Haitian American artist Ashley Venom delivers our latest mix. Currently based in Miami, she works as a producer for III Points festival and a member of the femme collective [F]empower. She is also a founder of queer-diasporic monthly party MASISI. She gets deep in a techno groove enveloping us into her spiritual transformation.
Tell us about this mix:
This mix is a product of mental and spiritual transformation over the last month of my life; somewhat cathartic.
When did you start DJing?
I technically started DJing in 2012 when I got virtual DJ on my computer. I've made tons of secret mixes for myself that never came out.
First gig:
My first gig was at 'Bleeding Blue', (F)empower's multi-room installation themed around climate change and our relationship to water; June 2018.
Favorite party ever played:
My favorite party that I've played is Masisi or any time I can go b2b with my sis LOKA. Being in a safe environment with a good sound system, around queer people who are all twerking to techno, what more could I ask for?!
Fave DJ:
I'm really feeling Mama Snake right now. I like her style and versatility.
Fave producer:
I don't think I can choose one. Lately it's DJ Stingray, Drexiya and Planetary Assault Systems.
Pet peeve when DJing:
NO REQUESTS PLEASE!!!
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
The best compliment is making a new fan or seeing people going hard dancing while I'm playing. The fact that someone took time out their day to share a moment of energy release with me is what keeps me going.
Place you’d like to play:
I'd love to play Berghain. The first time I travelled outside of the US was to Germany in 2017, and Berghain was the first club I experienced outside of Miami. It definitely opened my eyes (and ears) to sounds I wasn't used to back home. I still feel its influence a few years later. Hopefully the next time I go, I will be playing ;-). I also want to play in Haiti, I think that would make my ancestors proud.
Something you want everyone to know about you:
I want everyone to be happy and win. There's enough to go around in this world for all of us live our best lives <3.