A Cool DJ Shares Her Favourite Songs & Mixes For Summer

What was first track that made you fall in love with music? 

I used to sneak downstairs at my grandma’s house in the early hours to listen to ‘The Slow Down Zone’ with Jenny Francis. One night I heard ‘Rain’ by SWV, and I remember feeling every single lyric and instrument in my chest. That was the first time music hit me on a deep emotional level and I was hooked. 

Who are your biggest musical influences past and present? 

Missy Elliott, Pharrell, and UK garage legends like MJ Cole. Right now, I’m inspired by artists who blur genre lines like Kaytranada, Amaarae and Little Simz. 

Is there an artist you’d love to collaborate with one day? 

Diplo. I love how effortlessly he shifts between scenes and sounds, all while knowing exactly how to get a crowd moving.

What’s your ultimate summer anthem right now? 

‘Feel the Vibe’ by BJ the Chicago Kid & Anderson .Paak. It has that laidback, windows-down type of energy. 

Which track never fails to get people dancing at a party? 

Rosalía’s ‘Despechá’ – no one can resist it, not even the shy ones. 

What’s on your playlist for lazy beach days or road trips? 

A mix of Brent Faiyaz, N.E.R.D., and old-school Sade. Smooth but vibey. 

What underrated summer tune deserves more love? 

‘Touch’ by Shura. It’s pure synthy sunshine that never got the flowers it deserved. 

What’s your go-to opening track to set the mood? 

It depends on the energy of the night, but I love starting with something unexpected, like a slowed-down edit of a classic R&B track, something that makes people lean in. I love creating on the spot as well. I use MASCHINE+, which lets me flip samples live and build intros that are totally unique to that moment. 

Do you have a signature remix or edit that always gets a reaction? 

Yes! My club remix of ‘Kickin’ never fails. As soon as the drop hits, the energy shifts. It’s become a crowd favourite in my sets. 

Which emerging artists or producers are on your radar? 

I’m really into Cristale, Nia Archives, and BXKS right now – the UK girls are cooking.

Any recent tracks you’ve discovered? 

‘Lights Out’ by Fred again.. and Romy which is such a sonic rush. 

What’s a hidden gem in your collection that people wouldn’t expect? 

I have a deep love for Italo Disco. There’s this track ‘Spacer Woman’ by Charlie that always surprises people when I drop it. 

What do you listen to when you’re not DJing? 

I have a soft spot for early 2000s pop. Give me some Britney or JoJo and I’m singing full volume. 

How do you prep for a set – any rituals or must-haves? 

A good matcha, fresh nails and 30 minutes to zone out with my headphones. I always meditate for a few minutes before a big set. 

How do you keep your sets fresh and evolving? 

Every week I browse Bandcamp, SoundCloud and edits from up-and-coming producers. I also test new blends live and read the room hard. Crowd feedback is everything. But it's also about the flexibility your tools allow. For example, MASCHINE+ gives you a lot of flexibility, so you don’t have to be a pro and you can still create something really special.

If you could DJ anywhere in the world this summer, where would it be? 

An open-air rooftop in Rio during sunset. That energy would be unreal. 

What’s next for you – any exciting projects or gigs coming up? 

I’ve just partnered with Native Instruments and AMIRI for their Sound Bar at Selfridges. I built a live soundtrack using Native Instruments’ MASCHINE+ on site which was a lot of fun. It brings together my two loves: music and fashion. People can go down themselves, create their own beat and then take it away to play back when they get home.

I’ve also got a few major gigs coming up in Ibiza and Paris, plus I’m dropping a new mix series that blends R&B, garage and future beats. Oh, and I’m also working on a capsule collab with a fashion brand I love – stay tuned…

Follow @SIOBHANBELL

Siobhan Bell has teamed up with AMIRI and Native Instruments for the new Sound Bar pop-up at Selfridges. From 14th July to 4th August, visitors can create their own track, explore beat production with MASCHINE+, and browse AMIRI’s SS25 collection in a beach club-inspired space. Book here.