Jess Hands — Artist Mix 005

Hi my name is Jess Hands. I hope you enjoy this mix, let me set the vibe for you before you listen to this mix. 'Closing set - the suns dropping down - misty, lights and subs in full swing, closing the summer out. Legs are nearly tired, but you still have that last dance in you.' ( I've felt this many times at waterworks ) Enjoy.

For this edition of the Waterworks Festival Artist Mix Series, we’re diving into the sonic world of Jess Hands, a DJ and selector whose deep, dynamic sets seamlessly weave together bass-heavy rhythms, intricate percussions, and leftfield club sounds. Known for her razor-sharp curation and ability to transport listeners through unexpected sonic landscapes, Jess has become a vital presence in underground dance music. 

With Waterworks on the horizon, we caught up with her to talk to her about how far we have come as an industry, and how there is still a lot left to be done to represent marginalised communities in dance music, aswell as some of her favourite products, DJs and parties which shape her sound. 

How have you seen the electronic music scene change for women in the past 5 years? Where have you seen progress, and where does it still need to go?

Such a huge subject and I could go for hours, but I’ll get to the point.

When I started raving there was barely any representation in rave music for women, nb or queer people, I was going to drum and bass raves and it felt safe ( ish )  and great, but there was barely any representation among artists.

I think there’s been a lot of people working hard to make strong changes in dance music and because of that there is definitely more diversity in lineups in recent times.

Where does it need to go? To start with, there needs to be more women and nb artists headlining and not just warming up. I say this because there have been changes in the last few years but it seems to be going backwards again in certain areas. I have to give it to some (mostly smaller) promoters who are really amazing at it and are really trying but bigger promoters need to be making the same effort.

Like any industry we need to adapt to the times and really should be flying the flag for powerful women and nb artists. They are often the ones making some of the biggest changes and impacts. I think some promoters can get too comfortable booking the same men, investing in change and diversity is something that will bring with it more creativity and progression.

What do you think seeing more diverse lineups at festivals and club shows means to electronic music fans? And how do you think these lineups are influencing the sound and culture of electronic music?

I think diverse lineups can bring a safer atmosphere for many people to dance. I’ve felt this first hand through watching some of my idols such as Eris Drew and Octo Octa. These line ups bring so much inspiration for fans and having increased diversity means more people can resonate with the music, there is so much emotion and feeling involved. With some artists you can really feel the passion and love behind their sets which helps you lose yourself inside these worlds they create. It’s a form of protest and joy and love for the culture of dance music, line ups who are just promoting the same artists, it can become stale.

What was your experience like entering the industry and what can more experienced artists and promoters do to support newcomers?

My experience has been incredible, I have been uplifted by so many amazing people in the industry from all sorts of levels and feel so lucky and grateful I have managed to have such a lovely experience entering the world of DJing. Promoters and so many others have given me such great opportunities - so many well established women and nb artists have really backed me.

I guess promoters can always keep learning - try something new. We can learn from people who have only been in the industry for a year as well as learning from people who have crafted the art for years. Working together is the way forward instead of creating a divide, be nice and just be helpful when you can, so many male promoters/artists etc have also really backed me. In my experience something that may be lacking is education and understanding. Have patience and try to remember music is meant to bring people together.

Lineups are getting more diverse, but what about the rest of the scene - bookers, label heads, sound engineers. What difference does it make to artists’ careers to have representation behind the scenes as well as on stage?

I would love to see a more diverse selection of people in charge of bookings, especially more women in senior positions. I work with so many inspiring women all the time and I know they are the ones pushing the boundaries and making powerful changes, not just in music but in the world. It’s not about black/white thinking, you have to think with emotion and understanding.

I am seeing lots of label heads who are women which is great but I would love to have more women on the front end working with DJ’s - security, AL, sound techs. We as an industry should be moving forward as a whole, not just more diverse line ups.

Can you name the women and nb artists who’ve inspired you, and the new artists you’re excited about?

Musically, Jay Carder, Madam x, Fliss Mayo, CCL, also, I’ve learned learnt so much listening to Octo Octa & Eris Drew talk about how they experience the music and it’s something I have really taken on myself moving forward with my journey in life and music.

A new artist I’m excited about has got to be SKETCH, and kinda new in terms of getting their limelight right now Beatrice M, honestly their production and musical journey is one to watch - innovation right there.

Electronic music is built on community - raves, collectives, pirate radio. Have you seen shifts in how women and non-binary artists are finding and building their own spaces within the scene? Are there any crews or initiatives you think deserve more attention?

I have so many favourite crews and parties but I’ll name a few. First up, The Beatriarchy, a platform for underrepresented artists such a lovely crew. Another night and platform is BUMPAH ldn, a qtipoc bass rave collective which is an incredible party. 

There’s a couple special trans related nights I’d love to mention. Body Swap & Trans Late which both raise money for Trans healthcare or charities. 

For radio I must shout about an incredible community station in London called voices radio who do huge work for the community. 

One last mention is NLDC, a free dubstep night every Wednesday in Dalston which is pure community vibes.