Words and Images: Theo Thompson
Known in the music world as Shirley Temper, Nicole has risen to prominence within the both the DJ and production realms, offering a compelling testament to resilience, authenticity and an unwavering passion for her craft. From humble origins to her established presence in London’s underground music scene, Nicole seamlessly merges exceptional talent, hard-won insight and a forward thinking vision for the evolution of music.
Nicole’s musical path was shaped from an early age. Growing up in a working-class household, she was surrounded by a diverse range of sounds, but it wasn’t until university that her love for dance music truly ignited. “I did my grade eight in piano when I was 15. It was one of the things that kept me and my sister on the straight and narrow,” she recalls, reflecting on how music became both an escape and a form of self-expression. Her roots lie in techno, but she has never been confined to just one genre. Nicole’s influences span anywhere from jungle to dance hits, with iconic tracks like Eric Prydz’ ‘Pjanoo’ shaping her early musical tastes. “My roots will always be in techno, but I love bringing in jungle techno. It just feels right to me.”
However, her rise to prominence hasn’t come without challenges. As a woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated industry, Nicole faced an uphill battle to find her place, often encountering microaggressions and bias. “When I used to go to sound engineers, they’d assume you’re another DJ’s girlfriend,” she reflects casually, as though these obstacles were just part of the norm. Yet, rather than let these barriers define her, she found strength in them, using them as motivation to carve out space for herself, and others, within the scene.
In her work, Nicole consistently strives to amplify marginalised voices. As a member of the Jungyals and Gays (JGNG) collective, she creates a welcoming, inclusive environment that celebrates the power of community. “I know it’s a good night when it’s just girls and queer people at the front of my sets,” she shares, emphasising her desire to build spaces where everyone, regardless of gender or identity, feels comfortable and empowered. Her new highly anticipated EP “GXRL POWER” set to drop on March 8th, coinciding with International Women’s Day, showcases her vocal debut offering an all-original collection of empowering music and will be celebrated with a launch party for JGNG. The release also features a special track with JGNG, reinforcing the EP’s vibrant and bold message of self-expression and female empowerment. Through this release, Nicole invites women to embrace their femininity unapologetically, offering a space where they can feel empowered and confident in their own voices. “Girls shouldn’t have to feel ashamed about singing along to those lyrics. We’ve had generations of men doing it, now it’s our turn.”
Her sets, while illustrating her artistic progression, also stand as a testament to her steadfast commitment to inclusivity. During a wonderful thought-provoking chat with Nicole from a recent JGNG night, I really grasped the profound extent to which she values and is attuned to the energy of her audience. “I want to create this whole world where I want girls to feel sexy and free and comfortable… why shouldn’t everyone be able to feel that way in themselves?” As her opening track resonated, the atmosphere became charged with intensity; a reciprocal bounce between her and the crowd, feeding off each other, creating a bond that transcended the music itself.
Nicole’s perspective on the music industry is refreshingly grounded and future focused. While others may lament the commercialisation of dance music, she remains determined to forge her own path, creating “something that feels real and genuine.” She has no interest in simply conforming to the industry’s commercial pressures. Instead, Nicole seeks to be a part of a broader movement that pushes for authenticity and representation. “I think we’re living in such a great time for dance music, I’ve been so inspired by the new wave kind of reinterpretation and how that sound is being pushed going forward so obviously need I say less like Tim Reaper what he’s doing with like Future Retro, how jungle is shaping and evolving now it’s absolutely amazing.” She shares, with optimism about the growing diversity and representation in the scene. Still, there is much work to be done – especially when it comes to gender balance on line-ups. “It just baffles me that some promoters aren’t looking hard enough. If they say, ‘there aren’t enough of them,’ I just think you’re not looking hard enough.”
What sets Nicole apart is not only her musical prowess but also her commitment to mentorship and education. “It’s so important to share knowledge,” she asserts, eager to help up-and-coming producers, especially women and queer individuals, navigate the challenges of the industry. Her approach to grasping production was methodical yet patient: “I spent a good six months just opening it up for half an hour and then shutting it down immediately… but I told myself, don’t put pressure on yourself.” It’s this combination of perseverance, humility and generosity that defines Nicole as an artist. Her collaborations, whether it’s with friends or fellow producers, reflect her belief that community is key. “It’s just having that community and uplifting each other,” offering a model of collaboration over competition.
Despite encountering challenges, Nicole has consistently demonstrated unwavering resolve and courage in asserting herself. Her experiences with harassment, whether on the dance floor or behind the decks, have taught her to assert herself. “I’ve learned that you don’t have to tolerate disrespect, and you can speak up for your space,” a sentiment that underpins her advocacy for safer, more inclusive environments. For Nicole, it’s not just about speaking up for herself, but for creating a world where everyone is treated with respect. “I want to see a future where inclusivity isn’t something promoters have to remember, it’s just a given.”
Reflecting on her journey, Shirley Temper is the embodiment of what it means to rise above adversity and build something lasting. From the nervous energy of her early days of production to the profound bond she now cultivates with her audience, Nicole remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, both in music and culture. As she continues to create, collaborate and inspire, she remains grounded in a message that will resonate with future generations of artists: “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Create the spaces you want to see in the world.”
