What does it take to become one of the world’s most sought-after DJs? An amazing playlist, of course. No longer a boys-only club, there are plenty of successful females making big noise in the exciting industry. We take a look at the coolest women working behind the decks, dominating the radio stations and providing the soundtracks to some of Hollywood’s swankiest celeb parties. Prepare for total career envy...
Harley Viera-Newton
Not just a successful model signed with NEXT, American DJ Harley Viera-Newton has bagged a spot on Jay Z’s label, Roc Nation, along with the title of Dior’s house DJ. As well as a killer ear and an eclectic music collection to match, this superstar DJ is a regular on the best-dressed lists at A-list parties. Swoon.
Sarah Jane Crawford
BBC Radio 1Extra presenter and voice of MTV’s Official UK Top 40 Chart and the Official Urban Chart on MTV Base, Sarah Jane Crawford is the name to know in London right now. Having already found huge success on an international scale, she’s been booked for private celeb parties and held a residency at star-studded hang-out, Bungalow 8. We’re having whatever she’s having.
Leigh Lezark and The Misshapes
Style icon, model and DJ, Leigh Lezark is one of the talents behind New York’s Misshapes collective. As well as providing soundtracks for the catwalks at Zac Posen and Henry Holland in previous seasons, the DJ duo has teamed up with Gucci to launch the coolest fashion campaign to hit Spotify this side of SS14. Find more info @Gucci.
DJ Kiss
Another DJ to team up with Gucci’s Spotify project, JaKissa Taylor-Semple, aka DJ Kiss, has made her name as one of the most trusted influencers in New York. Named one of the ’25 Most Stylish New Yorkers’ by US Weekly Magazine, she’s a multi-talented success (and total triple threat) in the music scene.
Maya Jane Coles
This London-based lady become a breakthrough talent after wowing at New York’s Electric Zoo festival and winning awards like Best Newcomer at the Ibiza DJ Awards in 2011. A versatile talent behind the decks, Maya is not just a super-talented DJ but a promising producer too.
Annie Mac
Radio 1’s Annie Mac has long cemented her place on the list of kick-ass women in music. A trusted voice in the world of dance music, this Irish talent is no stranger to industry awards, TV appearances, worldwide tours and huge festival slots.
Bip Ling
With one foot in the blogosphere and the other in a DJ booth, Bip Ling is a go-to for fashion parties the world over. A Central Saint Martin’s graduate, her quirky combination of style, music and art has earned her sets at some of London’s top venues, as well as playing for brands like Dolce and Gabbana and H&M.
Charlotte Devaney
26-year-old Charlotte Devaney has all the credentials of a DJ supremo. As well as regular work at London Fashion Week and a single with Snoop Dogg, this Brit star has even starred alongside Megan Fox and Simon Pegg in How To Lose Friends And Alienate People. Like your hip hop, R&B and electro? Then Charlotte’s your girl.
Chelsea Leyland
With the likes of Valentino, Burberry and Fendi booking her to DJ at their parties, Chelsea Leyland is a firm favourite among the fashion elite. With playlists mixing classic rock, pop and punk, she took the jump from London to New York in her stride.
Audrey Napoleon
LA-based Audrey Napoleon has opened for acts like The Cure and deadmau5, headlined her own sets across the globe and been dubbed the ‘Lady Gaga of electronic music’. All that and an Instagram account you’ll just have to follow, this producer and performer is every bit the trend-setter in her own right.
Now meet the women who are ruling the music industry right now...