DJ Missill interview: Mistress of the Mash Up

Fresh from Parisian paradise, DJ Missill is set to introduce the world to her eclectic and entrancing talent on the decks. Impossible to pigeon hole, Missill is one woman that has to be heard to be believed. Her Djing style was described in the UK's M8 Magazine as a "sense-shredding orgy of hiphop, grime, ragga, dancehall, breaks and electro". Her passion for all things hip hop (she is a jack of all trades dabbling in graffiti, graphics, production and the list goes on) translated through her fingertips and energy fuels to an ever mesmerised crowd. Having burst on to the global scene with the release of her debut compilation, 'Mash Up' , we thought that it was a good chance to coax Missil to Oz. Fingers cross she keeps her word and makes waves Down Under soon!

In a previous interview you described your sound as "hip-hop, breaks, electro, grime, dancehall, funk, rock, ragga & more". Is this still the case or has your definition changed-
It's always difficult to describe yourself and what you do but yes, I think that is still how i'd describe my music, maybe in a different order (and i'd add baile funk & booty bass in the mixer too) and depending on the vibe

You recently added production work to your already busy list of activities. Was it a skill that came easily and what releases are planned for the future-
As a dj you know what sound you're looking to add to your sets. I know what I want and I get advice from friends and producers. I learnt how to use the different sotware programs very quickly.

Tell TranZFusion readers about why you changed over to Serato from being strictly vinyl based. Are there any other new forms of technology that you've incorporated-
I used to use vinyl only but I don't play cds because I need to feel and touch the records. Recently I've started using Serato and it's really increased my possibilities. It's a great system which means that you can still play vinyl, but also play digital tracks from your computer (which is linked to vinyl decks). I have all my record collection converted to digital includnig mine and other producers' promos, remixes, bootlegs and acapellas.

It's a revolutionary too!l I can play my bootlegs and own tracks and travel with 2 blank Serato vinyls, the Serato box and my laptop, but yet still play vinyl.

You have shared the stage with lots of well known artists. Any favourites that you've previously played with or that you'd like to share the stage with-
I don't have any favourites. I like to play alongside any other artists who have a good vibe. It doesn't have to be a big name to be a special person or artist. But it's always an honour to play alongside big names. Recently I did some shows with Afrika Bambaataa and DJ Premier; it was special because they're godfathers of hip hop.

Same story when I played after Jimmy Cliff, RZA, Horace Andy and Gang of Four. At this very minute I'd love to share the stage with Peaches , DJ Shadow & many others.

You have been involved in the hip hop scene for a while. Is there anything you learnt from it that you can you draw on for inspiration as a DJ-
Hip hop is where it all began for me. I first started spinning hip hop and it's inspired me a lot.

How active do you think hip hop culture is now-
Hip hop has become so big, it's mainstream and commercial. But there are still lots of great artists & other activists out there who are active and keeping it real!

What got you started on the decks- Was it a long process of perfecting the art or did it come somewhat naturally-
I was always really into music, especially hip hop, and started doing graffitti when I was 16. I went on to become graphic designer and was doing the flyers for parties I organised with my crew (BMC), then for different promoters, clubs, record sleeves, video clips, posters and logos.

The parties we were running in Paris became really popular and I started djing for the warm ups, a Tags

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