CHEROKEE Feature Interview
CHEROKEE Feature Interview Zone Magazine Issue 048
CHEROKEE is an Australian DJ based in Gent, Belgium renowned for her dynamic house sets and positive energy.
Drawing influence from Chicago and New York house, her sets fuse disco, soulful melodies, jazz-funk rhythms and uplifting vocals, bringing a vibrant energy to the dance floor. Her DJ sets ignite underground scenes across Chicago, New York, Detroit, London, Shanghai, Hong Kong,
and Berlin. She’s played alongside legends Jazzy Jeff, Joey Negro, Ron Carroll, Robert Owens, Sandy Rivera, Nicky Siano, Roland Clark, Shut I Kan, Bruce Bailey, Wayne Williams, Oscar P and Demuir as well as local talents in Belgium Red D, Kid Sublime, Krewcial and Igor Vicente.
A trailblazer, she was one of Australia’s first female DJs to gain international recognition and headline major events, including the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai and delivering unforgettable performances at iconic venues including Cavo Paradiso in Mykonos, FunkBox at Sullivan Room New York and global music brand Hed Kandi in Melbourne.
CHEROKEE’s music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, earning praise and support
from house music legends Louie Vega, Todd Terry and Victor Simonelli. Her sound captivates you instantly, provides a rhythmic cure for your mind, body and soul, radiating nothing but good vibes only.
Words By Sheriyar Asad
What’s your go-to pre-gig ritual?
Starting with my favourite drinking an expresso martini with rum not vodka.
If you weren’t a DJ, what do you think you’d be doing?
Fashion Stylist
What’s the most memorable fan interaction you’ve had?
Can’t recall anything specific, but meeting them in person after being friends online is definitely a really awesome experience.
What’s currently on your personal playlist (non-DJing related)?
The Acid Jazz and Funk YouTube Channel
If you could collaborate with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
Nile Rodgers, Cerrone, Giorgio Moroder, Prince, Micheal Jackson, too many.
What first drew you to DJ’ing, and when did you realize this was something you wanted to pursue seriously?
It was a self-realisation! I grew up playing instruments and singing but never focused on just one. Then one night at a party, watching a friend DJ, I had an epiphany: I should be a DJ! By playing records I have all my instruments on one vinyl record. Shortly after, a close friend tragically passed away, which became the driving force. His loss made me realise life is too short not to pursue what you’re meant to be doing.
Were there any specific DJs or musical artists that inspired you early on?
Todd Terry, Louie Vega, Dave Lee (formerly known as Joey Negro), Ron Carroll, Sandy Rivera, Danny Krivit, Dimitri From Paris, Oscar P, Bob Sinclar, Martin Solveig.
What was your journey like breaking into the DJ scene? Did you face any particular challenges or advantages as a female DJ when you were starting out?
My few male DJ friends were very supportive, but as I grew in the scene, I realised I was really in the male-dominated domain. For some men, it was uncomfortable as they hadn’t worked alongside a female DJ before and that became both interesting and a new kind of competition for them. The challenge was breaking through that and landing gigs, but promoters started to notice that I brought a fresh approach to the scene and were excited to book me.
How did you learn the craft of DJing? Self-taught, mentorship, courses?
I was self-taught, with tips from DJ friends. Starting out on vinyl meant doing everything by hand, pushing records, relying on your ears, bringing in the mix and perfecting smooth transitions. It was all about relentless practice.
What was your first gig like, and how did you feel during it?
My first gig was at a Melbourne bar called The Comfortable Chair, a regularly hangout. The manager gave me a shot, my friends showed up and the crowd loved it! That’s where it all began, I left feeling very happy! Very memorable time.
How would you describe your signature DJ style or the genres you primarily play?
House music born from the ashes of Disco! House, Deep, Disco, Soulful, Jazzy, Funky.
How do you prepare for a set? What’s your process for selecting tracks and structuring your performance?
It depends, but I’m extremely organised. If it’s a month or two away, I’ll start a folder and add tracks that come to mind and a week or two before the gig, listen and refine the playlist to lock in the vibe and energy I want to create for the audience.
Do you prefer playing open format, or do you like to stick to specific genres?
I don’t play open format, I enjoy playing the genres I’m passionate about.
What’s your favorite part about performing live?
Bringing people joy through the power of music, uplifts their spirits. Giving them pleasure and having a lot of fun.
How do you read a crowd and adapt your set to keep the energy going?
By paying attention, seeing what they are reacting and grooving too. I’m approached often when playing with feedback that they’re loving the vibe or get asked about the track I’m playing. So it’s always a great sign that my music is on point.
What’s one track you can always count on to get a crowd moving?
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (original or a house remix)
What’s the most challenging aspect of DJing for you?
Keeping up with the amount of new DJ products.
Have you encountered any specific challenges or stereotypes as a female DJ in a historically male-dominated industry? If so, how have you navigated them?
It’s always been a competitive sector. I value carrying myself professionally, credibility and equally being a skillful DJ. I feel the macho era is slowly sub-siding and men are welcoming the recognition, value and strength of having ladies on the decks.
What are some of the positive aspects or unique perspectives you bring as a female DJ?
Fresh, fun personality, good music vibes and strong inspiration to those who’d like to follow in my footsteps.
How do you feel the landscape for female DJ’s has changed (or not changed) over the years?
It’s definitely opened up, there’s more acceptance and opportunities and great seeing women supporting each other.
What advice would you give to other aspiring female DJs?
Keep developing your knowledge and skill, inspire others, share tips and advice to empower the girls. And don’t let anyone intimidate you.
Have you found a supportive community among other female DJs?
There’s many now. When I began there weren’t so I started my own female networks. At my maiden event brand Martini in Melbourne, I sourced females and up and coming girls to play. S U S H E – Supreme Underground Sisters of House on Earth is my signature female brand that spawned in Shanghai, China in 2012 continues today.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of a DJ career, especially with late nights and travel?
I set strong structure and clear boundaries when it comes to my time and availability. I often joke that I’m a walking diary. Rest is important to me, so I balance my weekdays and weekends differently. While it may sound a little boring, pre-organising my life so it runs like clockwork helps me stay grounded, feel organised and remain enthusiastic about investing time in the things I love. This structure also creates space for spontaneous moments when they come along.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry and DJ culture?
It’s HUGE! There are so many genres out there now, which means more to learn and explore. I see it as something really positive. There are more opportunities than ever before and an incredible variety of parties and festivals to enjoy and play at.
Where do you see yourself and your career in the next five years? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or goals?
I’m on a mission to continue rising as a DJ, traveling, connecting and unlocking new experiences in the music industry. With every step, I’m diving deeper into production, mastering technical skills and exploring new instruments to expand my artistry. My focus is simple: stay at the top of my game, push boundaries, and embrace the journey with passion and purpose. Elevate, create and inspire! Keep doing what I was born to do!
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