Welcome back to Behind The Beat, the series where we chat to the hottest producers and DJ’s right now making waves in their respective scenes.

This time around we caught up with Liverpool based DJ and producer Gaia/G33. Known for her energy-filled sets and genre-blending skills, she’s one of the go-to’s when discussing the selectors repping the North at the moment.

Along with the likes of Taylah Elaine, Bossy Ldn and Jyoty, she’s paving the way for the next generation of female DJs in the U.K., destroying old fashioned stereotypes and pioneering new initiatives that inspire and empower women either already in the industry, or those looking to get their foot in the door.

2020 has been a huge year for G33. After warming up for Conducta in Liverpool in February, she’s made appearances on Reprezent Radio, No Signal and Size Sessions, despite only DJing and producing for just over a year. As well as Gaia’s catalogue of achievements in the past 12 months, herself, Culture Deck and a group of DJs recently launched the Girls on Deck community, an exciting and much-needed addition to the scene.

We got the opportunity to speak to her about everything past, present and future G33 that you need to know.

1) What’s your name, where are you from and what do you do?

My name is Gaia / g33, I’m originally from Brixton, but now I live in Liverpool and I’m a DJ and producer.

2) How would you describe your sound?

Jumpy! Ultimately something that really makes you want to move so grime, dancehall baile. I like to mix genres as well, keeps it way more interesting.

3) Who were your 3 biggest musical influences growing up?

Wow, that’s a huge question!! Okay, so I’ll keep it to DJ’ing. Two easy ones: EZ and DJ Q. And then I’d probably have to say Flava D, she was the first woman I ever saw DJ live, it was at Fabric and was a pinnacle moment in kind of thinking ‘oh I’ve never seen someone play that isn’t a male, maybe I could try it as well’.

4) Is there a significant moment where you realised this could become a career for you?

I started DJ’ing last year, then after Christmas, I started to take it more seriously. I got booked to warm up for Conducta in February which was a catalyst in motivating me to keep on progressing and developing as a DJ and showed me that this could really become something sick.

5) What’s your fondest memory of a concert you’ve attended?

When I saw Burna Boy in Albert Hall in Manny, seeing him with a black drummer, black DJ, black women on the chorus, it was super empowering and made me really proud. He’s incredible, even my Dad likes him!

6) What’s your favourite track that you’ve been involved in?/ what’s gonna be the first song you play when we’re allowed back in clubs?

Something really nostalgic I think, my go-to is party hard by Donaeo. The perfect bridge of r&b and underground- everybody will know it at almost any club.

7) What would your dream feature be? / who would your dream b2b be?

It’d probably have to be Snoochie shy, her Boiler Room set is actually crazy, both our energy levels on the decks are super high so I’d love to be able to go b2b with her.

8) Girls on deck- talk to us!

I feel like when I first started, I didn’t have much guidance and as a woman in the industry, it’s really daunting anyway. I wanted there to be a safe and inspiring space for female and non-binary DJs and also the next generation coming through In Liverpool who may have not even ever tried DJ’ing, due to factors such as financial strain and confidence in starting out. All the stuff that isn’t spoken about too much in the industry like booking, etiquette, protecting yourself are all actually really difficult things to learn about, so not only do I want it to just be somewhere people can come and solely practice their skills on the mixer, but also a place we can advise and help people on their goals through our own knowledge from our own experiences in the industry. When Covid eases up a bit we wanna use spaces (24 Kitchen Street) to mentor these young women and then give them a chance to play live.  It’s more than an events brand, it’s a hub and community for women and non-binary selectors based in Liverpool (for now) who want to share their talents, learn new skills and spend time with other amazing people.

9) What can we expect from you in the coming months?

I wanna start releasing some stuff I’ve been producing, I’ve got some edits I haven’t finished, and people are like why haven’t you dropped them yet they’re ready to go? But I feel like producing is so personal and I want it to be completely perfect. I’d really get to the place where I can release a full edit ep. As well as that, I’m going to be really pushing girls on deck and putting my all into it, so it can be the best possible opportunity and initiative for anyone wanting to get involved.

10) And finally, have you got any gems of wisdom for any young producers or DJ’s out there?

It’s hard to get into if you don’t have the means, financial is obviously a big one, but there’s so much content online on almost everything DJ related, so make the most of it. And put yourself out there! There are so many people who want to help you, dropping someone a message can go a long way and more often than not whoever you contact will do their best to answer any questions you have and give the best advice they can. Try and eradicate the thought that ‘you can’t do it’ as well, have that confidence in yourself to achieve and progress. I think we need to normalise female and non-binary DJs and we need to be recognised, I really don’t want it to be a niche anymore, and thankfully I think times are changing in a positive way in that regard. So yeah, be inquisitive, be confident and be proud!