New Interview: Emma Bradley
19 May 2025
Your set at Hidden Woods had the most packed crowd I’ve ever seen! How did this year’s show compare to others?
Honestly… best set of the summer! I was incredibly nervous because my hard drive containing all of music had broken a week before Boomtown and I had to take it to the computer repair shop. It meant that I only had one day to plan my set and little time to practice, but it turned out to be one of the best sets I’ve ever played. Texas MC was supposed to host my set that night, but he couldn’t make it due to an injury, so Tiny K jumped on last minute. As you can imagine, the lead up to the night was quite stressful, but as soon as I was on the decks, in front of that crowd, Ifelt at ease. Boomtown is my favourite festival in the UK – the vibes are just something else! I love how much time and effort they put into their production – the performers, the stage design, the secret stages… I can keep going! I’ve been super fortunate to have played Boomtown three times now and each year it keeps on getting better and better. It really has the best crowd – I still get people coming up to me at events saying that my set was one of the best sets of the weekend and it makes me happy to hear that. I’m really hoping to make it onto Origin stage one day…cross fingers!
We loved the video of two fans raving during your set. How does it feel to see a sea of people having the time of their lives to your soundtrack?
Haha I am so glad you captured that video! It makes me so happy to see everyone dancing, having a good time and enjoying my selection. I think it must have been the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played to. It felt so surreal seeing all those people out there who came to see me play. I find it difficult to take it all in whilst I’m playing because I’m so focussed on mixing and not messing up. It’s only until after my set that I think “wow, that was incredible!”. I couldn’t believe it when people were saying that there was a queue to get into the Hidden Forest during my set. Looking back at my friend’s videos, it really put things into perspective.
Your background as a dancer seems to add to your energy and stage presence behind the decks. How much of your set is improvised, and do you like taking risks during your performances?
Thank you. I often get commended for my high energy behind the decks. I believe that I wasborn to perform, and I can’t help but dance to the tracks that I love. I’m super passionate about what I do, and I hope that shines through whilst I’m playing.
I plan all of my sets but often change and adapt them when I feel that it’s necessary. I think it’s important for a DJ to be able to think on the spot, for example about what’s working and what’s not. It really depends on the crowd, where you’re playing and at what time. These are all factors I take into consideration.
How did you start your journey as a DJ? What made you switch from dancing to mixing, especially starting in Hong Kong just before the pandemic?
I started learning how to mix in 2018 whilst I was living in Hong Kong. I was a touring backing dancer back then, so it was hard to find the time to fully focus on it. Then the pandemic came, and I moved back to the UK. I was unemployed so as you can imagine, I had a lot of time to practice, concentrate on the craft and build up my skills. I started streaming my sets online, entered several mix competitions, and had the support from brands such as ‘Concrete Junglists’. I still dance and take on jobs from time to time, however, I’m fully focussed on a career in music now which, I feel, has more longevity.
Your tracks “Alpenglow” with Lottie Jones and “Galactic” with Sebotage are amazing! When can we expect more singles? Are you working on anything new?
Thank you! Yes, I’m sitting on so much music right now. I have music coming out with Tengu, D*Minds and up and coming producer, Leemo. I’m working with incredibly talented vocalists such as Mila Falls, Nathan Smoker and Ayah Marar. My release schedule is already looking busy for 2025 – I’m so excited for you all to hear!
Your music is rooted in DNB, jungle, liquid, and other sub-genres. What’s your current sub-genre obsession?
I love all sub-genres of Drum and Bass, but I mainly produce melodic, dance-floor Drum and Bass with powerful vocals. I make music that is uplifting, energetic, includes melodic hooks, atmospheric pads, a catchy topline that people can sing along to, and drums that people can dance to.
As a magazine promoting UK female, non-binary, and trans artists, could you shout out another DJ, selector, or musician making waves in the industry? Or is there a track you currently have on repeat?
Firstly, I’d like to give a shout out to the likes of Storm, Kemistry (RIP) and DJ Rap who have helped pave the way for females in Jungle & Drum and Bass. There are so many artists making waves in the scene right now – I think better than ever before. For example, Koven, Mandidextrous, A Little Sound, Nia Archives, Lens and more. Also, keep your eyes peeled on up-and-coming producers CaitC & Bugwell.
Besides Boomtown, what has been your 2024 highlight so far, and what can fans expect next from you?
This year has been my best yet. I’ve been fortunate to have had so many incredible opportunities playing at the likes of Boardmasters, Hospitality on the Beach, Rampage Open Air, RUN All Day and headlining shows in Finland, Belgium and more. My music highlight of this year has tobe getting asked to remix Guru Josh Project’s track ‘Infinity 2023’. The track is such a classic and it was an honour to have been asked to remix it. It all happened on my birthday last year when I released a bootleg of the 2008 remix. I was approached by Guru Josh Project and Henry Himself to make it an official remix and, as you can imagine, I was absolutely buzzing!
I’ve got a lot of exciting shows coming up in Q4 and bookings have already come in for 2025. I’m excited to play at one of London’s biggest venues next month, and for ‘Let It Roll on Tour’ in Bristol with my RUN family. As previously mentioned, there’s lots of music on the way, so keep your eyes and ears peeled!
I would like to say a big thank you to those of you who have caught my set this year, has downloaded, streamed & played out my music, to all of the promoters who have given me such incredible opportunities, and to my friends, family & UAA for the continuous support.
