Words by Tegan Jaimie
Makeup by Claire Nisbet
Hair by Emma Diamond

Scottish DJ la la had her first experience of techno culture at 15 years old and has been carving out a successful career in the industry for almost a decade since. It’s no secret that live gigs have come to a complete standstill but la la is ready for the ‘rave revolution’ comeback. Speaking digitally, we caught up to discuss the Scottish music scene, her newly launched label Brand New Records, and her relationship with fashion.

How did growing up in Scotland Influence you as an artist?

Hugely. The Arches, Archaos, Sub Club, La Cheetah, SWG3, Barrowlands, King Tuts – these are venues with such history – the buzz around them growing up was something I could never ignore, it totally drew me in – house and techno weren’t necessarily popular with people my age especially my female friends, but once I experienced The Arches for the first time, I was 15,  – I could never forget it or stay away. Totally obsessed – with the music the energy – I saw Booka Shade play a live gig 7pm-10pm – in a band like set up, another really impactful moment in that first year (still 15!) where I was exposed to electronic music really being performed, at that moment I really got to appreciate this genre as an art form.

With all the success that you’ve rightly earned, what’s next for la la?

I can’t say I agree on the success part, but finally, things are starting to look up – the diary is getting busier the 2nd half of the year with some really cool parties – truly I’m grateful, for this year, for the time it’s given me to reflect & now after that reflection, I now have the ability to see clearer, appreciate everything, stay focused & excited – man I am so fucking excited to play to a room full of sweaty people.

I can’t wait to immerse myself back into music, my time is being managed by another job at the moment so it will be even sweeter when I leave & get back to it: this year I have the expectation to release some of my own work, along with supporting others on my newly birthed label Brand New Records – in summary, I don’t know what’s next in concrete but I know I’m re-entering the unknown better than I left it. Maybe more insecure but I’m sure everyone is feeling a bit of that at the moment.

How do you think nightlife and electronic music will bounce back after the pandemic?

I think it will hugely; I wholeheartedly believe in the ‘rave revolution’ where we get back to love, unity, amazing music & even better people, more grateful in the crowd and behind the decks.

How much does fashion play a role in you as an artist?

I would say I look at fashion as an extension of who you are – telling people something without opening your mouth is wicked – but I don’t know how important it is to be an artist in this industry, music in a broader view yes but not this particular part of it. When I play I like to be comfortable but to be honest, I’ve not always had that outlook – I used to ‘dress up’ in pieces that made me feel great that were figure-hugging for example – but I suppose I felt pretty judged, vulnerable & eventually uncomfortable – being a female playing out over the last 9 years has been a learning curve for many reasons but fashion is for sure a part of that lesson – I love clothes in all forms & gravitate towards different styles depending on how I’m feeling but sometimes it’s influenced by them all, I really hope to go ‘back to work’ not really giving a shit about what people have to say about how I look what I’m wearing as long as I feel good who cares, wish me luck 🙂