butchaboi interview
Butchaboi is an electronic producer and DJ from Wakefield making trance, garage and house tracks. We had a chat about her sets, being a woman in the DJ scene and her favourite production tools.
What genre do you produce and why did you start?
I produce anything from UK garage to hard house to trancey stuff. I started out making two-step garage because in the garage scene at the minute there’s a lot of speed garage, and I miss the old 2000s bumpy style. I wanted to bring that back to the dance floor. So, I started making that, but then I feel like progression as an electronic producer means you start upping the BPM. I moved to hard house stuff, and now I’m making more trance, which I’m finding is more of my calling. I’ve never soloed myself to one genre because I think- especially if you want to make a career out of music production- you need to be versatile.
What DAW and plugins/ gear do you use when you produce?
I use Logic Pro, as for plugins, sorry but I just love Logic stock plugins! I like the Kilohearts plugins as well. And some of the Brainworx ones- whenever I do a self-master, I’ll always shove a Brainworx master desk plugin on. But in general I do love the Logic stock ones, it does the job, they’re just so easy to use and they’re already there. As an electronic producer, I have tried to use Ableton a couple of times, but since I’ve used Logic for years changing over makes me feel like an 80 year old woman trying to make an Excel spreadsheet!
What was your favourite part about playing at Parklife this year and what are some of your other favourite events you’ve played?
Playing at Parklife, obviously just the fact that you played a festival is massive. I loved playing b2b with the girl I was with as well, Larishka. We also played there together last year, she’s really sick at DJing and a lovely girl, so the fact I was doing it with her was amazing. All my family came to watch too. Last year for my birthday my sister made Butchaboi t-shirts and my mum was there at the front of Parklife wearing her t-shirt, it was so cute. That was definitely the highlight of Parklife for me- my mum being able to be there.
One of my other favourite events I did was last summer when I DJed on a canal boat in Manchester, that was so cool. I also did a set at Hidden, it was probably my third set ever. It was one of my favourites because the crowd were just going crazy for the entirety of the set. That was the moment I realised, oh wow this is why people DJ, getting that crowd reaction and making everyone dance.
What’s your approach towards doing a gig in terms of choosing material and prep, how much do you plan ahead vs improvising?
When I first started, I was planning my set down to a T, setting cue points and doing everything possible beforehand because I was nervous. I think being a female DJ, you’re even more nervous because you think if I slip up everyone’s just going to think I’m a bimbo DJ. I mean, I didn’t want people to think I just got my set because I’m a girl and I’ve got tits! The extra pressure is there. So probably for my first year DJing I was meticulously planning my sets, then once I got a bit more comfortable, I’d choose certain tracks and put them in a setlist, then wing it a bit more. Now I’ve got to the point where I do mostly turn up and wing it. Obviously, I’ve organised my record box into genres, but apart from that I just see what the vibe is when I get there.
Where are your favourite venues in Leeds to play or just go to?
I played at the Fenton, as a venue you walk in and it’s just a pub, but they’ve got the whole little outside bit for raves and then there are people turning up in costumes from the Otley Run, that was so much fun. I’ve played at Mint Warehouse a couple of times too, that’s a sick venue. One that I would’ve loved to play but has obviously shut down is Old Red. I used to go to raves there when I was about 16, it’s such a shame it’s closed now, it would’ve been a dream to play there as a full circle moment.
Who are your influences?
I think my main influence is Flava D, when I was 16 I went to Mission (an old venue in Leeds that’s also shut down now) and saw a Flava D set. I never knew (which is so bad of me) that Flava D was a woman. I went to see her live and thought oh my god, she’s so sick, I love this, and it was a moment where I felt like if she could do it, why can’t I? So, I think she’s who pushed me to actually get into production. For influences sound-wise, I’d say Baron Von Trax. I really like his music and I’m trying to make that style now, I’m just all for trance. Kettama as well, and Nia Archives. She’s actually a Bradford girl, so if she can make it out the hood then maybe I can!
Do you prefer producing or DJing?
Producing 100%. I started producing 9 years ago, and I’ve only been a DJ for 3 years, producing is so much more calming for me. It’s a bit of a break from reality, and I can just switch myself off and throw myself into it, whereas DJing is the complete opposite for me. It’s the moment where I’m in the spotlight, like oh my god everyone is looking at me, and it’s a bit more of a challenge. I do enjoy it when I’m in the zone but there’s a whole lot of anxiety leading up to a set. Production is an outlet, if I’m bored, stressed, angry, happy, I can just produce.
What’s one thing about the current DJ and producer culture that you think needs to change?
The number of women- there needs to be more female DJs, producers, everything. I think it all comes back to education, we should be helping girls get into production and music all the way back to school. Don’t get me wrong, we’re getting closer to a more equal playing field, but it would be nice for us to finally get to 50/50 lineups, which is still a long, long way to go. I’ve seen some bigger DJs pulling out of events because they’re the only female playing, which is a good statement but if you’re an up-and-coming artist you can’t afford to do that. I think it’s going to take more of the bigger artists to stand up and say something, maybe even pull out of events, and do something about it.