In Conversations & Masterclasses episode 4
StreamGM’s creative podcast series ICAM has a super final episode, for people exploring a career as a DJ.
Hosted by renowned Manchester DJ Mix-Stress and with Shimrise, Atalaya and Abena, the group share their wisdom, tales from the dancefloors and personal experiences for aspiring DJ’s.
Topics covered by Mix-Stress include: how the DJ’s honed their own style, methods and equipment, pre-gig anxiety and how to deal with nerves, performance elements, how to get inspired, advice for anyone starting out, and some of the great and not so great bits about being a DJ.
Filmed in The Yard’s Mcr, Cheetham Hill, the 75 min show and the three previous podcasts about songwriting, performance & artistry and music production on our website, YouTube channel and Spotify.
No stranger to captivating a dance floor, ICAM host Mix-Stress (Rebecca Swarray) is also a curator/programmer with StreamGM and has played in many spaces and places around the UK and beyond. Founder and curator of creative arts and events collective, RebeccaNeverBecky, Rebecca showcases her eclectic and vibrant vibes in monthly residencies at many Manchester venues, and both Gaydio and Reform Radio. She is a respected figure in the northern club and dance music scene and is incredibly passionate about Greater Manchester culture.
Abena is a Manchester-based DJ. They’re one of the co-founders of All Hands on Deck, a DJ collective that runs DJ workshops and open deck parties for people who identify as women, trans and non-binary. They’ve played in many venues across Manchester, including The White Hotel, SOUP and Partisan. They also DJ outside of Manchester and have recently played in Berlin and São Miguel in the Azores.
Open format selector and energetic sensation Atalaya blends reggaetón, neoperreo, latin rhythms, ballroom house and hard dance, contributing to a newly acclaimed club sound that's been taking ever more space in the UK nightlife scene and national radio airwaves.
In their latest endeavour as host and creator of monthly show Traketeo on Steam Radio, they platform fem, trans and queer artists making and mixing Reggaetón and Latin club rhythms, platforming upcoming and established sounds in these genres.
The Mancunian duo Shimrise have exploded into the local scene with an electrifying twist into house music whilst seamlessly infusing percussion, funky rhythms, UKG, bass and balie funk into the mix. Their signature curve balls of dance classics create a modern and nostalgic feel that completely captivates audiences.
Shimrise recently DJ’d for StreamGM’s MainRoom series, showcasing underground clubnight ‘Do As You Please’ at Ramona. They have also showcased their skills with gigs at Manchester's iconic Parklife Festival whilst supporting emerging talents like Tarsza (NTS, 6 Music), Vanessa Maria (Foundation FM), Kennedy Taylor (Capital Xtra) and Jamz Supernova (6 Music).
Their fearless exploration, high energy performances and personalities shine through, creating a distinctive sound and fresh take on electronic music. Growing from strength to strength, the duo is continuing to carve a name for themselves in and out of Manchester, making them one of the most exciting new acts to watch.
