Music / B10
B10 presents: Booty Bass – ‘Vibes, big energy and genuine love!’
Booty Bass are gassed. They’ve got a lot to be excited about, but right now they’re particularly stoked to start receiving entries to the B10 women and non-binary DJ competition.
“We really want to hear from people all across the city and the south west who are passionate about this!” says NGAIO, the DJ and songwriter who founded the female and non-binary DJ collective.
She explains that, while entrants are competing for a slot at Bristol24/7’s tenth birthday shindig, Booty Bass will have an ear out for anyone they think has potential:
is needed now More than ever
“Competition is something that’s put on women and minority people a lot in the music industry – the idea there’s only space for a couple on a stage or a lineup.
“Yes, there is only one support slot this time, but everyone who fits with our vibe, we will absolutely keep in mind for future things. Booty Bass was built on collectiveness. We always have an opening slot available for people just getting into DJing – it can be really intimidating, every set up is different and that can be terrifying when you’re starting out.”
View this post on Instagram
NGAIO is mindful because the figures are stark: less than five per cent of the music tech industry is made up of women, and of that less than one per cent are women of colour. “Representation is so incredibly poor,” she says. “We need to stop telling women to be more confident, and for men to start making sure these spaces make women feel they are meant to be there.”
Thai chi Rosè, the Booty Bass host, took proactive steps when she started her music career five years ago.
“Being POC, queer, and a woman meant I was mostly shown pre-made boxes that I could already fit into,” she says. “It felt like entering the industry to get lost in the haystack. So I tried to use it to my advantage – see where people think I fit, and find every space other than those boxes.
“Naturally I’m going to stand out in those spaces, and although it did feel very uncomfortable and strange sometimes, what it let me know is: these are spaces that need me because I don’t exist in them yet. That’s the mindset I hold on to now: they need me, and you’re welcome.”
Booty Bass was born from a need to create a space that didn’t exist: “Instead of trying to be in rooms that don’t get us or don’t understand us, we’re just going to make our own rooms,” says NGAIO, (right) – photo: @charleywilliams
Booty Bass has grown from humble beginnings – NGAIO’s Thursday night set at the Plough in Easton – into a supportive community making a real difference. “Being part of a collective that hypes and supports each other has been life-changing,” says GAROËSS.
She started DJing after doing Mix Nights with Saffron, the Bristol-based organisation working to close the gender gap in music tech. “Before that, I’d tried learning, but most of my DJ mates were white men, and as a Black mixed-heritage woman, I really wanted a space to learn and grow with people like me.
“It was tough when I first started playing out—I struggled with confidence and noticed that male DJs seemed to have it naturally. I also used to mix loads of genres in every set, so it took time to define my sound.”
The crew has gained a reputation as high-energy party-starters spreading love, positivity and good vibes – as well as great global bass – and it’s taken them to St Paul’s Carnival, We Out Here and this year’s Glastonbury festival.
Their set on the Nowhere stage in Glastonbury’s Shangri La area this year was the biggest Booty Bass show to date, and they also played on Bristol’s Firmly Rooted Soundsystem – photo: @lottieworld
Thai says the collective has empowered her, and wants to encourage others to find that in themselves. “Disassociate from the imposter syndrome that many of us carry,” she says. “The trust and belief in your own ability needs to be unshakeable. It needs to be the permanent part of you – something you can always come back to, regardless what you face.
“And don’t be thrown off by the idea that something doesn’t exist already. You are capable of being a pioneer – your point of view could be the golden key of change! Take the chance on yourself.”
NGAIO agrees: “For anyone who’s thinking they’re not good enough – don’t talk yourself out of it – just do it anyway!”
They suggest entrants should play what they love and what represents them. Thai wants to be taken on a journey, while NGAIO says it’s all about rhythm.
“There’s gotta be a hip-a-shaking somewhere!” says NGAIO. “I want to feel like I can’t help myself but dance. It doesn’t have to be the cleanest mix in the world – I’m listening out for the DJ having the time of their life through the mix.”
View this post on Instagram
It’s what Booty Bass are known for and their B10 show will be no exception, kicking off with a solo set from NGAIO – her last in the UK before February, and featuring exclusive remixes of her own tracks that she’ll be creating live with her Ableton push.
It’s the Booty collective’s first shown since Glastonbury, and: “It’s gonna be ultimate vibes!” says Thai. “It’ll be a pop-up safe space – as soon as you’re inside it you’re safe to party, to enjoy yourself, to let us know what’s going on. Just vibes, big energy, and genuine love, man!”
The final word comes from NGAIO – and it’s something we’re pretty happy to hear. “I’m just really excited that it’s been ten years of Bristol24/7!” she beams. “The impact of B24/7 over the years has been so huge. We really do need independent journalism, and spaces where people can take control of their own narrative. That’s something B24/7 has always done really well.”
The Booty Bass x B24/7 DJ competition is open to anyone based in Bristol who identifies as a woman and non-binary. To enter, submit a 15-20 minute mix. The winner will perform a paid 45 minute set to open the B24/7 tenth birthday party at the Spiegeltent on November 30 – appearing on a lineup that features Sam Binga, Addison Groove and Roni Size, among others!
If you want to participate in Bristol24/7 x Booty Bass Women´s DJ Competition fill out this form.
For more information visit
Main image: @lottieworld
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
