NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Grove & EJ AKIN ‘Big Boots’
16 May 2023
Superheroes are typically described as having an origin story, a set of events that lead to their success. In your own words, what is your origin story that has led you to Glastonbury?
Great question! My origin story is completely encapsulated by community. Back in 2019, when I first started thinking about DJing, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement about this little passion I was pursuing. At that point, I had already started my own creative collective, OnBeat Leeds, for women and non-binary people of colour, so I was really comfortable operating and feeling free in that space. But the DJ world felt so different. I was worried about entering a scene where few people like me and wondering if I’d be respected by my peers. What would the beanie-wearing, drum-and-bass-rich kid think about my music choices? Would I be taken seriously?
Then, almost as if my prayers were answered, DAYTIMERS came into my life—a group of South Asian creatives who supported each other’s work. It was like the arrival of my guardian angel. My first gig with DAYTIMERS was at Fabric, which is just wild to think about. They trusted me enough to put me up on a huge stage so early in my journey. I was quaking in my boots! But it made me realise I could really do this.
From there, we grew together, learned from each other, and supported one another. DJing became more than just playing tunes at club nights; it became a chance to regularly see my DAYTIMERS family, share hugs, meals, and giggle. This experience means the world to me, and I am so grateful for the amazing people I now have the privilege of now calling my friends.
And with the gift of foresight, what would be your advice to those DJs, particularly female DJs who are in the minority, who are trying to get to where you are?
I would say the most important thing is to stay true to your own style and creative choices. Those are the things that make you unique! Never change your vibe, dress a certain way, or compromise your identity for the sake of others. This will help you find *your* people and the crowd you’ll play for. If you try to squeeze yourself into a different identity, you’ll end up with an audience that doesn’t understand you or what you’re about. But it really shouldn’t be like that. Music is all about finding joy, expressing yourself, and creating community.
Also, be kind to people and let them know if you enjoy their work. The creative scene can be so competitive and tough at times, so if you like something someone has done, tell them! A little acknowledgment goes a long way. You could really make someone’s day. It’s important to give people credit when they’ve done something amazing!
This is your first ever Glastonbury, and many people say it can be particularly overwhelming. So, what is something you are absolutely looking forward to (artists, venues, events) and perhaps something that you’re less looking forward to the Glastonbury experience?
I’m definitely looking forward to discovering new artists. The coolest thing about Glastonbury is its sheer scale. It’s huge, which means you can run around, stumble across artists you’ve never heard before, and find amazing new people doing their thing. You just know the talent is going to be off the charts.
But it’s a two-sided coin. The scale of the festival means there are already so many clashes. There are so many artists I’m dying to see, and I know it’s unrealistic to keep running from one side of the festival to the other. It’s like trying to pick your favourite child! Impossible!
Straight up ass-shaking, cunty music!! I know Queer House Party are going to tear it up just before me so I need to meet them there with some crazy selections to get the girls going. We’re talking jersey club, crunchy baile funk, and breaksy bits. It’s going to be full of nostalgia. Most importantly, I need to get people dancing. So I’ll be doing whatever I can to get everyone throwing it back!
You currently host a show on Reprezent Radio. From having a bit of a look at the lineup for Glastonbury, who are you hoping to see Backstage that you might be able to have on the show? Or perhaps who could do a good Takeover slot?
Ahhhh, we have to talk about Arrivals, right?! The first-ever space at Glastonbury dedicated to South Asian artists is unbelievable. The lineup is packed with my faves, including yourboykiran, Nabihah Iqbal, Provhat, and my idol, Manara. But the one that really stands out to me has to be Vedic Roots Soundsystem.
I’ve been in love with sound system culture ever since I heard about it through the Red Bull Culture Clash in 2014. It’s how parties should be done. That discovery led me down a rabbit hole on YouTube, watching early clips from Jamaica in the ’70s. Then, when I got to Leeds, I was enamoured with my favourite club night of all time, Subdub, at the West Indian Centre. There really is nothing else like Subdub. The security are all so kind and looking to make you laugh as you wait in the queue. The staff inside handover a pair of earplugs and tell you to take care of yourself with a kind smile. And then a wave of soundsystem goodness just hits you – kind of like that moment when you step off an aeroplane on holiday. It’s just everything I’ve ever wanted.
So, I’d love to hear Vedic Roots’ perspective on the culture today, what brought them into that space, and where they see the future of sound systems heading. And I want to hear about what their version of Subdub is and where they first discovered the magic of sound system culture. But most of all, I want to hear their tracks as loud as possible haha.
Last year, you created Aura to support those who have suffered from harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. So, looking at festivals as big as Glastonbury, do you think they are doing enough to prevent sexual assault at Festivals, and if they could be doing more, what specifically could they do?
Having not been to Glastonbury myself yet, it’s hard for me to say what the environment and culture are like firsthand. However, one area they could improve on is promoting and updating their safeguarding policies more clearly to protect people and reassure survivors that their safety is paramount. Their website mentions a Harassment Policy, but it’s quite general and brief, simply asking people to report their experiences to a member of staff. Personally, I don’t feel reassured by any of this.
What I’d really like to see are dedicated safeguarding staff on patrol, in easily identifiable hi-vis jackets. This would make people feel much more comfortable reporting incidents to someone trained in handling these conversations and who won’t dismiss their experiences. And these staff need to also be trained in mental health support, as some survivors can experience PTSD, especially in highly stimulating environments like a giant festival. Even having a couple of small tents that are dedicated to tackling harassment would be amazing. Especially if survivors need somewhere to stay, safely away from someone who has affected them, particularly if they share the same friendship group or camping area.
I think Glastonbury needs to think more deeply about this issue. Sexual assault and harassment are huge problems in the music industry, and while festivals can be freeing, they can also be really challenging, overwhelming and sometimes scary environments.
