The shesaid.so mix series aims to spotlight the diverse artists within our community. We’re committed to championing underrepresented voices from around the world, focusing on female, non-binary, trans and queer individuals. Our monthly mix series allows our contributing selectors to showcase their unique backgrounds and inspirations by creating exclusive, 30-minute live recorded soundscapes.
The shesaid.so mix series continues this month with Los Angeles DJ/producer Tara Brooks, whose spiritual connection to dance music, and vibrant, genre-blending style have helped her carve out a distinct space within a male-dominated industry.
Tara Brooks has brought her eclectic sets ranging from hypnotic techno to dark disco to venues and festivals across the world. In addition to a residency at Desert Hearts, the DJ has played BPM Festival (Mexico), Katerblau (Berlin), Sisyphos (Berlin), Blue Marlin (Ibiza), Acid Sundays (Ibiza), The Brooklyn Mirage (New York), Flash (Washington D.C.), DNSOF (Miami), Lightning in a Bottle (Central Valley), Sound (Los Angeles), and PublicWorks (San Francisco).
Following her recently released remixes for John Digweed’s Quatro III project, she’s revving up towards a jam-packed 2023, which will include a collaborative EP with Hannes Bieger, a handful of other original songs, and shows around the globe in Costa Rica, Tulum, Australia, and more.
Catch out our interview with Tara below.
Tell us the story of how you fell in love with music.
My whole family shares a strong love and passion for music— it's what brought my parents together. I grew up on my mom’s Beatles records, classic rock, indie folk, and ambient new age sounds! I then found my way into 90s alternative rock, west coast hip hop, reggae rock, R&B/soul and, of course, after my first rave it was all uphill from there!
How has your community, background or upbringing influenced your sound?
Being from Los Angeles and having divorced parents from a young age, I was always moving and having to adapt to new environments. It wasn’t until I found the Southern California rave scene that I felt truly connected to anything. I was exposed to a fusion of genres, from San Francisco, Chicago, and New York house and funk to electro, progressive, techno, and old school tribal. From Doc Martin & Dj Dan, to Sasha & John Digweed, I was always inspired by interesting sounds that emotionally connected me.
Who or where do you draw inspiration from?
Today I draw inspiration from all over the map, including the way the ocean makes me feel. I always leave Detroit blown away and ready to push my boundaries. During the pandemic it gave me a chance to open some old and new doors to different genres —breakbeats, electro, drum and bass, electronica, acid— and continue to define my sounds. Having a passion for so many genres has taken my supporters and I on one hell of a journey!
Is there a theme to your mix? What can listeners expect to hear?
I would love to hear how everyone describes my mix! To me it's a fun, mini adventure. It's uplifting, ethereal, soulful, funky, groovy, a lil' trippy, and made to make you feel good wherever you are or whatever you’re doing. Also featuring my latest remix for Rob Garza and another unreleased remix for Lee Coombs (:
What are you currently working on, and what are you looking forward to in 2022?
I just released 3 remixes on Bedrock’s latest Quattro album for John Digweed. Coming up, I have an EP collaboration with Hannes Bieger featuring Cari Golden, a remix for Lee Coombs, future collaborations with Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation), and seven new original tunes that are almost ready to blast off. 2023 starts off with a bang in Tulum, San Francisco, New York, Arizona, Seattle, Costa Rica, and rescheduling my tour in Australia. For those that don’t know, I started surfing during the pandemic lockdown and it changed my life. DJing in surf destinations is a huge priority, while sharing and motivating the music industry to get in the water. While my mental health has suffered tremendously over the years, I’ve found such healing through the ocean. I have to help others through this beautiful and healing passion.
Find Tara Brooks on Instagram