Campaigning for more diversity in the club scene
In our interview, DJ MELL G talks about the challenges facing and successes achieved by women in the DJ scene and about her vision for an inclusive club culture in Germany.
Anja Leuschner ,
04.09.2024 
How did you get into music, and into DJing in particular?
I had always been crazy about music, but the turning point came when I moved to Marburg to study law. Suddenly I found myself amongst a very musical group of friends: rappers, producers, DJs, bar and club owners. I would concentrate on my studies during the week, but spent weekends organising parties and raves and DJing. Roughly a year and a half later I decided to go into music full-time and moved to Hamburg. Then came the pandemic lockdown and I tried my luck with livestreams, some initial releases and radio performances - and it worked.
Which clubs made a particular impression on you?
Definitely the Robert Johnson in Offenbach. Back in 2016 we would travel there almost every weekend. That’s where I heard international DJs like Mall Grab and Nina Kraviz for the first time and wondered how they managed to take every single person in the club with them on their musical journey.
The DJ scene is often said to be very male-dominated. What has been your experience of it as a woman?
Unfortunately, there’s no equality in the scene yet. Many clubs and promoters book FLINTA DJs* so as to portray themselves in a good light rather than genuinely pushing for equal rights. And then they are often surprised that we “play really good music and know our stuff”. Why? Because we are women? Although progress has been made thanks to FLINTA collectives, parties and workshops, we are still a long way from achieving our goal.
How can the new generation of DJs help dismantle barriers and create a more open and inclusive club culture?
In my opinion, it is especially important to promote diversity in programmes and music styles. When I record a set I also try to play stuff by women or less well-known artists. It’s also important to create safe spaces: DJs and clubs should take steps to prevent discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, should designate people who can be contacted if such cases do arise and should provide space for discussion and the sharing of experiences.
⃰ FLINTA is a German acronym that stands for women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people.
