Words: Theo Thompson
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Storm Mollison, an artist whose path through the music scene is as vibrant as the sets she curates. Known for her magnetic presence behind the decks and sharp, visionary creative direction, Storm has built a career that blends technical mastery with fearless innovation. Our conversation unfolded after a wonderful afternoon spent digging through crates of vinyl in North London, where we delved into the early influences that ignited her passion, the challenges she has overcome and the ongoing battle to break down the barriers women still face in the world of DJing and music production.
Storm’s musical journey traces back to her childhood in Florida, where she first discovered her love for collaboration. “What’s really cool about an ensemble is that you have to work together to create this one sound,” she reflects, sharing how her time in the school choir shaped her belief in the power of collective effort. “If there’s anyone not trying to work together, it’s very evident.”
At 16, Storm’s life took an unexpected turn when her father, who had once envisioned an athletic future for her, gifted her a guitar “I thought I was going to go down the athletic route, but that’s when it all changed.” The guitar would soon become her gateway into the world of song writing and performing, although it wasn’t until she moved to the UK at 19 that her musical identity truly began to take shape. “I went to Camden with my guitar, wanting to be Amy Winehouse. It was amazing because I didn’t know anyone. I was 19 and just figuring it out.”
Her early experiences in Camden laid the groundwork for her entry into the vibrant London music scene, where she joined the band KataRoo. A standout moment came when the band performed at the iconic Jazz Café. “For someone who came over here, spent so much time in Camden just trying to find their feet, being able to perform at the Jazz Café felt like I’d done it right,” underscoring her growth from a wide-eyed newcomer to a self-assured artist.
As her musical tastes evolved, Storm shifted from band work into solo production, experimenting with genres ranging from R&B to soul, and eventually, a deep house UK garage blend. “Garage bridged that gap between electronic music and R&B. I loved it,” describing how the genre resonated deeply with her early exposure to both dance music and soulful rhythms.
Storm’s journey in music has also been one of personal and professional growth. Early in her career, she struggled with perfectionism, fearing judgment and self-doubt. “I was shit scared of showing my music to anyone for fear they’d tell me they don’t like it or it could be better,” she admits. But over time, Storm learned to embrace imperfection and trust the process. “Now, some of the tracks I’m releasing this year were made years ago,” she says, a testament to her evolving approach to music production.
Rather than rushing to finish every track in a single session, she’s embraced flexibility. “You’ll never know when a song is finished, but when you feel proud of it, that’s when you step away,” she explains. Her ethos on music creation reflects a profound awareness that it’s not about chasing immediate perfection but about nurturing a track until it resonates on a deeper level.
Over the course of her career, Storm has experienced first hand the challenges women face in the music industry. “We’re far from equality,” she asserts, pointing out that despite some progress, the gender disparity in pay, recognition and representation persists. “It makes no sense that someone, whether female or not, with five or ten years of experience still has to fight for decent pay,” she notes, highlighting one of the industry’s most frustrating issues.
Storm has also witnessed the damaging effects of tokenism in lineups, where women are often booked as a checkbox rather than being celebrated for their talents. “It’s not just about inclusivity for the performers; it’s about the crowd too,” she says. “Having a predominantly female lineup creates such an electric, empowering atmosphere.” She recalls one such event at Corsica Studios, where the energy in the room, largely driven by women both performing and attending, was palpable.
As someone who’s fought to be recognised in a male-dominated space, Storm advocates for a future where women are no longer an afterthought but are central to the conversation. “I would love to see at least half of the posters in Ibiza airport be for women,” she shares, emphasising the need for visible representation.
Storm’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond gender. Her work, both as a DJ and a producer, is an embodiment of creative freedom, refusing to be boxed into genre categories. “The beauty of music is there are no rules.” For her, it’s all about experimenting, staying true to her sound and creating music that resonates with others, not worrying about the constraints of genres. “Nowadays, I just say I make electronic music. If it makes people dance, who cares about the genre?”
Her vision for the future of music is one of openness, where diversity and creative freedom can thrive. “The more inclusive and free the environment, the better it’ll be for everyone.” This ethos is central to her work in the studio, where she pushes boundaries and encourages others, especially women, to trust their instincts and not be limited by external expectations. “There’s no blueprint to creating something meaningful. You just have to trust yourself.”
Storm’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity and the power of community. Despite having faced the struggles of being a woman in a challenging industry, she has navigated those obstacles with such grace, humour and a fierce determination to create something unique. Her advice to the next generation? “Trust your instincts. Make what feels right to you, and don’t worry about the rules. Keep experimenting; it’s the only way forward.”
Reflecting on our conversation, I couldn’t help but appreciate how effortlessly Storm finished my sentences, reading my mind as if our thoughts were perfectly aligned. It was a conversation rooted in shared understanding and mutual respect, a rare quality in a world that often feels disjointed. Her passion for music and relentless drive to shatter boundaries inspire and challenge all who dare to dream in a space that continues to transform and grow.
As Storm continues to evolve her sound and presence in the industry, her journey remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when talent, resilience and a desire for inclusivity converge. With artists like Storm at the helm, the future of music feels like a boundless horizon full of possibilities with a newfound sense of equality.
As Storm continues to forge her distinct path, she is thrilled to announce her first personal release of the year, ‘Night Flow,’ a track that feels like a fresh step in her ever-evolving sound. Dropping on Forever Days, a label founded by SG Lewis early last year giving that real family-centred vibe, Storm is thrilled to be part of this community, which she sees as a natural fit for her artistic vision.
The track, out on February 28th, effortlessly channels a sun drenched summer house vibe, evoking beachy nostalgia, especially when the smooth sax kicks in. I find the instrumentation carries echoes of Bonobo’s style, with a subtle hint of the atmospheric yet dancey sounds that were so prominent in his Boiler Room x DGTL set in Amsterdam back in 2023. ‘Night Flow’ also showcases Storm’s impeccable ear for sampling, with a standout use of A.D.O.R.’s – ‘Life Flow.’ It is a beautiful reflection of her ability to seamlessly blend influences, drawing from her crate-digging experiences and her talent for finding the perfect sample that breathes new life into a track.
LISTEN HERE: Spotify: Storm Mollison
