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.
This month, we have the Los Angeles-based DJ/producer Jessica Skye, whose artistic identity mixes free-flowing, ethereal productions with a dedication to health and wellness.
Jessica Skye has played iconic venues around the globe such as Ministry Of Sound, Creamfields, Lovebox, Parklife, Snowbombing, and supported the likes of Groove Armada, Nightmares on Wax, Dave Lee and Todd Terry, She’s also run worldwide focused yoga retreats, classes, and events from the top of glaciers and sunny sunny rooftops to countless festivals and sandy beaches.
With an airy, kaleidoscopic sound, Jessica Skye perfectly melds her musical vision with a tranquil, serene lifestyle - a holistic creative approach that establishes a safe space for people to unwind, move to the music, and find a sense of flow.
In addition to becoming an Apple Fitness+ trainer where she curates and leads yoga workouts, mindful cooldowns and mediations, Jessica Skye recently released her album Fluō State 001 - a collection of melodic, downtempo tracks inspired by the ebb and flow of the energy of a yoga class.
Check out her guest mix with us and take a read of our interview with her below.
You’re a yoga teacher and a DJ - tell us about the crossover between these two worlds?
JS: For me, there is so much synergy between the two worlds and the thread that weaves it all together is music.
In both scenarios I’m holding a space for people to enjoy themselves, create some escapism as well as find a sense of flow. My duty is to read the room as well as carry the energy of it. When the balance is right there’s the most amazing exchange and feeling of connection.
How does being in the wellness scene influence your sound as an artist?
JS: This is actually how my album Fluō State 001 (Fluō is Latin for slow) came into existence.
When I got back into the music studio after a two year break, I was really drawn towards making chilled and downtempo tunes. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and loved the idea of creating a body of work I could teach yoga to.
I wanted to create a sonic journey that ebbed and flowed the same way the arc of energy would in a yoga practice. So my starting point was to imagine the yoga session. I pictured the setting, the lighting and the mood, with hundreds of people sat in front of me ready for their practice. From that point everything flowed really organically...
Every track on the album is really intentional in its design. I knew how I would want to open a yoga space, how I wanted the arrangement to build in energy to it’s peak with Virgo Rising, then slowly bring the energy back down ending with the wave-like soundscape AlphaBeta III.
You perform around the world - what's your favorite venue/festival to play?
JS: One of the best and most memorable gigs I’ve ever played was back in July 2019 at Feel Festival which takes place just outside of Berlin.
I felt like everyone was there for the right reason... To dance and connect with the people around them. The energy of the event was palpable from the moment I arrived on site. My set was 4 hours long... And I honestly could have played for 10.
It’s a safe, fun and welcoming space with creative installations all set around a gorgeous lake. Everything about it was so thoughtful and intentional in it’s design. Most importantly, it was inclusive and welcoming of everyone, with a very clear zero tolerance for low vibrational behavior.
Is there a theme to your mix? What can listeners expect to hear?
JS: A deep and melodic situation. Opening with the lead track from Fluō State 001, Virgo Rising. I hope you enjoy :)
What's up next for Jessica Skye?
After a 3 year break from live gigs, so I’m excited to jump back behind the decks this summer. I want to keep finding ways to bridge the gap between wellness and music and I’m already starting to plan out Fluō State 002.