April 18, 2024 |
Fusing a rapid, twitching mix of hyper-pop, techno and hard dance music, there’s no shrinking into the corner at a rave helmed by Taahliah – it’s a get sucked in or go home kind of situation. Drawing inspiration from her Scottish homestead of Glasgow as well as the techno capital of Europe, Berlin, the artist has quickly gained international recognition in the queer club scene and beyond, sharing the decks with legends like Sophie, Eris Drew and LSDxoxo. Emulating a hefty shot of adrenaline, Taahliah is giving pop and electronic music a revamp with her devilish, dynamic mixes. It’s very impressive stuff for someone who only started DJing half a decade ago.
Aside from thriving behind the decks, Taahliah is also a pretty formidable producer. Releasing her first EP, entitled Angelica, in 2021, the artist showcased her diverse range of skills and the eclectic mix of artists that have influenced her, raging from FKA Twigs to Zola Jesus to Purity Ring. Released via London-based record label Untitled (Recs), the seven-part odyssey is a sneak peek into the celestial world of Taahliah. Backed by brisk and bouncy rhythms, the lyrics explore themes of identity and acceptance, drawing inspiration from the musician’s experience as a trans woman.
Using her platform to speak out about the beauty and challenges of the queer experience has resulted in a cult following who are ready to shlep along with Taahliah to the ends of the earth, sweat-covered and smiling whilst they do it. It’s understandable then that ‘official’ recognitions has begun flowing in too. Last year, she won two Scottish Alternative Music Awards – becoming the first ever artist to win two in the same year – and in 2022 she picked up the Best Independent EP/Mixtape Award at the AIM Independent Music Awards. It’s a remarkable start to a career that is sure to be long, fruitful and full of foot stomping.
Want to catch a glimpse of this rapidly rising star? Thankfully you won’t have to wait too long, with Taahliah’s residency at Hackney Wick’s Colour Factory kicking off May 3. Running across three nights spread out across the month, The Ultimate Angels series will see Taahliah joined by some of the most exciting, upcoming talents on the scene right now, including Holly Warcup, Miss Cabbage and Toccororo, with tickets available to purchase here. 10 had a quick chat with the artist to find out her cocktail of choice, her favourite gig of 2024 and what we can expect from her for the rest of 2024.
1. Who is Taahliah?
“An artist.”
2. What song always gets people to the dance floor?
“Any song by Ninajirachi.”
3. Who’s one person on the dance music scene everyone should have on their radar right now and why?
“Mary Arcane. The music, duh!”
4. Cocktail of choice?
“Pineapple juice with lots of chipped ice.”
5. How would you describe your sound?
“Kinetic.”
6. What’s been your favourite gig of 2024 so far?
“Elsewhere in New York. Still a dreamy haze.”
7. What are you most looking forward to at your Colour Factory Residency?
“Sharing and offering the space with artists I admire, wholeheartedly.”
8. How did you choose the people who will be joining you across the three nights?
“Duck, duck, goose.”
9. What’s your party trick?
“Knowing when to go home.”
10. What can we expect from you for the rest of this year?
“Stardust.”
Photography by Spit Turner.
