DJ Mell G
Fearless women create art without caring about peers' approval and that's exactly what the up-and-coming electronic music artist from Germany DJ Mell G embodies and relays back into her world with her latest track "HEY MR. DJ".
DJ Mell G is already fiercely known in the scene for her uniquely special blend of techno, electro and edm, a sound focused on telling "the story of her journey to find her voice in an industry where women’s voices are often overlooked." Her message is clear... "We don’t need anyone telling us how to do our jobs – we’re already strong and talented."
It's not a new fact that equality is very needed for women in the music industry and the electronic scene is no different. One of the 2020 editions of DJMag said that within the Top 100 DJs list, only 14 of the 100 were females.
Mesmerised by her commitment and determination to solidly prove that women belong in this space, she is quickly making a name for herself for not just her sound but her drive to showcase voices that matter and have earned their place in the music space. With that in mind, Coeval Magazine picked her brains about her upbringing, all her insights and secrets on her latest track as well as getting to know about what she has to come.
Let’s start with your roots. Growing up in Germany, how did your upbringing influence the raw energy in your sound today?
To be honest, I don't think my upbringing influenced my sound very much. I was left to my own devices a lot and wanted to fit into the social norms of our world all my life - which I didn't do. And that's why I broke out at some point. Music and the freedom that comes with it is my number one priority. It will never go away and there is no goal that I can achieve without immediately having a new goal. And I love that.
"immediately having a new goal. And I love that.
"HEY MR. DJ" is so powerful! What was the spark behind the track?
As a woman in a male-dominated world, I’ve faced challenges as a DJ and producer, with people trying to hold me back. This track is my way of saying: that I’m better on my own. I don’t need anyone telling me what to do or how to do it. It’s that simple.
Your rise has been insane! What was the moment when you realised, “Wow, this is taking off”? Did you ever expect to get here so quickly?
I never originally set out to be a DJ—I was too shy to stand in front of so many people and be in the spotlight. During my early gigs, I had to turn around to get a drink of water because my hands were shaking so much I would have split on the CDJs! When I uploaded my first track to SoundCloud, I was stunned to see it get 120 plays overnight. But I can’t pinpoint a specific moment when I realised things were taking off; even now, I still haven't fully grasped it. It’s always been about passion.
Your sound boldly blends techno, electro and edm. How would you explain your style to someone new to your music? What influences pushed you to create something so daring?
I’ve played many genres and always wondered how I could merge my sound—electro—with a club vibe. Anthony Rother once told me that electro can be made danceable, and that’s something he has mastered, which I’ve always admired. For me, the blend of techno, electro and edm felt right, though my version of techno isn't the kind you typically hear—it’s characterised by long breaks and pads, sharp snares, and SAW bass, similar to what Umwelt or IMOGEN create. My biggest inspirations for my current sound are Ben Pest, Helena Hauff, Anthony Rother, Umwelt, and DJ Stingray 313.
It's said the music industry can feel like a man's world. How has broken through that affected your journey, and did that experience inspire the message behind "HEY MR. DJ"?
Absolutely—that’s the core message of "HEY MR. DJ." When I was producing footwork and gettotech, I wanted to flip the sexist lyrics around but didn’t quite have the courage back then. Now, with this track, I feel empowered to do just that
Let’s talk about your creative process. What’s the vibe in the studio when you’re making music? Do you go with the flow and catch a mood, or do you come in with a clear plan to make it all happen?
I usually start with a plan, but it often ends up going in a completely different direction. And that’s what I love—especially since I began working with hardware.
You’ve played in major cities like Berlin, Paris, and Copenhagen. Which crowd brought the most energy, and how does their vibe change your set when you’re performing live?
Every crowd around the world brings its unique energy, and that’s what makes it special. I couldn’t say one city is always the best—it depends on many factors: the club, the promoter, my mood, the lineup, the running order, and so on. But once, a guy in Amsterdam said, "I’ve seen you live five times, and every time you hit the stage, your energy floods the dance floor!" I hope he meant that in a good way, haha!
You’re all about empowering women in the music scene. What advice would you give to the next generation of female producers and DJs?
Honestly, I don’t like advising because I don’t want to be a standard example for all women. We are all different, and each of us must find our path, the one that feels right for us. I can share my journey, and if someone finds it inspiring, that’s great. But ultimately, we all need to make our own experiences and grow from our mistakes. So, I’d say there are no negative experiences, only positive ones because we learn from all of them and carry those lessons with us on our journey.
What’s coming next for DJ Mell G? After "HEY MR. DJ" drops, are there any exciting collaborations, new releases, or upcoming shows we should be hyped for?
In November, I'll be releasing my EP SYNCHRONIZE EXISTENCE on Headroom Records, which includes "HEY MR. DJ." After that, some remixes of the single will be coming out. There are also remixes dropping this year for Dr. Rubinstein and Tiga, and another collaboration with Unklevon. I’m currently working on two new EPs as well. There's also a lot happening with my label, Juicy Gang Records. And I will start playing live from next year on. It's been a creatively packed year so far, and I’m grateful for all the support and new experiences!
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