What did you want to be when you were a child?
Looking back from what I can recall, I wanted to be a Veterinarian when I was a child. I have always loved animals.
Aside from music, what do you like to do in your free time?
Parallel to my DJ career, I also work for an online business. Operating on different frequencies is nothing new for me, as I love to engage in different dynamics. In addition, I exercise frequently and love the outdoors.
People inspire me, and so does the discovery and exploration of distinctive outlets such as travel, museums, art galleries, reading, nature, philosophy, and culture to name a few. I aspire to create positive experiences outside of my comfort zone. Simultaneously stimulating my mind whilst challenging myself to learn something new.
Tell us about your city, what kind of music scene does it have?
I moved to Berlin, Germany in 2018. Berlin continues to preserve one of the best clubbing scenes in the world and is the bedrock for diverse creators of innovative electronic music.
What is your favorite time of the year, and how does it influence your creativity?
Growing up in West Africa, The Gambia, being in a tropical climate is my favorite thing. As I have been living in Europe since the age of 14, I would have to say my favorite season has to be summer.
Sunny skies and warm temperatures do more than make our environment a pleasant place. This also provides significant benefits to our health and well-being! Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to feel more in tune with myself and spark a more natural, beautiful curiosity about the world around me.
What does music mean to you, and how has this evolved since the beginning?
Music is my biggest passion! Ever since I was a little girl, I have constantly had a deep emotional bond with music and dance. Thus, it has always given me the platform of being able to release my feelings and thoughts, and to feel able to express myself freely!
Growing up surrounded by the music my parents played became the core of my musical education and influence. In a creative home, my father’s success as a musician and my mother’s constant music and dance presence shaped my childhood memories.
Music gives me energy, and tenacity, and has helped me through the bumpy rides. It is remarkably uplifting and yields me to another dimension, call it a healthy and creative space.
Up to now, I have learnt a great deal, this has been an adventurous venture of self-development, awareness, discipline, creativity and professionalism. It’s a tough industry. You have to be prepared to face negativity and be assertive, otherwise, you will be walked all over.
The dynamic tools that I have acquired in my line of work are beneficial to me even in my personal life. This being said, I can only gain from my experiences. You’ve got to take it all with a pinch of salt and use such experiences as a common ground for learning.
Can you tell us about your debut as a DJ, where did it happen and how did it go?
Since 2011 I have been pursuing my love of music under the alias MissTee. During the last gratifying 8 years, I have experienced limitless growth and continuously evolving as an artist. In April 2018, I transitioned to Amavii. My journey so far has developed to this point in my career, where I implement careful reflection, awareness and realization.
To date, I have been a professional DJ for 11 years. Recollecting, I remember my first gig like it was yesterday! After three months of beginning to learn how to DJ, I was booked to play at Park Lane which is a renowned club in Gothenburg, Sweden. I played to an audience of 1000 people. What a memorable experience this was! Sometimes the best results are produced when you are thrown into the deep end…
What is the biggest challenge or sacrifice you have made or have to make in doing what you do?
I have invested my heart and soul into my DJ career. Practice makes perfect and you best believe I have anchored hours upon hours into my craft. And yet, I continue to learn today! The learning is endless, and it depends on how far you are willing to push yourself…
Music is personal. DJing is very technical. I find myself wondering if this is the reason that women have been left in the dark. We have all heard the generalizations about women and their lack of skills when it comes to something technical. “That’s a man’s job,” they say. Regardless we are just as capable. More and more female DJs who follow their dreams and passion are paving the way for others without even realizing it by setting an example and breaking barriers.
There are bad days for everyone; how do you keep yourself motivated creatively?
I am an advocate for personal development. Mindset is key! In life, it is our approach to situations which makes the difference. I keep myself motivated by enriching my well-being and not putting too much pressure on myself amid storms.
Having a change in routine and/or environment is a breath of fresh air! At times, this is really what we truly need to ignite inspiration and create newfound energy.
How do you usually prepare before a gig? How much space do you leave for improvisation in your sets?
I devote a substantial volume of time and energy to the preparation of my sets and podcasts. I have a whole lot of love for what I do and attend to it with immense effort and precision that is poured into this melodious journey I am curating.
I love to leave room for improvisation. This is vital for me! Unpredictability and spontaneity are the essences of my character, thus this is solely reflected throughout my sets. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Always remain true to yourself.
Can you name a movement or people who pushed you to where you are now?
An influential part of the beginning of my journey was when I heard about Yoko DJs. Magdalena Klingstrand, the director of this non-profit organization, introduced me to their mission. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, they strive to create a more equal music scene by working to counter the alienation faced by women in the DJ world.
Yoko DJs’ concept is something I can relate to in so many ways! One factor why I still keep pushing myself today as a DJ is because there aren’t enough female DJs out there. We are underestimated and dismissed in a male-dominated industry!
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
Shadow Child & Binary Finary – 1998 (Venus).
For the last one, name three artists that currently inspire you and who you would like to share a stage with?
Nastia, Adam Beyer and Nina Kraviz.