The shesaid.so mix series aims to spotlight the diverse artists within our community. We’re committed to championing underrepresented voices from around the world, focusing on female, non-binary, trans and queer individuals. Our monthly mix series allows our contributing selectors to showcase their unique backgrounds and inspirations by creating exclusive, 30-minute live recorded soundscapes.
The shesaid.so Mix series continues this month with Juliet Mendoza, the Los Angeles-based underground house purveyor who has been making waves in the LA dance music scene since the 90s with her melodic, soulful sounds.
Juliet Mendoza has firm roots in house music culture, both locally and internationally. She’s the founder and resident DJ of Jill’s House, a recurring LA party that acts as a platform for womxn identified DJs to share their sound with the house community in LA; has shared the decks with the likes of Peggy Gou, Doc Martin, Marques Wyatt, and Riva Star; won the Unsung Hero award at Defector Records; and has toured the world, from LA, to Paris, to Amsterdam, to Mexico City.
This August, Mendoza made her debut at Defected Croatia, the annual house music festival on the shores of the Adriatic. Stay tuned for more music from the producer later this year.
shesaid.so: Tell us the story of how you fell in love with music.
I have been around music my whole life. Different styles of music and dance. Watching people dance made me love music. It must have been that conversation at the age of five.
shesaid.so: How has your community, background or upbringing influenced your sound?
I think all three, my background, upbringing and community have all given me the ear that picks up drum beats that call the heart, vocals for the soul and basslines that take you away. You name it. An Afro Latin girl that grew up in the melting pot that LA is.
shesaid.so: Who or where do you draw inspiration from?
My mentors, friends and life experiences give me the inspiration to write, dig and play music.
shesaid.so: Is there a theme to your mix? What can listeners expect to hear?
Dance like no one is watching. A mix to move your mind, body and soul.
shesaid.so: What are you currently working on, and what are you looking forward to in 2022?
This year has opened so many doors, and I am excited to announce my debut for Defected Croatia August 2022. I also have some tracks coming out this year and next year that I am super excited about.
Juliet Mendoza Tracklist
Patrice Scott - Come Inside
John Beltran - Resol
Specter, Byron the Aquarius Remix - Cold Sweat
Stefan Ringer - Body Language
Andrum- Underwater
Mike Agent X Clark - Deep in da Heat
The Wamdue Project - In the back of your Mind
Follow Juliet on Instagram: @juliet__mendoza