Exclusive Interview With Blu 9

23by23 is an initiative that aims to encourage labels to increase the proportion of female artists on their roster. This initiative has led to Blu 9 producing a remix of Joyce Muniz & Demetrius’ single, “Whats You Name”. We got the opportunity to speak to Blu 9 about her remix and how she got onto Poker Flats radar.

For those unaware, who Blu9 is?

Hello! I am Michelle aka Blu 9. I am a dj/producer born, raised and based out of Chicago. I have been a dj in the scene here in Chicago for 15+ years, started djing when I was 17. Being from Chicago, I started off playing house however the past several years my heart belongs to techno. I’m known as one of the most diverse members of the local music scene. I have always loved music, from an early age. I started to play the violin around age 7 followed by percussion and piano. Someone called me the chameleon because I can seamlessly move through house and techno while maintaining the vibe.

Describe your sound in five words

Moody/Hypnotic/Driven/Complex/Energetic

Your remix for “What’s Your Name”, is packing a serious punch. Dance floor lovers will 100% appreciate this one. What was the inspiration behind this remix?

I was obsessed with the original track. So when the opportunity to remix the track came about, I jumped on the opportunity. I listen to all parts of the stems. I pick at least 2-3 stems from the lot. A lot of the time, I don’t want to listen to the original track and won’t as I am creating so that I put my own spin and arrangement on it. I put different sequences and pieces in a remix that does say, yes that’s Blu in there. I love that hypnotic techno sound and tried to incorporate it as much as possible in the track. I also love Joyce’s work and love listening to her sets.

23by23 is a great concept that aims to encourage labels to increase the number of female artists on their roster. How did this campaign assist you in getting onto Poker Flats‘ radar?

When Joann approached me to sign up over a year ago and get involved, I immediately said yes. I know how hard it is here in Chicago to be one of the few female dj’s that play consistently and produce music, so to be part of a community that is filled with female dj’s/ producers around the world coming together and pushing and helping each other, it makes my heart happy. I’m grateful to be a part of 23by23 which lent me the opportunity to produce the remix. 23by23 helps connect producers to bigger labels and challenges producers to push themselves creatively. It’s been great to be a part of this group.

Going through your catalogue of mixes, there are some great-sounding sets. What would be your favourite Blu9 set and why?

I have several but the one set I loved was my set from ARC After Dark: Closing set from the Boris Brejcha show at Radius. I remember that day so well. I played at ARC festival earlier that day and I had to open the room at Radius as well as closed. That closing set was massive and I left everything out on those decks that night. It was my favorite set I played and you can feel the energy from it when you listen.

What five tracks do you think people need to hear right this second?

Pictures Inside My Head – Blu 9

The Seeker – Olga (GR)

A Girl Frim Chicago – Blu 9

Else – Neither Nor

Message From Beyond – Lindsey Herbert

If you could do a b2b set with any DJ, who would it be?

I have so many I would love to have the opportunity to do a back to back with. One definitely stands out at the moment. I am frequently on line-ups with her and would love to do a back to back with Nicole Moudaber. She is a great artist and all-around phenomenal person. I think the back to back would be so much fun and wild.

What’s in the pipeline for Blu9

My favorite time of the year is approaching, summer time in the Chi. I will be at DS Tequila in Chicago quite a bit this May and June. I am playing Pride Fest Chicago again this summer, June 17^th. Also playing during the pride parade here in Chicago as well as Cerise Chicago with a huge party for M.E.A.T. Market Days party playing with a favorite Derrick Carter.

I am really excited to for the upcoming remix release on Poker Flat on May 12^th. I am also excited for my first release on vinyl with Rawsery Records, scheduled for July 29^th.