‘Throughout my career I have been referred to as a “female dj” or “female producer” which I’ve never understood; “female” isn’t a genre or a sub category.’ Says Kayper.
How easy is it to get into the industry compared to when you started?
Technology is the main reason why it is easier to break into the industry now more so than ever before.
If you have a laptop (which most people do), then you have the most basic equipment needed to either be a producer or a DJ.
When I started in this industry, DJing was an expensive hobby to have. You needed to buy two turntables, a mixer, wires, an amp, speakers and of course build up a vinyl collection. Today, all you need is a laptop and DJ software as a very basic setup to start on.
However, I believe, to be successful, you still need raw talent, an ear for music and the ability to read a crowd. That’s not something you can download off of the internet, it’s a skill you hone with practice and dedication.
What does gender representation look like across the industry?
There are obviously more men in the industry than women. That’s a fact.
Do you think males and females are treated equally in the industry, why?
There is an inherent inequality within the music industry and a lot of times I feel that this results from male insecurities of not believing or respecting the fact that a woman can do something equally as good or better than a man can.
It’s something that I think some men are programmed to think like and although I believe the attitudes are changing, they are not changing rapidly enough.
Throughout my career I have been referred to as a “female dj” or “female producer” which is something I have never quite understood. “Female” isn’t a genre or a sub category as much as “Male” isn’t. To me, whenever I hear the qualifier term “female” being used to describe what I do, I find it offensive, especially because my path and dedication to becoming successful within the music industry is no different from what any male dj/ producer has taken.
What is your biggest tip on getting into the industry?
Be specific with what you want to do and be exemplary. Study your idols and find a mentor.
What is the benefit of going to university or college to get into this industry?
You learn how to meet people, network and have the opportunity to build a following. It also helps to get a qualification that you can fall back on.
What are the perks of your job?
I get to be my own boss and make my own schedule. I also get to travel and make friends all over the world.
Do you feel pressured to keep innovating, and if so how?
I wouldn’t say I ever feel pressured to keep innovating. I really believe innovation is part of what comes with being an artist especially if you want to have longevity in the music industry.
Staying on top of new technology and music trends has always been something I have been interested in because it challenges me to learn new things, it keeps me on my toes and helps me improve my skills in the long run.
You are obviously a role model to many. What is your message to younger people?
Practice makes perfect and perfection takes time. Hone in on your skill and above all, make sure you stay humble and be a good person. These are the things that you will be remembered for in the end.
What support did you have getting into the industry? (such as finance, family, friends, location, industry connections)
Although my parents were not so supportive of me becoming a DJ in the early days, I still had the support of my older brother who bought me my first turntable and would also help me buy records sometimes. He would also take me to my gigs when I started djing in clubs because I wasn’t old enough to get in on my own and had to have an adult to chaperone me.
I also had two cousins who were DJ’s in the early 90’s and they really encouraged me to keep practicing when they realised I was serious about becoming a DJ and would lend me their scratch battle videos so I could watch and learn.
