Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale is a foundational architect of American dance music. Known as the Godmother of House, she was the first woman to play house music on Detroit radio, establishing a presence that would influence generations of artists and audiences alike. From the late 1980s onward, Hale has shaped the landscape of electronic music through a career that spans radio, clubs, education, and activism.
A versatile DJ and producer, Hale moves fluidly between house, techno, funk, hip hop, and orchestral forms, bridging Detroit’s musical traditions with global currents. Her résumé includes landmark venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York, Detroit’s Fox Theatre, and underground sites like Studio 54 and The Warehouse, underlining her reach across both mainstream and subcultural spaces.
Today, she continues to anchor Detroit’s dance music scene with residencies at Spotlite and Marble Bar, while also maintaining an international profile with performances in cities including London, Berlin, and Toronto. Outside of performance, Hale’s work on Deepspaceradio’s Twisted Tuesdays, and her involvement in mentorship initiatives like Girls Rock Detroit and Give a Beat, underline a long-standing commitment to community building and education.
Hale is not only a DJ but a founder and advocate, co-creating Sheometry Festival alongside DJ Minx to amplify female and non-binary voices across the music and arts ecosystem. Across four decades, her work reflects a sustained engagement with sound as both a cultural and political force.
How did you get your start in music?
My musical journey began at age 3, immersed in the rich sounds of jazz through my parents and older brothers. They were avid music lovers who exposed me to jazz first, then R&B, rock, and fusion. Looking back, I realize this early exposure was instrumental in developing my ear and laying the foundation for my career in music. This diverse musical upbringing shaped my ability to understand and blend different genres, which became crucial in my development as a house music DJ.
You are known as the ‘Godmother of House Music,’ but in a scene that still skews male-dominated, what does real progress for women in house and techno look like to you?
The title 'Godmother of House Music Detroit' came from the community, and I've grown to embrace it with deep respect. It's important to acknowledge my contemporaries like Sharon White in NYC and Celeste Alexander in Chicago, who also pioneered house music in their respective cities.
Together, we broke ground in a male-dominated industry, proving that women could not only participate but excel and innovate. This disparity in gender representation inspired the creation of Sheometry Music & Art Festival, which continues our mission of creating space for women in electronic music.
Dance music is often seen as a culture of celebration, but it’s also a form of resistance. Looking back on your career, how has house music been a tool for freedom and empowerment, especially for women and Black artist
House music represents a perfect fusion of celebration and cultural significance. What particularly draws me to this genre, especially Gospel House, is its ability to convey profound messages through rhythm and melody.
In Detroit, our community embraced both Techno and House as vehicles of artistic expression. This music created an inclusive space where authenticity thrived, particularly significant for Black artists and women in the industry.
Through my performances at spaces like the Boiler Room: Detroit and Sónar Festival, Movement Festival, I've witnessed how this music continues to break barriers and unite people.
The relationship between DJs and live musicians is something you’ve explored deeply with Nyumba Muziki and Black Women Rock. How does performing with live musicians change the energy of a house set?
The synergy between DJs and live musicians creates an unparalleled musical experience. My appreciation for instrumental music, particularly piano, has deepened through collaborative performances that bridge electronic and acoustic elements. Working with musicians who share this vision of musical fusion has led to remarkable moments of creativity. These collaborations, whether through Beatport Live or at international festivals, demonstrate the endless possibilities when traditional and electronic music converge.
You’ve played everywhere—from Studio 54 and The Warehouse to Marble Bar and Spotlite Detroit. Out of all those legendary dance floors, what’s your favourite memory from behind the decks?
Each venue has gifted me with unforgettable moments, but two particularly stand out: The Zoo Project in Ibiza and The Apollo Theater. Beyond those, some defining moments include:
Studio 54: The night I needed security because the crowd was so energized by the music, they wanted to personally express their appreciation. Having the Clark Sisters present me with the 12" of 'You Brought The Sunshine' made it even more memorable.
The Warehouse: The 1st live Broadcasting on FM 98 WJLB also with singing recording artist ADEVA surprised me with a birthday serenade – a perfect fusion of radio and live performance.
Marble Bar: This venue set the standard for sound quality in progressive House/Techno, showing that perfect acoustics are essential for this genre.
Spotlite Detroit: A powerful return to live performance post-pandemic, reinforcing music's ability to heal and unite communities.
You’ve mentored and taught DJing and production to young artists through SPIN INC, Girls Rock Detroit, and more. What’s the most important piece of advice you give to the next generation stepping into this world?
Through my work with SPIN INC, Girls Rock Detroit, and other organizations, I've discovered that the most fundamental lesson isn't about technology or technique – it's about truly listening. I always tell my students: 'Don't just hear the music, listen intentionally.' Understanding how to create specific emotional responses in your audience is crucial. This deep listening skill becomes the foundation for everything else in music production and DJing. It's about developing the ability to curate experiences and connect with your audience on an emotional level.
What is it about Detroit that continues to fuel the most influential sounds in dance music?
Detroit's influence on dance music stems from our authenticity as both an industrial and technological hub. Our musical legacy spans Motown, Jazz, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, House, and Techno – each genre reflecting our city's evolution.
What makes Detroit special is that our sound isn't manufactured; it's born from real experiences and innovation. The 'Detroit sound' has become so influential that artists worldwide incorporate our city's name in their work, hoping to capture some of that authentic innovation that's uniquely Detroit.
We don't just create music; we pioneer sounds that continue to shape global musical landscapes.
Interview by @ninakeh