Words: Theo Thompson, Photos: Orson
As I sat down with DRIIA ahead of her Manchester debut at Hidden for the 23 Degrees 10-year anniversary party, it became evident that her journey extends far beyond that of an emerging DJ and producer. It is a narrative marked by resilience, authenticity, and a relentless drive to challenge and transcend the boundaries of the music industry. With every beat, she blends her early influences with a fierce drive to carve her own path in the music world; one that isn’t limited by gender, genre or expectations.
Her journey into music began with the melodies of classic rock, thanks to her father; a bass and guitar player. “I used to sit in my room with my little CD player… listening to the likes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys, harmonising for hours,” she recalls. Yet, the genres that have come out in her sets were discovered later in life. “I was a late bloomer. So Garage, Jungle, Drum and Bass, Trip Hop, all of these things I was never introduced to as a kid. I didn’t discover these genres until I was around 19.” What began as a youthful exploration evolved into a deep connection with the gritty, pulsating beats that now drive her creative expression.
Nostalgia is not merely a thematic influence in DRIIA’s work, but rather the very core of her artistic identity. She describes this sensation as the driving force behind her production, stating, “A lot of it for me is nostalgia… it’s just striving for that feeling that I had when I was in London from like nought to five or six.” This longing for a specific period, particularly that of the early noughties in London, shapes the emotional landscape of her music. Even after moving to the countryside, a shift that radically altered her environment, DRIIA continually seeks to reconnect with the energy and essence of that era. This sentiment, however, transcends genre; her music is not confined to a singular stylistic expression but is instead a fluid exploration of sound that embodies the feeling of an “aching nostalgia” she struggles to verbalise but keenly feels.
The physical manifestation of this reminiscence is evident in DRIIA’s creative process. She maintains a visual mood board on Pinterest that captures the essence of that time, alongside a YouTube playlist of archival footage from London in the ‘90s and early noughties. These images and videos are not merely aesthetic references; they serve as integral tools to fuel her artistic vision. “I have that in the corner of my screen… I need to look in, look over it.” From videos of street scenes in Soho and Piccadilly Circus to raw, unfiltered footage of raves, these visuals offer DRIIA an intimate window into the past, allowing her to tap into the cultural and emotional vibrancy of that time. In this way, DRIIA’s music becomes a synthesis of both visual and auditory stimuli, where the sounds she crafts are deeply rooted in her personal and collective memories of a place, a time and a feeling.
It’s clear that DRIIA’s vision is multi-faceted. While her DJ sets are captivating, her heart lies in production and performing original music. Classical training as a child, in the form of singing and piano lessons, has given her a strong foundation, but she is now ready to share more of herself. “I want to fulfil this passion for performing my music,” hinting at a future that promises to reveal new dimensions of her artistry.
Her journey has been filled with moments of growth and self-discovery. When she ventured into new musical territories, diverging from the sound she was initially known for, she faced uncertainty. “I turned up with my vision board and an album’s worth of music,’” she recalls. Despite the risks, she has always remained committed to her artistic vision, trusting her instincts even when the path ahead seemed unclear. “Some days I wake up and think, am I doing the right thing? But I’m happy. If something’s right, I know it, and I trust my intuition.”
Her authenticity and bold approach to blending genres is a testament to her artistic integrity. DRIIA’s willingness to defy expectations highlights a deeper message; especially for women and marginalised voices in music. “If I can show others that it’s okay to take risks and not follow the norm, maybe I’ll inspire the next generation,” And inspire she does. DRIIA’s story is one of not only crafting an idiosyncratic sound but also carving out space for other women and non-binary artists who might feel disempowered in a male-dominated industry.
While she is unapologetically proud of being a woman in the scene, DRIIA is quick to emphasise that gender should never define an artist. “I love being a woman. I’m never going to shy away from that, but I don’t want that to be my only quality that gets talked about,” she asserts. Instead, she wants people to focus on her craft, and the artistry she brings to the table. “I just want everyone to exist for their craft rather than their gender,” she adds, reminding us that talent should be the focal point, not gender labels.
Unfortunately, gender disparity still pervades the music industry and DRIIA has experienced this first hand. “I can count on one hand the amount of sets in the last two years where I haven’t been the only woman on the line-up,” But she’s not just focused on the challenges, she is determined to make a difference. DRIIA is passionate about making the industry safer and more inclusive for those who feel underrepresented. “If we’re going to talk about the issue of disparity, that’s a very clear issue. Making sure you’re getting them an Uber from the venue home…” emphasising the importance of thoughtful safety measures for female and non-binary artists.
Though she speaks of these issues with clarity and calm, it’s impossible to miss the weight of her words. These challenges are part of her norm. Her willingness to speak candidly about them, without bitterness, only highlights her strength and resilience in a landscape that often seems stacked against her.
Looking ahead, DRIIA’s aspirations are as expansive as her talent. With aspirations to take to the Glasto stage and gain greater recognition for her work as a producer, above all she hopes to witness the evolution of the industry. “I’d like to see more development. Bring back developing artists. Pay them! Pay them to live,” she says, envisioning a future where artists are nurtured, not just marketed.
As she continues to shape her career, DRIIA reflects on her journey and the significance of backing yourself. “Backing yourself is not egotistical. If anything, it’s a really beautiful thing to feel proud of yourself.” She herself is living proof of that belief, continuing to pave her own path and inspiring others along the way.
From the girl with a CD player, harmonising to The Beatles in her bedroom, to the DJ and producer breaking barriers in an industry historically shaped by limited narratives, DRIIA’s story is one of growth, persistence and empowerment. Her journey isn’t just about the music; it’s about creating space for others to share their voices and be celebrated for their craft. As she embarks on this new chapter, one thing is clear: DRIIA’s vision is only getting started.
With DRIIA’s new release ‘PURE LOVE’, her growth as an artist continues to unfold with remarkable clarity and depth. This new single marks a significant step in her evolving narrative, where her personal reflections on love and self-discovery merge seamlessly with her signature alt-pop and dance style. With ‘PURE LOVE’, DRIIA invites her listeners into a euphoric, nostalgic embrace, offering a moment of warmth amidst the uncertainties of life. As her musical journey progresses, her upcoming EP ‘Butterfly to a Flame’ along with live performances will undoubtedly provide even more insight into the multifaceted artist behind the beats. In a world that constantly seeks new voices, DRIIA remains one to watch; a true pioneer shaping a space where authenticity, resilience and creativity are paramount.
