Mitch DodgeWe recently sat down with Liz Somes, one of the 3 winning finalists selected by the Pete Tong DJ Academy, who is also a 57-year old US DJ. Using lockdown to drive home her DJ skills and doing live streams from home, she tells us all, “Don’t listen to the naysayers, especially the one in your head”. A role model to anyone wanting to start their dreams, at any stage of their lives.
Q1. Liz, welcome to Music Is 4 Lovers! So good to speak to you. Firstly, congrats on being chosen as one of the winners of Pete Tong’s DJ Academy. Tell us, did you ever think you’ be one of the finalists?
Thank you and it is great to speak to you as well! Honestly, no, I submitted my set and forgot about it. It wasn’t until I got an email asking for my track list, then another wanting high resolution photos, that I thought it could be possible. Honestly, though, I never thought I would actually win, but so grateful I have and to be amongst such great artists.
Q2. Did you have a good knowledge of how-to DJ before you joined the Academy?
I did, I had been playing in the clubs the year prior to lockdown and then the year after things opened back up, while during lockdown I live streamed some and focused on production.
Q3. What lessons and tutorials did you find the most beneficial on the course and why?
I loved all the interviews and QA sessions first off; all the Artists/DJs are ones I have looked up to and studied. As for the lessons, I really enjoyed the mixing techniques and the practices that come with them. I don’t use a lot of effects, I tend to transition slowly, focusing more on layering elements rather than using reverb or filters to transition. However, when it comes to harder techno, that is where I have started using them a bit more, and it is nice to have more confidence in utilizing more of the mixer and I m always looking for ways to improve.
Q4. You’ve been playing some shows in Spain – how have you found playing your sets to a crowd? Do you have a dream club you want to add to your wishlist and why?
I did and loved it so much. I have never played internationally before and was a little nervous on how they would react to my sound, but they loved it! The people of Spain are so much fun, and they love their techno, and to be able to play with some of Spain’s finest, it was an absolute honour. Dream club? Berghain, main floor, for if rumours are true, it might not be around for much longer and I would be honoured to be a small part of such an icon of the music world.
Q5. Of course, you mention you are 57. Music knows no age, but what do you think keeps your passion alive, and what advise can you give those out there who may only now just be starting their DJ journey?
Music keeps my passion alive and the people that love music. I didn’t choose to be a DJ, it chose me, it is the ultimate form of communication and brings everyone together for one purpose, love of music. As for advice, find your tribe, the ones that truly want to see you succeed, let the naysayers be the fuel that drives you to achieve your dreams and believe in yourself. We all have the same challenges, fears, and doubts, but life is too short to not do what you love, so do it and don’t listen to anyone who tells you it is not possible. Anything is possible.
Q6. Can you tell us one track you love right now?
Kwartz’s latest EP, Fast Focus on Seatoc Mass’s label SK_Eleven – the track – Impulse. It has such a groove to it, dark, moody, so much tension, it tells a great story, plus I could layer it with so many tracks. I am a huge fan, Kwartz’s music is on another level, one I aspire to achieve production wise. Thank for having me!
You can listen to Liz Somes via the link below!