We sat down with two brilliant female DJs who have been mixing up a treat on the Permit Room decks. DJ Pri is a Brighton local and self-titled Bass Baddie, while DJ Mimi is based in Brighton and London and taught herself the art of spinning records. If you’ve visited us previously, there’s a high chance you already know (and love) them both. We pass the mic below – grab a chai while you have a read.
Journal
Talking tunes with DJ Pri & DJ Mimi
Get to know our local DJs, and friends of Permit Room, DJ Pri and DJ Mimi
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
DJ Pri: I love being a woman. Though being one in the industry can feel a bit tricky sometimes, I’m glad I’m here taking up space and making it a more inclusive, safer place for everyone – and I look great doing it too!
DJ Mimi: I have sometimes struggled to feel respected the same way I see other male DJs respected. It’s also difficult to have your voice heard as a woman (especially if you happen to be brown and queer as well!). Despite this I will always keep doing my thing. I’m very proud to represent women, especially brown women, in the spaces I’m in.
ABOVE: DJ Pri on the decks
WHO ARE YOUR TOP FEMALE MUSICIANS, AND WHY?
DJ Pri: Without a doubt Hayley Williams from Paramore, she’s such a powerhouse and I channel her energy every single time I perform! Another favourite is Shreya Ghoshal, I listen to her every day when I get ready. Although they’re both completely different, both of these women are huge inspirations to me, and have played a part as to why I’m the woman I am today. I’ve been known to mix rock music with Bollywood before and that’s because of these two!
DJ Mimi: This is a BIG question. I am hugely inspired by Saliah who consistently reps her SWANA heritage and always blends sounds from the underground with Arabic flavours as well as everything she stands up for in the world. And Sherelle, for being such an important and pivotal figure in the jungle scene, and for so proudly and confidently repping QTIPOC DJs in the club world.
ABOVE: DJ Mimi spinning her tunes
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL EMPOWERED?
DJ Pri: I feel unstoppable when I’m performing. A cute outfit, a little bit of lip gloss, big bouncy blow-dry and some bassy tunes seem to be my perfect recipe for empowerment!
DJ Pri: I feel unstoppable when I’m performing. A cute outfit, a little bit of lip gloss, big bouncy blow-dry and some bassy tunes seem to be my perfect recipe for empowerment!
If DJ Pri and Mimi have (understandably) got your ears perked up, there’s more where that came from. Join us at Permit Room every Thursday from 7.30pm to hear more excellence on rotation. Find our local DJs on the decks doing their thing – playing epic mixes and blending eclectic sounds like you’ve never heard before. Come in and thank us later.
