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 Brooklyn-based producer QRTR. QRTR is one of electronic music’s most promising up-and-coming artists, making waves with her cinematic brand of house music where she fuses air-tight dance hooks with dreamy downtempo textures. This style has garnered praise from publications like Pitchfork, DJ Mag, BBC Radio 6’s Tom Ravenscroft, The Wire Magazine, Paste Magazine, XLR&R, and more.
The buzzing selector has showcased her hypnotic live sets on the same stages as Tokimonsta, Daedelus, Booka Shade, and Tiga. Fans can expect to hear more of QRTR’s unique sound at her upcoming Coachella debut on the DoLab Stage.
Tell us the story of how you fell in love with music.
I’ve loved music my whole life, but it wasn’t until I experienced my first music festival (Bonnaroo in 2014) that I realized I wanted to create my own music project. Attending that festival is one of my fondest memories, and I hope to be part of someone else’s musical journey the same way the artists I saw that weekend are very much part of mine.
How has your community, background or upbringing influenced your sound?
I’ve been lucky enough to be part of Brooklyn nightlife for a decade now, and its eclectic nature definitely gave me the freedom and confidence to make the kind of music I make now.
Who or where do you draw inspiration from?
I’m inspired by so many things — books about space and dystopian tech futures, films about interdimensional ruptures unraveling reality, gardening. I like to pull inspiration from other mediums, but I’m also inspired by many music artists such as Bicep, Caribou, Octo Octa, Jamie xx, Kelly Lee Owens, Four Tet, Jacques Greene, TOKiMONSTA, and so many more!!!
Is there a theme to your mix? What can listeners expect to hear?
I just played a handful of tunes I’ve had on repeat lately, plus a couple new tracks of mine.
What are you currently working on, and what are you looking forward to in 2022?
I’m working on new music and building out a new live set. At the moment, I’m gearing up for my very first Coachella. :)