KMYA
DJ | Booker | Promoter
KMYA is resident DJ and co-founder of the Manchester-based collective B.L.O.O.M. (Beautiful Ladies Organising Orgasmic Music) and regularly features on Balamii, Limbo and Netil Radio. Her sound is a ‘musical menu of soy disco with some garlic italo served on a bed of rocket house and a sprinkling of peppered trance’ which has led her to share bills with multiple artists across the board including Regis, Headless Horseman and Mama Snake through to Jayda G, Shyboi and Jimmy Rouge.
KMYA was booked to play in Room 3 with Rachael at the now cancelled event with AnD at The Cause this weekend. Remembering better times pre-social distancing, she shares a photo from a party in Manchester on New Year’s Day…
Photo: KMYA
Where was this photo taken and why did you pick it? What was the music vibe at the time?
This was taken in The White Hotel (Manchester) toilets at 10am on New Years Day. It’s a drawing by a friend (Craig Kendal) and I feel like it’s even more poignant than it usually is at the moment. Annabel Fraser was playing in Room 1.
I can't remember exactly what she played but lots of lovely italo and cosmicy bits were around this time.
What are you listening to at the moment if you’re working from home or if you’re still working out in the world, do you have a soundtrack to accompany your journey?
I'm listening to a lot of different bits at the moment. Mostly though, a lot of new beat, italo, trance and chuggers. A lot of gigs I had coming up have been rescheduled so I'm using this extra time to prepare for them and then I’m planning on trying to record what I might have done for any radio shows I had during this time. I'd highly recommend Robert Leiner's new EP that came out a few days ago - psy ambient vibes.
In terms of work I already mostly worked from home so I am quite used to not leaving the house for a while. That being said, it was never for more than a few days in a row so let’s see how this works out. I live with wonderful people and have a garden so am feeling very lucky right now!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
I think it slightly depends on what has caused me to feel overwhelmed or anxious. For instance if it’s work related and I know I have a lot to do, then slamming techno or trance helps me to focus, however if it’s something more emotionally stimulating, a nice relaxing ambient mix usually does the job.
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side?
Going to not stop dancing for the rest of the summer...
Any tips on how to look after your mind and body during this slightly stressful time?
As someone who's worked from home for a while it's key to make sure you try and keep to your normal daily routine. I wake up roughly at 8-8:30 every day, have a shower and a cuppa tea before anything. Also make sure you get dressed. My home working outfit of choice is running leggings, t-shirt and a fleece! Super comfy but not too slouchy and it’s also something I would wear to the office.
Try not to dwell on the fact that you can't see your friends or family too much - take some time to really focus on yourself that you otherwise wouldn't probably do. Exercise and eat well (advise I need to follow myself lol).
Listen to A LOT of music. Music is so good for the soul and support your friends - listen to their mixes - I find it a really good way to keep connected with my mates by listening to their radio shows and mixes, feels like they can be in the room right there with you sometimes.
Listen to KMYA’s latest 4 hour set for Seminal Soundsystem in Sheffield here and follow her below: