Raised in Derry, Northern Irish DJ and producer Louise DaCosta has written and released music with multiple labels and toured internationally, and achieved commercial chart successes over the last few years. In 2019 she decided to start up her own label and has been continuing to fly high ever since.
Now, teaming up with collaborative dance project Camden Place, Louise has released a shimmering remix of ‘A Life In Photos‘.
We spoke to Louise to find out more!
Hi Louise, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I started DJ-ing and running events over ten years ago when I was still in my teens, and learned my craft in my amazing hometown venue – RedRooms Derry, supporting the likes of Calvin Harris, Claude Von Stroke & Benny Benassi whilst still finishing my A levels! I then went on to Queens University and took up residency in Kelly’s/Lush Portrush, Envy Derry (the North West’s only LGBTQ nightclub) and other venues across the country for a few years. I then began touring nationally – playing all the major clubs, student nights and venues all across Ireland including headlining the Wright Venue! I then began to write and release music working with a variety of labels and began touring internationally across Europe, Asia UK & UAE. To date I’ve had three consecutive Number ones on Beatport, tens of top tens and top 20 commercial chart success also. After working with many labels and studios I decided I wanted to be in control of my own music. I launched my own label DaCosta Records in 2019 for dance electronic releases and then sister label DaCosta Rocks to release indie/alternative/rock with a major push on homegrown talent! We’ve now over 250 releases across both labels with huge radio play and critical acclaim for our artists. I launched the label with my debut album ‘Vim Vitae’ with accompanying art and featured it at various virtual exhibitions last year.
How did first start making music?
Initially I was a DJ, and I took my inspiration from the dance floor, then I got my first copy of Ableton and started crafting mash-ups for my sets, then remixes, then my own tracks!
Your new remix of Camden Place’s ‘A Life In Photos’ is out now – can you tell us about the production process?
As with any remix I’ll listen to the track and see what direction it’s possible to take it in! How the song made me feel, what were the core elements and themes etc. Then I’d listen to the vocals in isolation and try to build a narrative or a picture from there that’s still consistent with the original theme. I choose which parts of the track I think will work in the remix and use those. Then, like a sort of colour palette, I try to create elements or colours that complement that vibe. As someone with synthesia I see music in colour, so the track will be one or two major colours, then I’ll build around that some complimentary shades/sounds to create what I think is a full audio representation of how I visualise the track.
You’ve been compared to the likes of Kaskade and Kudu Blue, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Wow, what lovely comparisons, thank you very much! I think you’re influenced by anything you hear really, but these are some of my faves: David Bowie, Kate Bush, Talking Heads, Blondie, Lady Gaga, Prodigy, Hot Chocolate, Daft Punk, TJR, Nirvana, Lykke Li, Franz Ferdinand, Xinobi, MSTRKRFT, Justice. I could go on and on… Too many to mention!
In ‘normal times’, how is your local music scene?
Unfortunately things are very quiet at the moment due to restrictions, but usually yes! Just before lockdown started we threw DaCosta Records 2nd Birthday in our home town Derry, which was amazing! So hopefully we can get back to this again soon.
And what can fans expect from your live shows?
Massive energy, best night of your life! Great craic! You should come and find out… Until then check my Insta videos for a wee idea!
As we’re a new music focused site, are there any new/upcoming artists or DJs you’d recommend we check out?
We’ve signed lots of new amazing talent over at DaCosta Records (Dance/Electronic) and DaCosta Rocks (Indie/Alt/Rock). It would be hard to single out just a few, so please do check them out on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube etc. We are also currently accepting demos and always happy to feature new music on our radio show too, so if any of your readers would like to hit us up, please do at dacostademos@gmail.com .
And how do you feel the music industry is for new artists and DJs at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
The lack of live shows is making it very difficult for everyone at the moment. However technology/social media is helping bridge some gaps, but you do need to connect with your audience. So, at the moment, music is the answer as you can keep releasing and relating to your fans with your music, but hopefully we can all do it live again soon!
Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for Louise DaCosta?
A lot! Some of the exciting things include: A new album, DreamBoats & DiscoBots to be released later this year; a weekly radio show every Friday on Global Radio Cork; an exclusive mix for BBC Introducing next month; I’m currently working on a film soundtrack project; DaCosta records are running some DJing classes; writing and & releasing lots more fun happy music… And, if things return to normal, I will resume touring and hopefully be playing my new music everywhere!
Massive thanks to Louise for answering our questions!
‘A Life In Photos’ (Louise DaCosta Remix) is out now via DaCosta Records.
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