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.
We are so excited to relaunch the shesaid.so Mix series with our friend Tina Edwards.
The mixing style of British DJ Tina Edwards is a bricolage of musical influences. Growing up in London with a strong musical education, Edwards has always appreciated a diverse range of genres and sounds. In her DJ sets she brings together contemporary and uncovered gems, large-scale jazz, funk, disco, a spectrum of house music, and even left-field pop. As a result of this expert crate-digging and impeccable mixing intuition, Edwards has been featured on Boiler Room, shared line-ups with the likes of Giles Peterson and Charlie Dirk, and procured a 5-year-running residency at Worldwide FM. Across these platforms Edwards continues to champion UK Jazz, the fulcrum of her musical identity and a style defined by a bridging of jazz and club culture.
Tell us the story of how you fell in love with music.
My parents were always supportive of my curiosity for music. I owe a lot to them. They took me to guitar and piano lessons and didn’t hold me back when I wanted to leave one instrument in order to try another. My mum once said to me that of all the things she could have passed on to me, a love of music is the one that’s most important to her. One of the most precious memories from my childhood is jumping on the sofa with my mum as we sang at the top of our lungs to Tiffany’s “I think we’re alone now”.
How has your community, background or upbringing influenced your sound?
I was lucky to grow up in a multicultural school in London. I took up tabla lessons when I was 7, and my school offered every child steel pan lessons after school. I think those opportunities left me with a curiosity and comfort with rhythm. When my family and I moved to the Isle Of Wight, I took up singing and began to find my musical identity, and it’s been constantly evolving since. DJing and a love of records came much, much later — in my adult life. After my A levels I went to music college doing vocals and drums (often at the same time). But it was sharing other people’s music that’s always gotten me most excited.
From where or whom do you draw inspiration?
My inspirations change from day to day. Right now, I’m inspired by the DJs that I most love listening to; Folamour and Hunee. There’s an element of boogie and groove and they’re never restricted by genre. I’m really feeling Dave Lee at the moment, too. Jazz is huge for me, especially for the impulsive energy of a Jazz dancefloor. My mixes come together through that lens. Away from DJing, I take inspiration from Bjork, drag culture and the people around me.
Is there a theme to your mix? What can listeners expect to hear?
The kind of music I find it impossible to stay still to when playing out.
What are you currently working on, and what are you looking forward to in 2022?
My Four Corners takeover at Brixton in Jamm, with Rebecca Vasmant, Tim Garcia, Mama Jo and Rosy Ross. A collection of DJs that I can’t wait to make a party with on 5th Feb! I’m hoping to play in Germany — I had a tour scheduled for January 2022 but unfortunately, venues are closed whilst they battle with COVID. For now, I’m getting my kicks from playing out as much as I can. I’m still a baby DJ (I’ve been playing for four years) so I’m excited to make my debut in more club spaces and festivals this year.
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