As an artist singing for all to feel less alone with her heartfelt lyrics, her new solo track “Embers” accomplishes just that. Famous for combining beauty, ferocity, and vulnerability in her voice, “Embers” is one new release out of many to come along with other projects this 2024. I, Mary Mason, on the behalf of savormeditation, collected HAYLA’s jewels of wisdom: giving oneself the license to experiment, the meaning behind the song lyrics in “Embers”, and the life lessons which motivate her to seek true expression while at this year’s Electronic Dance Music Awards. 

iHR: Thank you so much for your time! It’s an honor to interview you, especially under these circumstances being here at the EDMAs! How do you feel after your performance? 

HAYLA: Singing is my favorite thing to do, so honestly, I was honored when they asked me to perform here at the EDMAs! It’s my first time in Miami and to be surrounded by this, I had a few moments where I had my eyes opened to the amazing area–the setting is incredible. The audience sang along and danced a little bit too! It was an early performance and really cool! 

iHR: How did you prepare for this performance since performing for the EDMAs can be different from any other club or festival appearance?

HAYLA: I knew we had the time slot that we did. I knew the tracks I wanted to perform were the collaborations I had before: the crowd-pleasers, but I love singing those songs. You write and perform them, but seeing people sing them, I think that connective part is the best part. I also wanted to perform some of my own music, so I performed my upcoming single “Embers”.

iHR: Speaking of “Embers”, with lyrics: “Fire burn in the darkness/ Take a breath/ Fill my lungs with you/ Memories of us/ See the embers of dust and it all fell apart”. Can you tell me more about the meaning behind them? 

HAYLA: “Embers” was written with my good friend Martin Mason MIles and produced by the amazing MotherEarth. I wrote this song about being able to burn everything that reminds you of a person to ashes except that tiny ember that won't let anything other than time put it out. 

iHR: What was your favorite part of the process when filming the music video for your collaborative track with John Summit, “Shiver”? 

HAYLA: It was an incredible day! I’ve never been on a big set like that before. Seeing the inner-workings of how something like that works and seeing the set is what makes it incredible. It was great to see the amount of people who knew what they were doing and moving to the speed of things. Obviously, me and John are friends now which made it fun to be on set together; he’s so lovely. 

iHR: With that, you and John Summit create an otherworldly duo, what is your favorite thing about working with him?

HAYLA: Thank you! I think he has a euphoric way of producing. I feel like all of his drops and chord sequences make it atmospheric. Because the sound is always so vast, but it allows my vocal to breathe as well. I think when you’re working with producers you try to make sure no part gets. He’s kept the integrity of my vocal which I appreciate. It’s just so fun to sing along because it's like that big sound like the music behind us now is doing. He’s just a great producer, he has a great ear, and I feel like it’s emotional as well.

iHR: Which female singers inspired you to become the powerful vocalist you are today? 

HAYLA: Whitney Houston! Definitely! I was obsessed! The first musical thing I ever had was The Bodyguard on tape. I used to have this Fisher Price karaoke machine when I was four-years-old and I used to sit there, play it, and reverse it. I have a recording of it, it’s actually hilarious! Whitney was my #1 idol, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand–quite a few of artists I grew up listening to with my parents. We always listened to music constantly; they’re not musicians themselves but it was a massive part of my life growing up. I think I just latched on, especially because my mom and I would sing together. We still do! 

iHR: Congratulations on all of your well-deserved EDMA nominations and awards! How has this recognition and impact of the awards made you feel? 

HAYLA: I think it’s incredible! I’m so grateful to have the recognition! It means a lot! I had an interview and didn’t realize I had won at first. The recognition isn’t lost on me, so It really does mean a lot! 

iHR: 2023 was a pivotal year for your discography, what helped you stay motivated to create? 

HAYLA: That’s a really good question actually! I think you can have those bouts of doubt. I felt like I had a creative role,  a few things to say and get off my chest. The nice thing about writing is it can sometimes be like a diary. So, you might write something and it may not look like anything at all. Then, you piece it together like a jigsaw puzzle–a diary but a crossword. 

iHR: As a writer, it reminds me of some lines/song lyrics mattering more than others. 

HAYLA: Yeah! Kind of like: what’s that? I’m feeling that but what about it sticks out? Maybe this line is more relatable to others, maybe it can help people feel less alone and not on their own. This year, I definitely like I had a lot more to say as an artist. It doesn’t always happen because you can have those moments like: oh, shit, I guess I have nothing to say here. But, I felt like there was more to say! I feel as if I’m in control of my mind a bit more. HAYLA points to her head. Write, please! 

iHR: I love your festival fashion so much because I am a HUGE fan of black, latex, leather, anything that emulates dominatrix fashion. What inspires your choice of performance outfits? 

HAYLA: I’ve always loved the gothic-alternative look. Black is my favorite color. I choose what I wear by feeling a lot of the time. All of my clothes are black, so how am I going to choose? I was experimenting a little bit and I felt like I wasn’t elevating myself to the level I wanted to be at. So, I found Beau Tiger Rae who is my amazing stylist that I’ve been working with. He’s given me a license to experiment. I was experimenting and I was wondering is that for me? He said, “Yes, it’s for you. Why wouldn’t it be for you?”. Dressing up is fun and it’s for everybody! I think it’s an extension of expressing the self! He’s given me more license especially because he finds me pieces and he’ll ask, “Would you wear that? I think you’ll look good in it.” I try the fashion piece on and I think: I should have always had this. I’ve always loved fashion, leather, and latex. I have a pair of Doc Martens I’ve had for as long as I can remember; they’re battered and beaten up, but I am never getting rid of them. My expression has been elevated a little bit more now. 

iHR: It’s wonderful to hear you and your stylist are allowing for more creative freedom even in this aspect of your self-expression because I think allowing creative freedom can spread to other parts of your artistry. 

HAYLA: It’s funny actually because I feel like it’s a tidbit of feeling more daring like yeah, I’m going to do that. Yeah, I’m going to wear that. And, feel comfortable in it! I feel like I’ve given myself license in other ways as well. 

iHR: You’ve curated almost 10 years of your discography, is there a part of your artistic expression you’d like to change or strengthen?  

HAYLA: Oh, my gosh, yes! I’ve always played musical instruments to a degree where I form an understanding, but I don’t push myself further with it. I really want to become better at playing piano because I would love to be able to show that to people. Also, playing guitar. I need to get over being freaked-out about showing people that! I’ve developed more confidence in other areas like writing in who I am as HAYLA–that side that people see. Other things I wished I had taken more time and care in cultivating. I still have hurdles to chip down, I think my mission should focus on trying to get over those hurdles and stick to something, so I can be more multifaceted as well. I’d like to write my completely own stuff without relying on anybody else. I love working with other people, but I’d like to be more self-sufficient. 

iHR: It’s admirable and inspiring that you show a lot of grace with this concept of confidence as a process. 

HAYLA: It’s funny because some people expect confidence to fully be present sometimes. At times, confidence can show up depending on the day, the mood, feelings, emotions. It’s a total process! There are times where you’re not feeling great, but you still have to take an hour to listen to your favorite music and take deep breaths to get yourself centered. 

iHR: I’m curious, what is a recurring life lesson you keep learning? 

HAYLA: I’ve doubted myself so much throughout my life about loads of things. I know everyone does. I’m a terrible overthinker, my God, if I could turn that off I would. I think in the past if I second-guessed myself, I was putting it off for no reason. It’s like you against what your anxious mind is telling you not to do, it’s there to prove yourself wrong and going forward and thinking like why can’t this space be for me? Why can’t I do that? Why can’t I wear this? Why can’t do those things? In the most healthy way, it’s kind of like giving myself the excuse to do it anyway! 

iHR: What is next in store for you this year?

HAYLA: I have been working on an album; it’s nearly done. I think we’re looking at November for the release date hopefully. I’m really looking forward to that! There’s a few collaborations as well that I can’t say anything about just yet. Maybe some gigs and touring at the end of the year. 

With more than just ranking #1 on the charts, she swam, drowned, and caught her breathful song of passion in the underrepresented waves of pioneering a creative path in the male-dominated music industry. Because VASSY’s impact in EDM is an example for other aspiring female artists to affirm their creative path is worthy and possible to pursue, she was awarded the first female winner of the 2023 EDMA Icon Award.

Making monumental herstory (not history) and taking steps forward for EDM-womankind, the Queen of EDM has recently reconnected with her genre-defying sound in an effort to resurrect from her creative claustrophobia. The jazz-indie-pop-artist-turned-EDM-queen showcases Supreme, a 7-track LP of VASSY’s tastebreaking discography powering reggaetón-inspired ballads, victorious song titles, and most importantly, her strength in authentic self-expression.

I, Mary Mason, on behalf of savormeditation was granted the opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month this March by discussing with this figure in EDM royalty about female empowerment, perseverance in the face of rejection, and joyful determination that flourished in the creative process of Supreme.

iHR: VASSY, thank you very much for your time! “Supreme” is a song of high self-confidence and powerful self-affirmation. It inspires me as a listener to look at myself as the apple of my own eye. How do you stay true to feeling like your most authentic self?   

Vassy: By remaining true to myself despite feeling like ‘i don’t belong’ or not part of some click or club. I have always been a bit of an outsider in most things throughout life and that's ok with me because I have to live with myself so as long as I love what I see or love who I am that's what matters most. It also helps to have friends and family out of the business to be surrounded by people who do important things like save lives, screen for cancer, operate on animals, study marine life or climate change. Just try to keep a diverse group of friends and positive people around you that you can learn from and be inspired. 

iHR: I would love to know more about your creative process for your newest 7-track album, Supreme! Why did you feel this was the perfect title for the album? 

Vassy: I am in a Supreme state of mind and in a supreme part of my life. I say this because I feel supreme, I am supreme in the sense that I feel at peace with myself and who I am and what I do and who I have become. It is a supreme state of mine, an inner peace, it sets the tone for the album and where I am at in my life is a very supreme chapter. 

iHR: Since Women’s History Month is happening in March, how have your female-led friendships/relationships shaped you into the woman you are today?

Vassy: I have a very diverse group of friends who are all amazingly beautiful strong women, some vulnerable, some emotive but all very strong. The women who raised me were all strong amazing women who had courage and took chances and were not afraid to speak up and be bold. My grandma, who we call ‘giagia’ its Greek for grandmother, was as tough as it gets, fought 2 wars, raised two daughters as a window on her own, raised cattle and ran her own agricultural farm… she was truly a hero to us all. My mum and my sister are both strong women. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible remarkable women. I have many female friends who are proud of my success and I am proud of theirs, we support one another and hold each other up. 

iHR: Being a woman in a creative yet male-led industry, how did you remain determined during moments of doubt or rejection before your music started to rise to popularity?

Vassy: My philosophy in life is that Rejections are simply Redirections!!! It is a very male dominated space in the dance world and at times it can be really frustrating for me and most women to have to deal with so many guys and their egos, we get bullied at times too by men where they probably would not have the guts to do that to a guy, we also get called bossy or Diva’s if we know what we want or say what we want where as boys can do the same and that's just called getting down to business.. There are double standards sometimes..it gets tedious ..…….as I say it may be a boys club but it's a woman's world!!

iHR: With positive, joyful song titles on Supreme like “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Good TImes Roll”, what inspires you to share the concept of happiness in your discography? I find it heart-touching by the way!

Vassy: Awww thank you I think because I was genuinely happy at the time that or i pretended to be lol but fake it till you make it!! Just kidding but also not, you know if the body leads the mind will follow ... .What I mean by that is if you believe in the laws of attraction philosophy in that if you say things in a positive way you attract positive energy. It is you who manifests your dreams and future as Kevin Costner once said in the movie ‘Field Of Dreams’ If you build it, they will come”  In my mentoring i have always encourage kids to dream out loud and not be afraid to speak out their dreams and goals of who they want to be and what they want or want to become. So I try to also practice what I preach. Plus honestly it was so much bloody fun making this LP!! Playing with all the genres of music the freedom to be me with no pressure was invigorating. 

iHR: From the bottom of my heart, congratulations on earning the 2023 EDMA Icon award! It was well-deserved and your impact is prevalent for many women (including myself) in EDM. How does it feel to be the first female winner of this award?

Vassy: Insanely amazing. I am an Aussie girl from a very remote little town up north in Australia where they shot crocodile dundee and grew up in an ethnic household with immigrant parents, I mean I had every obstacle you can imagine ahead of me to face including coming to America where i knew no one, had no one and was a no one all over again. I had to start from ground zero and build myself and become someone again to be noticed… and here I am a multi platinum Icon …If I can do it anyone can just have to believe in Yourself, put in the world. I feel proud to lead the way for many other female ICONS to come :)

iHR: Because you’re a beacon of inspiration for so many in the EDM community, what is one piece of advice that still helps you pioneer your music career today?

Vassy: Rejections are Redirections. Stick to plan A, once there's a plan B you have already compromised plan A. And remain authentically yourself. 

iHR: “Our Moment” influences listeners to reclaim their inner personal power in empowering self-belief. Why was it important for you to write these strong lyrics? 

Vassy: Because I am a huge advocate for Love is Love, all for one and one for all, equal rights we are one and soon… i bleed you bleed, i cry you cry, i eat you eat ... .the moment is now we have one shot at life our moment to be authentic to be alive to speak our truth. 

iHR: From rainbow outfits and yellow feather capes, your performance outfits look so fun and expressive! What are your favorite clothing items or accessories you like to wear on stage?

Vassy: Haha, I love colors I am literally a rainbow child and i wish my super power was flying so i have a thing for feathers hahahah and no it's not some weird kinky thing, i love feathers because they are soft and natural yet powerful because of their ability to give you freedom and independence, each feather gives you the ability to fly, spread your wings and take off metaphorically speaking and literally. 

iHR: What is next in store for you this year? Any upcoming project details you’re allowed to share with your fans at this time?

Vassy: Yes, my current single Krazy is #3 right now across the US at dance radio across the US, by the time you print this it may be #1, fingers crossed. My new single comes out and I have new releases coming out next month and in May plus shows in California, Australia and in Miami at the EDMA Awards. 

Working closely with Sander van Doorn, Laura van Dam has had the opportunity to cultivate a career with mentorship from some of the best names in the progressive house and trance scenes. Today, her solo career will take her to festival stages around the globe with scheduled sets at Miami's Ultra Music Festival, Hong Kong's Creamfields, Sydney's Hyperdome, and even Luminosity Beach Festival in her home country of The Netherlands. 

We caught up with Laura van Dam before her set at Ultra Music Festival in Miami from March 22-24. Grab tickets to Ultra here before they sell out (and they're close!). Check out our guide for everything you need to know about how to to go to Ultra here. Stream Laura's music on Spotify here. 

savormeditation: Congratulations on being labeled "the Future of Dance" by 100tracklists.com - How did that accomplishment feel?

Laura van Dam: It's truly amazing that the team of 1001tracklists.com honored me with the label 'The Future of Dance,' it kind of feels like I've won my first award! The label means a lot to me, it’s a very nice compliment after putting in the hard work. Spending countless hours in the studio, day and night, experimenting and crafting my own sound and now being able to release my music via labels like Anjuna, Armada, Epic247 and AFTR:HRS, which allows me to grow and reach more people with my music every day. And of course, a big shout out to my awesome team for making it happen!

iHR: I always like to hear how artists describe their music in their own words. Tell us about your music - how would you describe it?

LvD: For me, music is like a story that unfolds from start to finish. I really enjoy melodic and progressive house because it has these amazing melodies and strong beats. I like a good catchy tune and I'm not afraid of a solid bass line and a deeper dark drop. Bringing all these ingredients together to create a musical journey that keeps me hooked.

YRU Dune X Blackout Platform Festival Shoes

"These platform shoes are a must for me! Because i'm not that tall so I can dance and see the audience haha"

iHR: What inspires you? Where do you begin when you produce something new?

LvD: In my own studio work I’m always inspired by classical music, like Ludovico Einaudi, for example. And also by other electronic producers, such as Joris Voorn, Yotto, and Meduza. When I start a new project, I usually start with a melody line that gets me in my creative zone and I close my eyes to feel if it connects with my heart. From that point on, I add more ingredients and build towards a progressive house or melodic techno or trance arrangement. My creative process is always about capturing pure emotions in my songs for myself and my audience to connect to.

iHR: Your mentor is Sander Van Doorn - how has that shaped you as an artist?

LvD: I have known Sander (van Doorn) for quite a long time. My past work for him as A&R for his Doorn Records shaped my creative vision as well. While working together Sander always gave me helpful advice on my own productions and gave me tips on how I could take my tracks to a higher level. His tips and advice throughout the years made sure my tracks sound solid at the clubs and festivals.

Pixie Prism Rainbow Reflective Fishnet Chaps

"This is how you rave, love these rainbow chaps!"

iHR: What have you learned from that experience that you would share with other up and coming artists?

LvD: This tip is general: make sure people notice you in the music scene. Go to festivals, check out clubs, those are often the best places to meet industry people in a fun and easy way. Be active on social media and let everyone see who you are as an artist and a person. Stay consistent, don't give up, and bring the world a unique music flavor of your own.

iHR: Tell us about your upcoming releases, what can we expect in 2024?

LvD: At the moment my latest single “Blow Up The Speakers” is being very well received, it got picked up by many legendary DJs across the board, from Armin van Buuren to Laidback Luke, while performing very nicely on the streaming platforms as well.

My next release is called “This Feeling” and it is coming out on International Women's Day (March 8th) via Enhanced Recordings. I remember that I played that track for the first time at Tomorrowland last summer, and I was just blown away by how the crowd responded to the track.

Also, Armin van Buuren just premiered my upcoming collab release with Ginchy, it’s called “Save Me” and is to be released via his personal imprint Armind in April.

Later this year you can expect new original music on Anjunabeats, including a very special remix I’m really excited about, and I have several really cool artist collaborations scheduled to be released for this year, which I can't wait to share with my followers.

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A post shared by Laura van Dam (@lauravandammusic)

iHR: Tell us about some of your upcoming shows. Which ones are you most excited for?

LvD: I'm just absolutely stoked for my 2024 touring schedule, there is still a lot to be announced. But obviously I am very excited to make my debut at Ultra Music Festival in Miami on the Worldwide Stage (A State of Trance stage) which is my childhood dream coming true.

Also, I’m very excited about playing the mainstage at A State Of Trance in Rotterdam and being back at Mysteryland festival in The Netherlands this summer. Also, I’m doing my first tour run to China and Australia in April, playing at Creamfields in Hong Kong and the new Hyperdome events in Sydney and Melbourne. 

iHR: Coming from Europe, the European dance music scene can be much different from the US. What are some of the biggest differences you've noticed?

LvD: That's right! I just love the audience in the US; it has always been a dream to tour extensively there. When comparing the crowds in general, the European crowd might seem a bit more laidback while really enjoying the music and the moment, whereas the crowds in the US in general are really hyped, they go all out together and really live up to the moment.

iHR: Tell us about your rave or festival style:

LvD: I'm all about crop tops, high-waisted shorts, and statement sunglasses. Some days, it's a sleek, all-black vibe; other times, I'm diving into a burst of colors. 

Tough Attitude Fishnet Crop Top

"This crop top looks cool and comfortable at the same time, that’s what I like :)"

iHR: Where do you look for inspiration when it comes to festival fashion?

LvD: Scrolling through Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok. Or checking content from big influencing festivals like Ultra of course.

iHR: What are some of your favorite festival or rave fashion trends?

LvD: I’m loving the trendy holographic fabrics because it makes you shine day and night and creative accessories like body jewels and cool sunglasses.

iHR: If you made a piece of Kandi today, what would it say?

LvD: Something like ‘Enjoy the moment’ or ‘live the freedom’ - Celebrating life together and meeting new people brings your life into the present, while dancing together creates moments of joy!

If 2024 is the year of the it girl, then Mary Droppinz is about to have her biggest year yet. With her music bringing the party vibes to the house and techno scene, Mary Droppinz has found a level of success at an early stage in her career that most don't. This is a testament to her skills as both an artist and a marketer, as her ability to curate a brand has made her an unforgettable new artist for 2024. 

We took a moment to chat with Mary Droppinz just in time for the release of her new EP The Cycle on Zed's Dead's Altered States label. Stream the new EP here and check out what she had to say about its production below. 

savormeditation: Tell us a bit about how you got into DJing? Which came first, DJing or producing?

Mary Droppinz: I started djing first in 2015 for fun. I was a marketing manager at a big ad agency and had a good stable salary job with health insurance. I didn’t plan that DJ'ing would become my full time but I knew the moment I touched the decks that this was my destiny, this is my life, this is what I had been missing and finally felt creative freedom which I was craving.

Coming from Nebraska, I was not exposed to DJ or festival culture at all, I was always a music head though, mostly loving emo or oldies rock. I went to Coachella in 2012 and discovered everything I didn’t think it could even be real! I dove hard into electronic music and the underground. I became a DJ shortly after, so barely was even a fan before i became a DJ.

I used to play piano and watch my dad play drums growing up so after 5 years of DJing. I decided it’s time to put my producer hat on, I loved the music too much. When I started going to school at IO academy for Ableton, that’s when a lot clicked for me. I was DJ'ing house/techno for 5 years until i started producing, then I realized the beats my body naturally moves to were more broken than 4x4.

I got even deeper into subgenres of electronic music and found myself in breaks, electro, dnb, UKG, bass and jersey club. Although I’ve been producing for 4+ years I still feel very new but I am honestly grateful I approached this as a DJ first. A lot of producers have a hit track then have to perform and have no clue how to operate a crowd as a DJ so I feel really strong knowing I'm a badass DJ first! As I continue to learn, grow and explore myself as a producer I am excited to keep sharing my take on dance music.

Flashbang Matrix Reflective Cropped Jacket

"Puffy jackets for those late night outdoor festivals [are a] must."

iHR: I saw on your TikTok you said it's not about genres, it's about energy. I love that. How do you approach curating your sets?

MD: When i curate my set I take in account my mood and what I want to deliver for the night so that it is authentically coming from my heart. I like to create little blocks in my sets of different genres for fluidity but leave a lot of room for serendipity because that’s when magic happens between the DJ and the dance floor.  

I believe DJ’s are energy conductors and not iPod playlists. We are here to draw/weave the beats and rhythms with our energy, creating a safe environment for the dancers to let their bodies free! 

Iridescence Butterfly Hairclips

"I love this cute clip anything iridescent or butterfly i’m obsessed with."

iHR: Tell us a bit about the production process on your new EP, The Cycle. 

MD: I love to create themes for my tracks, like decide the mood/energy/story I’m trying to share first. I often start with drums as they are my favorite part of any track! Then I like to build from there, all of my vocals I just recorded on my phone and then used vocoder in Ableton to give it this kinda robot classic electro vibe.

I will also use samples that i find on Bandcamp or splice and start sketching the idea. From there I will go back and clean up building parts based off of the sample placeholders. I pretty much use all Ableton stock plugins. I also love creating drums on my Roland tr8-s and Ableton push! After I’ve built out the song arrangement with all my parts then I have an engineer help me with the mix-down etc, I only want to put forth my best work so there’s only like 2 friends i trust with feedback & helping dial my music to make it radio ready.

Foreign Friend Reflective & UV Reactive Body Sticker Set

"I might be the only DJ without tattoos but id love to rock these for added fun!"

iHR: The EP came out on Zeds Dead's label, Altered States. How did that come to be?

MD: I’ve been releasing on Altered States the past few years so it made sense to keep it within the family! Shoutout to 2+2 management for connecting the dots and having me as one of their first artists to release on ZD’s new label! It’s been really cool to be apart of it since the start, we shaping the sound of Altered States.

iHR: What were some of your inspirations for that EP?

MD: I made these songs over a year ago when I was going through my own personal growth. ‘The Cycle’ was created to help me stay disciplined to break toxic cycles and relationships that I had in my life at the time, to not go back and repeat the same thing.

‘Really Don’t Care’ I made when I decided to do a 3 day fast to really push my mental capacity and give my body time to heal. In this experience I worked on releasing caring what others thought or said about me.

‘Pink Lambo’ is my favorite I made as like the highest goal, this is where I'm going to be, once I release all the toxic cycles, stop caring about things or people that no longer serve me, this is the ultimate destination — being your baddest, sexiest, freakiest, most successful self! I also did see a pink Lamborghini parked in my neighborhood the day i made this when i came back from the sauna so that’s where the inspo from my lyrics started ;)

Out Of The Dark Reflective Mesh Ultra Crop Top

"I love bolero’s and this looks like it’d be perfect add to any outfit."

iHR: Tell us about some of your upcoming shows. Which ones are you most excited for?

MD: I’m most excited for this summer :) I can’t really announce specifics but it’s going to be a beautiful year of new places, new experiences, new original music to drop! Oh and march 16th I am hosting my own party in DTLA so that is a new fun venture I'm excited to embark on as well! 

iHR: What is your craziest rave or festival memory?

MD: When I played the Zeds Dead jamboree in Denver over 4th of July last year. I was playing the small side stage for altered states and then basically a monsoon of rain down poured on everyone so we all had to flee and go inside. Thousands of ravers stayed outside to brave the rain, insane!

[Then] my manager came running up to me in the green room and said “we need you at main-stage” I'm like what??? and yeah basically I went out to revive the ravers after the insane torrential rain before Zeds Dead played their set. I was shook, to go from the side stage to main stage in a matter of an hour and to be the light at the end of the tunnel for all those people that sat in the rain and waited for the music… my heart! I will never forget this! 

Backstage Baddie Reflective Cutout Top

"I love reflective gear especially when im DJ'ing, it just makes me feel extraterrestrial and techy."

iHR: Where do you look for inspiration when it comes to festival fashion?

MD: I love creating my outfit based on my set for that festival and the vibe I want to give off, my style & my beats go hand in hand! 

Wide Awake Buckle Long Sleeve Top

"As a DJ mostly the top matters because that’s all that anyone can see from the crowd. This looks sexy and gives techno vibes."

iHR: What are some of your favorite festival or rave fashion trends?

MD: I love when people wear belly chains, bucket hats and fast sunglasses. such a viiiibe. 

Barricade Baddie Cutout Bodysuit

"This reminds me of the outfit I wore for my Lightning In A Bottle set last year—bringing back amazing memories."

iHR: If you made a piece of Kandi today, what would it say?

MD: cute ting or fuck around & find out