Interview with Bo Jane

15/11/24

Who are you?

My name is Bo, and my DJ/artist name is Bo Jane. I have been very involved with music since this year, and I’ve been working on it for about a year and a half now.

I recently graduated with a master’s degree in gender and diversity studies and am taking a producer course at Syntra.

In your daily life, what occupies you? Mainly music?

Yes, mainly music. I also enjoy cooking. I like being at home and doing “homey stuff”; like meeting up with friends. I love being surrounded by people constantly.

You are now taking a production course; which direction do you want to go with this?

Good question. I want to gain more general knowledge about music. I don’t have high expectations of what I will do with it, but I do feel that my DJing is growing due to producing. My goal is to have some Soundcloud releases within a year or so. I want to collaborate with friends who sing, for example. I want to just have fun with it and see what comes out of it.

How did you get into DJing? What was the catalyst?

Many people have asked me that. I find it a difficult question; I’m not too sure.

It happened very naturally. I saw many people doing it on TikTok, for example. I have always been very involved with music, so I bought a controller. I did that and taught myself to DJ via YouTube for example, really step by step.

Okay, nice. I saw that you were actively engaged with 96 Movement. How did you get involved in that? Or what do you do within 96?

Primarily volunteer work. I attend every meeting and help organize certain events. I also independently manage some events.

I have done that once now and will do another one next year. The goal is primarily to provide young people in Brussels and Flanders with opportunities to play and develop as emerging artists. It started when 96 Movement had an open call to submit a BRUZZ set that they broadcast on Saturday evenings. They chose one of my sets, and coincidentally, I went to one of their workshops the following week. That’s where I met them in person. A little later, they called me and asked if I wanted to be a resident member at 96 to help organize things. So, we are mainly volunteers organizing things together.

And are you happy with your involvement? Will you continue to do it?

Yes, I think so. It’s nice because no one in my immediate environment, except my boyfriend, is involved with music. That’s what makes it nice as well, it broadens your community, which is necessary in the music scene. It’s also really nice to meet like-minded people. You always learn a lot from them.

How would you describe a typical set by Bo Jane?

It depends on where I am or where I record a set. I usually start with House-influenced music or just House, and I typically end with bassy music, ghetto-tech, jungle, and speed garage.

And how would you describe your set for tonight? Have you prepared anything?

Yes, I have prepared something because I find it difficult to completely improvise in a new place. I prefer to have some sort of framework.

You have been active in the scene for a year and a half now; are there any venues or events where you’ve performed that stood out to you? Any specific experiences?

Yes, I played at Montorollo this year. I know someone from the organisation and he asked me to play. I had no expectations, but it was so much fun. I received very positive feedback from everyone saying it was a great set. Besides that, I am also participating in Kiosk Radio workshops, through Decks Education. That was a milestone I wanted to achieve, and now I have. Kiosk is a staple venue where you need to have played.

Is there a place or an event by a certain organizer where you want to perform?

Horst. That is the dream. When I go to Horst, I feel completely in tune with the music, and I don’t feel that at any other electronic music festival. So, that’s where I would feel most at home.

Okay, nice. What can we expect from you in the future? Do you have any plans you can share? Or what are your ambitions for next year?

That’s a difficult question again. Yes, I just want to get more bookings, like every beginner DJ, I think. Also, learning to assess my value as a DJ and really establish myself. As a female DJ, I find it very important to push for more diversity in the scene, in my own way. But that’s a question of how exactly to do that.

Okay, nice. A good approach. Suppose someone you know starts DJing. What is your key tip that has helped you a lot or that you wish you had known earlier?

I think, like every DJ says, practice is key. That is tip number one. Also, staying very open-minded to every music genre. I think it’s important to know how each genre flows into or takes inspiration from other genres. For me, it’s about keeping my interest in music alive by learning the history of each genre.

There is so much history behind music. It’s impossible to keep up with everything, but it’s so interesting at the same time. I find the human aspect of music very fascinating. You have to respect that and try to show it in your music as an artist.

Very interesting! As a closing question, what message would you like to leave with the scene as Bo Jane?

I try to do everything with love and respect. Treat everyone you meet in the scene as you would like to be treated yourself.