Max HeyraudWe spoke to Surka, deni_sova, Rhyzine, and Nichole ahead of their performances at Smirnoff and Wigwam’s The Christmas Mixer, a two-part showcase highlighting local FLINTA DJs with free tickets to ensure inclusivity. We discussed how each DJ is navigating the scene in 2024, breaking down the “boys’ club” mentality, FLINTA influences, and how clubs and promoters can better support minority artists.
Irish dance music, like dance music globally, has been undergoing a transformation over the past five years, especially post-pandemic. A historically male-dominated scene is becoming more diverse and true to the roots of dance music, which were deeply embedded in politically tied spaces that offered refuge to marginalized groups, particularly queer and POC communities. From its early roots in Chicago and Detroit, dance music has been probed, commodified, and, inevitably, the essence of its culture and evolution became diluted. Lineups became dominated by cisgender white males, from headliners to support acts, with diversity and equality almost nonexistent.
Movements like the Me Too Movement have had a significant impact on the landscape of dance music. In the late 2010s, they helped to expose the toxic dynamics, forcing the dance music community to confront its own issues of abuse, inequality, and sexual misconduct. Rebekah’s #ForTheMusic Campaign debuted in 2020, causing a massive ripple effect throughout the industry. The campaign was a direct response to the gender inequality and mistreatment that many women, non-binary, and marginalised artists face in the industry. The #ForTheMusic movement advocated for equal pay, more opportunities for FLINTA artists, and greater recognition of their contributions to the genre. Although there is still much work to be done, the hard work and courage of FLINTA artists who have spoken out have dramatically altered how the industry looks, sounds, and feels in 2024.
Ireland’s dance music scene was indicative of the brutal inequality in dance music culture, where it was twice as hard to break through the mould as a FLINTA DJ. There were next to no DJs to look up to or aspire to, and it often felt as though the culture was entirely tailored toward cis men in the industry. You only have to go back to Resident Advisor and search up Dublin events from the 2010s era to realize just how bad this was. A nod to the trailblazers of this era—Gash Collective, Cailín, Jenny Greene, Annie Mac, Kelly Anne Byrne, Saoirse, Americhord, Aoife Nic Canna, and others—who helped establish the idea that it was possible to have success as a FLINTA DJ in Ireland during this period.
We spoke to Irish-based DJs Surka, Deni Sova, Rhyzine and Nichole about their experiences navigating the Irish dance music scene as FLINTA DJs.
For many FLINTA DJs, entering the scene started with inspiration from trailblazing artists who broke through similar barriers. Rhyzine cites Or:la as a pivotal influence: “She was the first queer Irish DJ I went to see, and she’s inspired me ever since. Her presence showed me that there was space for people like me in dance music,” she explains. deni_sova, originally from Siberia, found her inspirtaion in Nina Kraviz. She reflects: “What amazed me most was her journey—she was born and raised in Siberia, like me, yet she achieved global recognition. Her success showed me that it’s possible to break barriers, even coming from a remote place, and it motivated me to follow my passion for DJing.”
FLINTA DJs frequently encounter structural and social barriers that their male counterparts do, deni_sova highlights the cultural dynamics of club culture: “The scene still feels very male-focused. As a female DJ, you sometimes think twice before sharing your ideas—not because you lack confidence or skill, but because you’re more conscious about setting boundaries and asserting your voice.” Nichole adds: “There’s always been this assumption of ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’ That can be intimidating, especially in a male-dominated industry where networking often feels harder for women.”
Dismantling the perception of dance music as a “boys’ club” requires a systematic shift in who is playing, booking, and ultimately running dance music, extending far beyond just the lineup. Surka calls out biased bookings in the Irish club scene, emphasizing the importance of creating more inclusive spaces: “Calling out bias in bookings, continuing to support female DJs, and creating inclusive spaces will all help to break the stigma. It’s about making room, not just as a token, but because their talent deserves to be showcased.”
Promoters and venues have incredible influence in defining the industry, and many FLINTA artists have strong opinions about what needs to change. For Rhyzine, creating gender-balanced lineups is a starting point, but deeper adjustments are required. “It’s not just about getting FLINTA artists onto the lineup; it’s about giving them later slots, not just the opening ones. Beyond that, clubs need to create safe spaces for everyone. Offering gender-neutral bathrooms, having clear party policies, and training staff to uphold these standards makes a big difference.”
Despite the hurdles, the DJs recognise that progress is being made. Denisova focuses on the role of social media in boosting under-represented voices. “Social media has made it easier for FLINTA DJs to share their work and connect with audiences. It’s encouraging to see more women and non-binary artists on lineups, even at larger festivals.” Surka echoes this optimism but urges caution: “There’s growing awareness of the need for diversity, and I’ve seen more female DJs headlining. But it’s a long road, and seeing all-male lineups still happen is a reminder that there’s work to do.”
Ireland is home to an abundance of FLINTA talent pushing the frontiers of club culture in Ireland. Rhyzine highlights artists such as Lúnasa, Puzzy Wrangler, JWY, Local Threat, and Rosita, who have all been pushing the envelope with their music and what they stand for. deni_sova champions EMA: “She’s not only an incredible DJ but also a driving force in creating spaces for the community. Balancing both sides of the industry while excelling in each is so inspiring.”
This Christmas, Wigwam and Smirnoff will collaborate on The Christmas Mixer, a celebration of FLINTA DJs in the local community. The first event takes place tonight, December 6th, with Nicole Weldon and Denisova, followed by a second on December 15th with Surka and Rhyzine. With free tickets available, the events hope to break down barriers and make the celebrations more accessible to everyone. It’s an opportunity to celebrate diverse talent and create welcoming environments for FLINTA artists to shine.
