18/03/2025
London-based DJ/producer and label owner Farzala returns to her Sakti Records imprint this March with her new single, ‘Twisted’. Marking the second release on Sakti following the label’s 2024 debut two-tracker ‘Don’t Stop’, this release serves as a re-launch for the imprint, signalling a new chapter for both artist and label with a slew of material set to drop throughout the year ahead. Fresh off her recent single ‘Smack’ on James Dexter’s label Inermu, the home of her debut EP ‘No Sleep’ and her collaboration ‘People’ alongside Dexter as part of the imprint’s 50th release, the emerging talent continues to prove her versatility as a producer with a slick new production having already gained support from the likes of East End Dubs, Terry Francis, Toman, Mahony, Santé, and more.
Q: Please introduce yourself
I’m a DJ and producer from London with a love for dubby rolling house. I like that quirky vibe.
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
Pharell. His energy and wisdom around music and truly accessing creativity speak volumes to me.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Being able to fly - the freedom - that would be something else.
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
This is a tough one - I’m a massive film head. I love animations, too. But I think it would have to be Requiem for a Dream - the score is already incredible. I think there’s a lot of fun to be had with this film and playing against what you are seeing, even though it gets pretty dark - there’s so much depth!
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?
Carola, his relentless diversity whilst weaving that into extended sets that keep you locked in is an art! And watching him in various different places over the years has been a lot of fun!
Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?
I used to play under a different alias some time back - and then, of course, the natural progression and intrigue was to start making music. I then took a little break and returned to music and basically wanted to start fresh, this time really focusing on producing. So I’ve spent all my time and energy over the last few years really focusing on that, playing and really pushing myself to make whatever comes out with no expectation of fitting somewhere specific. It’s been really freeing, and now I can’t wait to start playing again. I miss that!!
Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?
Sit in it for a bit, then work through it - it’s where the real growth happens!
Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?
I’ve been lucky to experience so many - I can’t pinpoint one just yet.
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
I’ve always loved the tougher sound - bass-heavy and solid drums. With my productions, at the core, I definitely gravitate to that sound - the stuff that makes you wanna have a good stomp. I guess how it’s evolved (and still is), I’ve become more playful in marrying the tougher sounds with my ear for quirky and soulful elements, whether that’s with synths or vocals. And going with whatever I’m connecting to at that moment in time.
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
I love hip hop - it’s just dope!
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
Ray Keith - Chopper (Shy FX Remix) - I was at a rave (that I probably shouldn’t have been at), and this was one of the many tracks that I was like - what is this??!! The place went wild. It’s one of those tracks that has so much attitude and fun at the same time.
Promised Land - Joe Smooth - this is such a feel-good track! The vocals, that percussion - it’s everything house is and has such a timeless feel.
Jamie Jones, AZARI, III Hungry For The Power - I remember hearing this and thinking wow this is something new - It was an evolutionary time that opened up the doors, I think, for so many people to get into house music, and there was an amazing shift in culture. Big Up JJ - he created a movement and brought so many people together, and at the heart of it, that’s what house music is about for me.
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
Close down Blackfriars station and use the glass-enclosed platforms for a party - Looking out over the city and the skyline - imagine that at sunrise!!!!
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
I have more music dropping on Sakti, and the plan is to start working with different artists and, of course, get back to the parties.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
I once starred in a British soap opera!
Twisted - Farzala [Sakti Records]