L.O.R.D.I.E: 'When producing I think it’s important to develop and know your own sound – This is
Tell us a bit about yourself and what kind of music you play & produce?
where do I start?! I’m 30 years old and was born & raised in Staffordshire, West Midlands. My obsession with music started at a young age – I learnt to play a number of different instruments at school; everything from piano to the clarinet and the drums, as well as loving to sing. My family were really musical, so our house was always filled with different kinds of music. I guess that’s why as a kid I’d listen to all genres; literally lock myself away with my cassettes and have a good old sing song. Music’s always been my happy place, and when I discovered house music there was no going back. Artists like Todd Terry, Danny Tenaglia, Sasha, Pete Tong and John Digweed were responsible for my early love affair, and have a major influence on my sound today.
Essentially I’m a Techno, Minimal Tech and House DJ/Producer. I like to keep my sets versatile and take people on a bit of a journey. Everyone loves ‘bangers’, but I want to be known for uplifting sets that keep the crowd engaged and entertained throughout - It’s important for everyone to feel involved in the journey we’re on together…you really feel the music & it makes it much more memorable.
When producing I think it’s important to develop and know your own sound – This is something that takes time so I’m working hard and putting in the hours. I’m producing every spare minute of the day, and when I’m not producing I’m thinking of ideas & getting inspiration for new tracks. I’ve just finished my first EP and the four tracks are very different; High energy, disgusting dubby techno, perfect for the hours of dawn...acid house…a stripped back groover, one which is 100% live percussion… but I’d like to think they’ve got a distinct L.O.R.D.I.E sound whilst being versatile.
Did producing come after dj’ing for you, if so how did the transition happen?
I started producing about 6 months after taking my dj’ing seriously. I’ve got a specific taste in music & really know what I like. I’ve always payed close attention to different elements of tracks, even the subtle details. I knew it was time to try my hand at producing when I had all sorts of ideas floating around my brain. I’d regularly say to friends “I wish I could find something like this…” When I got into the studio it felt amazing to be able to put my ideas to good use!
Your real name is Shelley, what inspired you to use the artist name L.O.R.D.I.E?
Haha this one’s thanks to my group of friends back home called ‘The A Team’. I can’t remember exactly how it started but we’ve all got nicknames for one another. I think I got called ‘Lord’ because I believe in what I’m doing and i’m dead set on achieving my goals – I’m pretty headstrong and will put 100% into everything I do. I think I reminded everyone of Alan Sugar when the apprentice was on haha! And so ‘Lordie’ was born.
You have a bunch of dates coming up in Ibiza, what do you think makes it such a unique location when it comes to dance music?
Ibiza is the mecca of dance music! I’ve been visiting for the past 11 years and there’s nowhere else in the word like it! I think every DJ dreams of playing in Ibiza, so I count myself incredibly lucky to have secured a bunch of dates this season. What can I say…Ibiza’s world famous nightlife has been legendary for years… People come together on the beautiful island united by their shared love and passion for the music. Couple that with the best clubs & the best line-ups night after night, the vibe is unreal. Over the last 11 years I’ve noticed the crowds have become more international and the sound has become less UK concentrated. It's getting more and more diverse with people coming from a whole bunch of different places all over the globe coming together to have a party! But it's not just Ibiza's world famous nightlife that attracts people to the island, I think it’s the inherent beauty of it as well. I’ve just moved to Ibiza and it’s amazing when you discover all these amazing places around the island that have nothing to do with the music culture, just the beauty of the island itself. It’s one special place!
What’s the best show you’ve played so far?
I’ve got to give it to Café Del Mar – I was lucky enough to play at the world famous sunset bar last month. I felt honoured to play at such an iconic venue, where so many people I look up to have played previously. The sunset blew me away – Simply stunning! It had a lovely chilled vibe and I enjoyed playing something different to my usual style. My family made a huge effort & flew over from the UK to show their support which made it extra special.
Do you feel a sense of responsibility as a female artist to promote equality within the DJ’ing industry?
I think the community is very open and receptive to talent and creativity, so personally I've been lucky enough to never really feel like a female DJ. I've never had an issue with people not being open to having me as part of the event because I'm a girl. Yes, it’s male dominated, but there’s more & more girls smashing it, and lots of up & comers too! I think it’s important that everyone, both male & female, are judged on their work, not their gender! It’d be fab to see some more women getting involved and doing it for the girls!
What would be your dream venue to play in the future?
I think this has to be the Anmesia Terrace. The sound system & production at Amnesia are next level, and the vibe on the terrace is unbelievable. Music On is one of my favourite parties – The music is right up my street and it’s hard to beat the atmosphere when Carola is banging it out to a full house at 7am!
When producing what type of music do you listen to?
When I’m in the studio I listen to all sorts – I think it’s important to immerse yourself in all styles and genres, otherwise everything would start to sound the same! You don’t need to listen to the style of music you play to get inspiration….I love everything from old school hip hop, to indie bands when making music.
Is there anything coming from you that we can look forward to?
I’m in talks with a wicked label to sign my first EP! I’m excited to share my sound…Hope you guys like it! I’m also doing a bunch of stuff in Ibiza, and playing my first festival ‘MADE’ at Rainbow Venues, Birmingham on 29th July.
Edited by: Josh Crowe
