IN CONVERSATION WITH LADY TAZZ
Interview by Samo Šajn
Lady Tazz is a Bangladeshi DJ, producer, and label owner known for her bold techno sound. Raised between Dhaka and Toronto, she built one of Bangladesh’s biggest radio shows and now runs Mind Medizin, a platform spotlighting female talent and underground music.
You’ve spent time between Toronto and Dhaka. How have those two places shaped who you are as an artist?
Life in Bangladesh differs greatly from life in Canada. To simplify, Bangladesh is very much about putting other people's happiness before your own aspirations. In contrast, while I lived in Toronto everything was geared towards me personally. In a way, it taught me how to strike a balance between the two.
You’ve talked about how underrepresented South Asian artists are in electronic music. What do you think needs to happen for that to change?
It is difficult to find representation, agent, label, PR agent… nowadays unless you can invest into everything that is required just to get noticed. And that puts artists from emerging markets in disadvantage from the get-go. I don’t really have an answer, but my guess is rethinking how we value talent would be a good start.
Mind Medizin feels like more than just a label. What made you want to create it, and what does it mean to you?
I was always very aware I needed to carve my own path and create the opportunity for myself if I was going to have a shot at this. I also wanted to be in control of the output. Over the last 4 years I’ve had the pleasure of connecting and working with legends and great talents including DJ Hell, Tall Fussman, Radio Slave, Terrence Dixon and all my wonderful Hermanas. I am really grateful for the love the label has been shown so far.
Your shows have this bold, sensual energy, leather, steel, red rooms. Where does that inspiration come from, and what are you trying to express through it?
It took a while for me to feel confident enough to express my own sensuality. I remember the first time a friend took me to Berlins Kitkat club, shock and awe but also feeling rebellious and free. I would say that feeling of being bold and curious about life, appetite to explore what makes you tick.
You’ve juggled a lot, running your dad’s business, building a radio show, and now touring internationally. How do you think all that shaped your path as an artist?
Yes. More than anything it thought me discipline. In studio, running the label, travelling… There are so many things that influenced me, but this to me is crucial.
Your new track ‘Sleaze’ is coming out soon with a remix from Radio Slave. How did that collaboration come about, and what vibe were you going for with the track?
I have known Matthew Edwards for over 4 years now. I always admired him as a producer and label owner and when I finished ‘Sleaze’ he was the first person I sent it to, he really liked it and sent me his version shortly after. I absolutely love where he took the track.
I wanted to make something that was sexy, bold but also a little bit sleazy, hence the name.
What’s it been like pushing forward as a woman in a space that’s still pretty male-dominated? Are there moments that really tested you?
To be honest, no. I see men and women in the industry the same way, obviously work with both. The industry itself can be very testing for different reasons, but I wouldn’t say I was disadvantaged being a woman.
You have a big show in Amsterdam this July. How are you feeling about it, and what kind of journey do you want to take the crowd on that night?
I am super excited for this one. I haven’t been able to DJ much past year as I was in California studying from my pilot exams so really can’t wait to play again. Just loads of deep, hypnotic, sexy techno.
