March 28, 2025 |
While the future of nightlife remains clouded by the smoke of uncertainty – with the ripple effect of lockdowns, strict council regulations and financial demands from landlords leading to the shuttering of 65 UK clubs in 2024 – our dance floors have never been more exciting. Inside 10 Magazine Issue 74, we spotlight a series of DJs that are experts in their craft, taking eclectic sonics born on the British Isles to the biggest stages globally and providing soundtracks to the sort of nights out you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.
There should be a whiplash warning when it comes to Mixtress‘s sets. With a need for speed, the India-born, Amsterdam-raised talent likes to DJ at breakneck speeds, darting between jungle through to footwork and hardcore with menacing flair. Last year, she gave The Streets’ sad banger Blinded by the Lights an explosive 160bpm facelift alongside Pete Cannon. You can listen to Mixtress’s turbo-charged sonic palette via her monthly Rinse FM radio show, or catch her just across the Thames at The Cause, where she has a residency.
Describe your approach to crafting a set.
I’m a DJ’s DJ. I often like to gauge what the energy is on the dance floor and ask myself, where am I playing? What’s the sound system like? Who else is playing? Context matters. I like building up but I also like surprising people. I try my best to pick out classics from my collection but I also try to find new things for my radio shows or new releases people may like, too. It’s always a mixed bag and a different set.
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
I’ve played it to death, but it’s Progressive Youth by Rassan. I always reach for it – there seems to not really be a situation that doesn’t call for this track.
What track never fails to fill a dance floor?
Out of Space, the Booty Space Mix [by The Prodigy vs Cut and Run]. It’s unreal. Heavy thumping electro-y rework of an absolute Prodigy classic!
What makes a great DJ?
Someone who really cares. Cheesy answer but it’s true. Someone who can effortlessly bring out tracks that sound familiar but nobody in the crowd has heard. Someone who is there to share new and old music they’ve found while moseying around the internet or record shops.
Mixtress wears jacket by ENTIRE STUDIOS, dress by 16ARLINGTON, earrings by TEEJH
What’s been the best night out of your life?
Goodness at Fold [club in Canning Town] featuring Minor Science, Dirum and more… unreal.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
Being involved with [the DJ community platform] Sisu is something I’m really proud of. So is shouting about equitable change and equality in lineups and the night-time industry generally! It’s something that’s really important to me. Outside that, any of the line-ups I’ve put on or curated. I’m much more focused on what sounds good and who is good rather than how much engagement someone has or any of that.
What does music mean to you?
It means absolutely everything to me. I think it unites dance floors. It makes me happy when I’m just working in bed and it’s a way to share joy with people around you as well.
What shaped your musical tastes?
My upbringing, my friends, the city I grew up in – Amsterdam – and my family. I was lucky to grow up surrounded by a lot of really good music, ranging from jazz and soul to leftfield IDM. I got exposed to a hell of a lot at a really young age so it just became part of me growing up.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen from behind the decks?
The first one that came to mind… Not sure I can disclose that! But I saw a marriage proposal at one of my sets. Safe to say I was honoured.
What makes a great night out?
Good people, good music and a really good sound system.
Taken from 10 Magazine Issue 74 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
THE FLOOR FILLERS
Creative Editor and Text PAUL TONER
Portrait ELLIOT MORGAN
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
