The power of the universal language that is music is unique. It’s one of the few things that can level the playing fields when it comes to the importance of race, sex, and religion. For DJ and producer Juicy M, it took a little girl from a Ukrainian city to some of the largest stages around the world and now a second home in Los Angeles. She used her creativity to gain fame with her seamless use of four CDJ’s and eventually produce her own music. We caught up with the international star and spoke with her on her humble beginnings and her record label, JUMMP Records.
My first question is how you got the name Juicy M. I know M stands for Marta but why Juicy?
Well, I always liked the idea of “Juicy” for the name and after trying different variations, I’ve stopped on Juicy M with M, as Marta - my real name. Simple.
Simple enough. You have a background in dance and piano. Then you started DJing in 2007 and learning at a local DJ academy. What got you into DJing?
I’ve been working at a music TV channel and I had to make a video about a DJ academy in my hometown, Kiev. So I took one lesson for the camera and I really liked it. The next day I came back and began studying.
" 'You can’t beat match without headphones…' Boring robots!"
Did you first learn to DJ on vinyl or digitally? Did the order help or hurt your learning curve as a DJ?
I started playing hip hop music on vinyl, also I was learning how to do scratching, beat juggling and all that stuff. My teacher was the DMC champion of Ukraine (DJ Shked), so I was in good hands. Sometimes I think that it would be better for me if I started with electronic music, but then I realize that in that case I wouldn't have my skills and creativity and I could become another boring EDM DJ. Hip hop DJing gives you an understanding of improvisation- most electronic DJs are very predictable. They keep commenting under my videos “You can’t beat match without headphones…” Boring robots!
How did growing up in Ukraine affect your music tastes and becoming a DJ?
I don’t think growing up in Ukraine affected my musical tastes a lot, [especially growing up with] the Internet. When I was a kid I listened to Eminem, Christina Aguilera, Linkin Park… I’m pretty sure so did 90% of everyone my age at that time.
What is the DJ scene like in the Ukraine?
Everyone knows Ukraine as a more underground place with good techno and a Drum & Bass scene. Last year, there were two thousand people on Aoki's show and four thousand people at a techno party across the street with local residents. We also have some good upcoming EDM producers, like Emzy and Adver.
You’ve also participated in some DJ battles. How did that experience affect your techniques and sets as a DJ at festivals? Do you ever consider going back to compete at the DMC’s?
Participating in DJ competitions gives you the idea that DJing is an art in itself. The way you do transitions, the compilation of tracks you mix, the way you apply sound effects, is something DJs are creating. This is an artform like Andy Warhol’s. I don’t think I’ll participate in the DMC’s, that's in the past [for me now], now I’m into Electronic music and producing.
You also have experience as a TV host and studied journalism in school. Does that help you stay on top of new music that’s constantly coming out? How do you save time to create all of the new mixes and sets for your shows?
My podcast, JuicyLand, is what really helps me to be on top of new releases and talents from all over the world. I receive around a thousand different promo tracks from labels and young producers [all over the world every week], and it takes me the whole day to listen to all of them. This gives you a clear understanding of what the EDM world looks like right now.
Speaking of your weekly JuicyLand mix, how do you pick the DJs to do the guest mixes? Do they fill in when you’re too busy?
I have guest mixes about every 10 episodes. Normally I send 3 or 4 requests to different DJs, and the one who replies first goes to JuicyLand.
What was the purpose in starting your own record label, JUMMP records? How do you see yourself shaping the future of EDM music?
As a very young producer, like hundreds of others, I was sending my tracks to the biggest labels, like Spinnin, Revealed etc. Then I realized they don’t even listen to your music. On the other hand, I was receiving a lot of great unreleased tracks for JuicyLand - all that brought me to idea of starting JUMMP Records. We’re not hunting for big names for the label, our main idea is to support and develop new artists and create the JUMMP team.
What is it about DJing for thousands of people that inspires you?
That’s exactly what inspires me. My whole EDM story started from watching big festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra. I just wanted to be part of the culture and I still want it!
You’ve DJed festivals, modelled for magazines, and produced your own tracks. What’s left on your list of goals to accomplish?
Right now, I spend most of my time on production. My dream is to create my own recognizable sound so people can say, “Oh that must be Juicy’s track.”
How did you start using 4 turntables in your mixes? Was it a need for certain ideas you had for your sets?
4 CDJs is the industry standard in top DJs riders, but we all know that they rarely use 3 of them. I just wanted to show what spinning on 4 CDJs can look like. I didn't expect anything from the first video, to be honest.
How do you use each turntable?
Normally I use 3 decks for mixing and one for samples and acapellas.
"You need to work really hard and be able to show the world your skills."
How would you like to help future female DJs? How do you see them changing the Dance world?
I don't see anything that female DJs or producers can’t do nowadays. I’m pretty sure we’ll see more and more female top DJs in the future. My advice is to them: It’s not Hollywood! You need to work really hard and be able to show the world your skills.
Last Call
1. What is your favorite movie of all time?Vanilla Sky
2. As a young DJ, who was the one DJ you looked up to?Afrojack
3. As a DJ, what's your biggest pet peeve?None.
4. What is your current DJ set up at home?4 CDJ 2000s and a DJM 900
5. What's your favorite record of all time?Perry Como - Magic Moments
You can stream and download Juicy M’s newest JuicyLand mixes on her Soundcloud. She's also on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to her Youtube channel to keep up with her new sets as well.
Bryan Hahn is not a boring robot! He's on Twitter: @notupstate.