucky to have taken time to experience it all as a punter. As much as I love DJing and playing often, taking time to enjoy and actually go to festivals from start to finish has really sparked something within me that was perhaps a little neglected”
Your 000s nostalgia ‘ADHD Edits’ released last year was/is everything - will there be a continuation of the series? Or any other releases we can look forward to?
Well actually my first EP is coming out sometime soon! I’m not sure on the exact date because we are waiting on a few vinyl production delays, but it’s going to be a digital and vinyl release on Unknown to the Unknown’s Hot Haus Recs. I’m very excited to finally have my first EP with all original works of mine, especially on a label that has had so many releases with artists I love and admire.
As much as I love making my own originals, I also find making edits very fun so you can definitely look forward to a few of those coming out (via mailing list from Bandcamp) and then another edit pack toward the end of the year just in time for summer in the southern hemisphere.
What else is on the cards for DAWS this year and where can we catch you spinning?
I’m about to head off to Canada for a few shows across Toronto and Vancouver, and then some much needed nature time after that. Then my partner and I are checking off a huge bucket list item and heading to Dinah Shore (the worlds oldest/biggest lesbian festival) in Palm Springs for her birthday which will undoubtedly be a lot of fun.
As for the rest of the year, there’s a few dates in October and November I’m waiting to confirm in London and Berlin, but after that I’ll be making my way back down under for the summer and all the steaminess and silliness that festival season there has in store.
Stay up to date with DAWS here!