Her 'Torture' is a pleasure

This past year has been hectic for DJ Janette Slack. The Eurasian spinner has just released her first album, “Torture Garden Session”, and will soon push out the mix version of the album – a compilation of original tracks and tunes punctuated by Jimmy Mofo and Tyrrell from Hed Kandi. 

Drawing influence from rock, funk, progressive house, big beat, glitch and electro, with lashes of sexy vocals, the album is a window onto the glamorous dance floor of London’s famous Torture Garden, where Slack has rocked through a seven-year residency. 

Slack is making a much-anticipated Bangkok debut tomorrow. She emailed us from Bali. 

 

What have you been up to?

Before coming to Bangkok I’ll have a few days in my new home in Hong Kong, where I’m just getting settled after moving from London. My new studio has just been built, which is exciting. My new single, “Kut Me Sum”, is due out in a month. I’m doing some presenting for Boom Battle on the hunt for Hong Kong’s next top DJ at Volar and also DJing at special events around Asia. 

It’s been great being back here after 15 years, and also Sideshow Kuts have been throwing good parties for me to spin at lately. 

 

Last year you finally released your debut album. How did it go?

It’s been doing well! It was a long project, so I’m just focusing on EPs and remixes for the time being. Some of the tracks are getting remixed and re-released this year by some of my idols and artists I respect. It’s great to hear their versions of my tracks. 

 

What took you so long to release the debut?

Amid the album writing, a bunch of friends and I decided to renovate a warehouse in Central London, with no contractors. We did everything ourselves, and it was a good learning experience. 

Albums normally take a long time. Any solo artist will agree that, by the time you get to Track 6 or 7, Tracks 1 and 2 might not reflect you anymore. One’s music taste and skill constantly evolve every few months. So trying to compose fast enough I found a challenge. However, I’m glad I managed to finally complete it. It’s taught me to work faster when doing remixes and singles now, and I met so many amazing people during the course of this project. 

 

How did it all start? 

As a kid at school I organised the school dance-a-thons to raise money for charities, mostly orphanages in China for girls. I’ve always enjoyed making people dance. Just before going to university in London, my boyfriend taught me how to DJ, which I found very addictive, and during my time in London I was exposed to the amazing choices of record shops and clubs. It’s been an amazing journey ever since. 

 

What kinds of music did you grow up listening to?

I grew up loving alternative music, mainly the ’90s grunge scene from Seattle, and I absolutely love original funk music. They seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, but they really hit the spot for me. 

 

Is it difficult for a woman to break into the DJ scene? 

It’s a hard scene to crack for anyone. I can’t really give a fair answer, since I’ve never been a man! Everyone has their own journey. All I know is that, as a woman, you really have no room for error if you want to be taken seriously. 

 

Where do we catch your shows now?

I’m now based in Hong Kong for the time being and DJing more in Asia and Australia. It’s nice not to deal with jet lag now that I’m so close. 

My fans are so awesome, beautiful and funny. I spend so much time in the studio, which can be a lonely experience, so when I have the chance to meet them it’s always a joy to hear what they have to say. My female fans are so loyal and hot – they are the coolest chicks and really know how to let their hair down, which is a nice sight to see. 

 

Are you excited about Bangkok?

I have a lot of lovely friends who live all over Thailand. Also I know a lot of artists who have toured and played there recently. After hearing firsthand from them how they’re having a good time, I’m really excited to come over. 

I’ll be playing music based around the newly released single. I’m looking forward to catching up with the crew out there and also meeting more amazing people. 

 

 

Free to see

 

_ Janette Slack is performing tomorrow at the Nest Rooftop Lounge on Sukhumvit Soi 11. 

_ No admission charge.