Q&A with Cassette

interview by sophie rennard

With winter clawing into your Thursday night, it’s time to warm things up a little. No better place to do that than at Gilt Lounge hidden inside QT Sydney.

But to really turn up the heat, you’ve probably already heard her tunes across the Sydney party scene, we would like to introduce you to the damn fine talents of Cassette.

This girl and her tunes are everything you need for Thursday nights.

Far from a newcomer, Cassette has played clubs and festivals from LA and New York to Dubai and Sri Lanka, while supporting huge names like John Digweed and Soul Clap.

With her take on fusion of soul and house, your Thursday nights just got a whole lot better.

We managed to grab a couple of moments from this busy gal to discuss all things music, inspiration and where’s cool in Sydney.

SR: What are you listening to on repeat right now?
C: Nicolas Jaar, because I saw him play recently! Also Bedouin and Nu, who both do that kind of Arabian/tribal/deep house kind of sound I’m really into at the moment.

SR: What are your top three go-to tracks for a lazy Sunday afternoon session?
C: Lazy Sun – AN-2
Feeling Good (nicolas Jaar Edit) – Nina Simone
Nu – MAN O TO (Original Mix)

SR: Who are your musical inspirations and why?
C: Oh, there’s so many, it’s impossible to name just a few! I grew up with jazz, blues and soul, so artists like Muddy Waters, BB King, Bill Withers and Nina Simone will forever inspire me, but obviously as a DJ now I play mostly house music now so am also inspired by all the producers who know how to incorporate groove and soul into their house tracks. All the guys mentioned above like Nicolas Jaar, Maya Jane Cole and Nu are all great examples.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNdDsRBDFii/?taken-by=cassettedj

SR: What lured you to the life of a DJ? What are the pros and what are the cons?
C: I was working in music events and was co-hosting a radio show with another DJ so had a lot of good people around me that were encouraging me to learn. I’ve always loved my music and I had the right contacts so it just seemed like a natural transition. Pros: getting paid to travel, meet new people and play music you love. Cons: late nights and lack of sleep!

SR: What are your top three favourite Sydney hangouts
C: Bucketlist, where I DJ and record my radio show every Wednesday at Sunset 7-9pm. To go out and dance – Goodbar Saturdays, where I’m a resident. On Sundays, I’m usually recovering and like to hang at Icebergs pool then upstairs at the bar for Icebergs Sundays where I DJ sometimes too. Great food, great cocktails, amazing view and of course, an essential ingredient…great music! ?