HAAi, an Australian DJ and producer based in London, shares her unconventional journey from psych rock to the heights of dance music. She discusses the importance of inclusivity in the music scene and reflects on her ADHD diagnosis, emphasizing how neurodiversity fuels creativity. Other intriguing topics include addressing cultural appropriation in sampling and the challenges of maintaining sustainability within the industry. HAAi’s experiences shed light on the vibrant, supportive spirit of London's queer community and the push for accountability in music.
HAAi's journey from a psych rock band to a prominent DJ underscores the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities in the music industry.
Through her experiences with criticism and accountability, HAAi highlights the need for cultural sensitivity and learning within music creation.
HAAi advocates for inclusivity and representation of queer artists in music, emphasizing the importance of creating diverse and welcoming spaces.
Deep dives
Journey to Dance Music
Tennille Thrasol, also known as High, initially ventured into music as part of a psych rock band before discovering her passion for electronic music while clubbing in Berlin. Following the breakup of her band, she felt uncertain about her future in music, but a chance encounter while DJing at a local bar changed everything. This serendipitous moment led to a two-year residency at the London club Phonox, where her career skyrocketed almost overnight. Her eclectic style, characterized by upbeat techno with acid influences, quickly garnered a dedicated fan base and international recognition.
Handling Criticism and Cultural Conversations
In her career, Thrasol faced criticism, particularly regarding her EP 'Systems Up, Windows Down,' which sparked discussions about cultural appropriation. Although the review was initially devastating, she expressed that it taught her valuable lessons about accountability and awareness in music creation. This experience motivated her to advocate for cultural sensitivity within the music community and reflect on her past actions with enhanced understanding. Her insight into navigating public call-outs highlights the importance of growth and learning in the creative process.
Supporting the Queer Community
Thrasol emphasizes the significance of inclusivity within the music scene, specifically advocating for queer artists and women's representation in dance music. After initially struggling to find her place in queer spaces, she found a nurturing community at queer parties that made her feel at home. Through her platform, she actively promotes diverse line-ups and supports underrepresented voices in the industry. Her commitment to creating inclusive spaces has also extended to her DJ riders, where she insists on diversity to foster a welcoming environment.
Navigating ADHD and Creativity
After being diagnosed with ADHD, Thrasol gained insights into how the condition influenced her life, creativity, and touring schedule. The diagnosis helped her understand her strengths, such as hyper-focus during music production, while also recognizing challenges in daily life. By sharing her experiences, she aims to open conversations about neurodiversity in the music industry, encouraging others to embrace their unique neurological traits. Thrasol's transparency surrounding her ADHD promotes awareness and support for artists navigating similar struggles.
Sustainability in the Music Industry
Thrasol actively engages in sustainability efforts within the music industry, promoting eco-friendly practices on her riders and exploring climate initiatives through partnerships. Her involvement with Earth % and commitment to reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of train travel exemplify her dedication to environmental issues. Through these actions, she aims to inspire others in the industry to take accountability for their carbon footprints and create meaningful change. By blending her artistic pursuits with sustainability, Thrasol emphasizes the role of music as a catalyst for positivity and awareness.
"We need to give more people a seat at the table." The Australian DJ and producer talks about exclusivity in the music industry, neurodivergence and London's thriving lesbian scene.
The London-based Australian artist Teneil Throssell (AKA HAAi) doesn't have a typical DJ story. She moved to London in the early 2010s as part of a now defunct psych rock band, and once it broke up, she thought her stint in the music industry was over. Unsure what to do with herself, she started mixing dance music records at the bar where she was working at the time, Ridley Road Market. The right person happened to "discover" her, offering her a spot supporting Jacques Greene at the London club Phonox. She went on to hold a residency there for two years, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Throssell's career blew up almost immediately. For the last eight years that she's been DJing, she's toured internationally on a massive scale, sometimes going to six different countries in one week. She's also released a number of EPs and one LP on Mute Records, remixed Kylie Minogue and started two labels of her own: Coconut Beats and Radical New Theory, which she runs with her partner. Her style is eclectic, but fans of hers will know her for her upbeat, techno- and acid-inflected sound.
In this RA Exchange, Throssell dives into some emotional and complex topics, like the criticism she received from RA for her early EP Systems Up, Windows Down; London's lesbian scene; her ADHD diagnosis; and climate activism in the electronic music industry. Listen to the episode in full.
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