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 DJ, graffer, graphic designer Missill is wooing the over ground and the underground with her eclectic concoction of electronica.
Nilly caught up with Missill in the middle ground to talk about the 26 year-old’s big bounce into DJ-ing.
Nilly: Why did you choose the name Missill?
Missill: It rhymes with my name and because it fits my character and music and because it was my graffiti name.
Nilly: How easy or difficult was it to move from the South West of France and penetrate the Paris party scene?
Missill: It all happened gradually. I am part of a crew, BMC, who were active in the French and Parisian party scenes and I guess I got noticed by other clubs and promoters .The difficult thing was more the climate as the winters and long and cold in Paris compared to the south.
Nilly: What were your major influences that drew you towards DJ-ing across the genres that you spin?
Missill: I was doing a lot of graffiti and was attracted by everything in and around the hip hop culture. We were organizing parties with BMC such as Rumble in the jungle, Bassmassive, Breaker's Delight, first as graphic designers doing flyers, record sleeves. I guess I needed to find more ways to express myself and I began mixing- mixing up hip-hop, ragga, reggae etc. Then I discovered electronic music, break beat, drum'n'bass, broken beats, electro. I've been influenced by different music and artists.
Nilly: The electronic music scene does not have too many female DJ's. Did you find it difficult to encroach?
Missill: It's difficult for any DJ. For me it all happened gradually and I put all my energy into it because it's a passion, it's bit more difficult to get recognized in the hip hop scene but in some ways it might be easier as there are not a lot of girl DJs.
Nilly: 2005 has been a good year for female DJ's. Both you and MIA are quite similar in your approach to art and music. Do you think female DJ's have to put in more effort to get recognized?
Missill: I like MIA she's very good so it's nice to be compared to her. I've always put a lot of effort into my DJ-ing and my graphic design.
Nilly: "Mash Up" was released in October, how do you think the audience has taken to such an eclectic yet banging compilation? How has it done in France?_
Missill: We've had great reviews from the media etc. It was released in October and is doing well for a DJ mix CD. It is being released in a lot of different countries and that's great!
Nilly: You've been DJ-ing since 1999 (Rumble in the Jungle sessions in Paris), so that would have made you 16 years old?
Missill: I started DJ-ing when I was 19 in 1999...
Nilly: The genres of music you mix are across a really wide spectrum of
sounds. Do you go with the mood of a party and focus on a specific genre according to location or is your style to spin everything from reggae to electro in one set?
Missill: I adapt my mixes to the vibe of the night but I always do crossovers, I never play only one genre. For example if I play in a hip-hop night I will play with a more of a hip-hop approach than if I play in a breaks night. I play at very different nights with different crowd from underground to mainstream. I like to feel the crowd and try and surprise them.
Nilly: Of all the genres you spin there must be one that undoubtedly is your favorite. What's that?
Missill: mmmmmhhhhmmmm.....break beat and hip hop or hip-hop and break beat.....lol but it depends of the vibe , of the moment..the mood..I love reggae a lot too !
Nilly: You have DJ-ed alongside some legends, including Horace Andy, RZA and Adam F at the same time you've done gigs with more 'free party' DJ's. What was your memorable set?_
Missill: My Favorite was with Jimmy Cliff in top of the mountain in south of Spain..so nice !
Nilly: How have you managed to stay pretty underground despite supporting some electronic and reggae music legends?
Missill: I come from the underground scene and my music does too...I have been playing in some big events alongside great artists, I’m lucky!! I just do what I love and things are kicking off for me at the moment. My music appeals to different kinds of crowds and it's because my mix is eclectic.
Nilly: You have managed to strike a nice media balance, featuring in more commercial radio stations (Radio Nova) at the same time also featuring in more underground magazines (Trax and Technikart). Are you doing anything to maintain this balance or does it not phase you too much to go all out commercial eventually?
Missill: Radio Nova is not commercial, it's the leading underground radio, it only supports independent labels. I have been getting great feedback from the media and there's a real buzz at the moment but my music is not commercial and I will never be as it's not part of my world.
Nilly: Tell us a little about your plans for the set in Hong Kong?
Missill: I’m really looking forward to playing in Hong Kong, I always like to surprise and go with the flow but I will do my best of the moment Mash Up of breaks and beats for the HK massive!!! Be there at Volar Club on 26/12.
Nilly: Are you excited about coming to Hong Kong?_
Missill: Of course i am....it's wicked !!!!!!!!!
Nilly: What has been your most memorable set?
Missill: At tango club in Beijing in 06/05
Nilly: Which is your favorite place to DJ?
Missill: Hong Kong? I hope so!!!
Nilly: Which has been your favorite country to DJ at?
Missill: China
Interview by Nilly C. |
