In Fokus: Laila Amira
LAILA AMIRA is self-proclaimed, brave, and confident newly-minted DJ who wants to bring disco-queen vibes back on to the dance floor - wait, but that’s still not enough. It’s not only her surprising views on the future of DJ-ing and AI, but her triple threat sincerity, passion, and love for the music is a rare gem - and damn do we need the SHINE in today’s jaded and over-saturated world of clubbing fiends. We’ve been watching her pull up and show for so many who have honed their craft - but now it’s her turn to get her flowers, and swerve-serve us a healthy meal of RANGE, disco beats, and honestly —- it’s just fucking refreshing and all the more to love. SHE FEEDS — and yes, we’ll eat.
Where in the world is Laila?
I’m currently based in Brooklyn and I don’t think I’ll be leaving anytime soon (maybe to go to Europe).
What’s the inspiration behind this set? Where was your headspace here? Cuz the set encompasses everything we love about the NYC sound, plus it’s filled with sweet vocal sounds and spans a range of genres — and we love a range.
Anyone who knows me knows I tend to stick to disco and house when I spin, but lately I’ve become really inspired by the music I’m hearing out and about all around BK. I wanted to push myself to create a mix different from my regular style and try something new, while spotlighting local artists that I love. It’s funny that you mention range- the truth is- I’m really bad at categorizing dance music genres. I listen to tracks and I like what makes me move. All the songs I included in this mix are songs that if I heard out, you’d find me going crazy on the dance floor.
We’ve been watching you for awhile - you’re a huge advocate for fun on the dancefloor and really show out and show up for your producers, friends, and DJ’s in and around Brooklyn - so what made you want to start DJ-ing?
Honestly, I started DJ-ing by accident. In 2019 I was in the smoking area of a club, drunk-chatting to a friend of mine and mentioned that I was thinking about learning how to DJ. Said this statement totally in passing, didn’t think anything of it. She told me that her friends Masha & Lenora run lessons at Newtown Radio, and I followed their page and DM-ed it. I remember walking up for the first lesson being soooo insanely nervous. I didn’t tell any of my friends that I was even learning but ended up playing the one year anniversary of hone.social (if you look at that bill now, it’s insane how far everyone on it has come- WTCHCRFT, Rose Kourts, Kilopatrah Jones, Fever Dream). Definitely what pushed me to keep going was my first set in a club at Mood Ring- the high I got from the audience was something that I didn’t even know was possible and all I wanted to do was recreate it.
Tell us about the concepts behind your tracks/music projects or something that’s inspiring you to work on your own music frequencies.
I just started a show at Newtown Radio called Made In The Club (M.I.T.C). Each week is going to be focused on different genres, parties, and people that have made the club scene what it is- there is so much history in the music that we listen to and I want to shed light on it in a super accessible way. I’m really excited to get started on it, it’s a concept I’ve been thinking about for a while and is also going to push me to learn more.
Where do you see the future of DJing? And where do you want it to take you into the future? The metaverse? Streams? Etc.?
I’ve been really interested in the use of AI in DJ-ing and I think as the industry grows we’re going to see it become really prevalent and centered in a ton of conversations. I read this article the other day about how there is this new software that helps you choose what songs you play next, not just through BPM and key, but takes into account the repetitions in songs, rhythms, frequencies, song parts, loudness, changes of structure, type of sound, among other things to figure out its “danceability.” Taking that one step further, an AI could read crowd expressions, learn from their movements, and adjust song selections based on that. If you feed an AI enough information, it will be able to learn how to create an insane set because it will have all the knowledge in the world. Humans don’t have the capability to listen to every song ever produced and figure out when to play them. It’s pretty scary to think about- one day, AI’s can probably surpass the talent of DJs. But at the root of it all, DJ-ing isn’t just about music, it’s about community and connection and I don’t think any AI can replace that. I also love listening to mixes and hearing the process people are going through when selecting their next tracks- a bad blend is so innately human and it doesn’t take away from the music, it reminds you there is a real person on the other side of things that is just sharing their tracks with you.
Where I want it to take me- I started DJ-ing because of my excessive consumption of music, and as long as I can continue to share the songs I find with people around me I don’t care where it takes me. It would be awesome to build enough of a reputation to be able to travel and perform, but I’m not looking to be famous- just happy- and as long as I’m happy I will keep doing it.
Describe a moment / club night / party / that made you want to become a DJ/Producer or devote yourself to music.
There is definitely this recurring moment that I get on dancefloors, when a DJ is locked in and they are in total control of the crowd- when that happens, I get chills, everything around me goes into focus, and I have all the energy in the world. Looking around, seeing smiling faces, new friends, pure joy, and hedonism, I hoped to create that same type of energy.
Favorite tracks at the moment - or of all time?
All Time: You’re The One For Me - Labor of Love Mix by D Train
Favorite DJ and/or producers capturing your heart RIGHT NOW?
I feel so lucky to live in New York and be part of such a robust community- all my favorite DJs are my friends. I do have to say though that Kourtney (Rose Kourts) is by far one of the most fun people to watch- I find it so inspiring that she plays so many different genres and her taste is absolutely immaculate across all of them. It literally doesn’t matter where she is playing- Studio at Basement, schoolyard for Sweet Kicks, an old gym at Shaker Mountain- she brings an amazing energy and moves with so much light and love both behind the decks and in everyday life.
What is the genre/scene/city/artist that you feel is underrated and needs more hype/awareness?
WE NEED MORE DISCO !!!! Right now, there is a giant focus on techno, electro, literally anything speedy and loud, in Brooklyn. There are lots of really well-established people and parties that play disco music (Love Injection, Eli Escobar, Pleasure Jams) but I don’t see any young people championing it- I want to be that person! There is something so joyful about it- it can take the worst mood possible and uplift it.
Labels that are a go-to must-have in your DJ arsenal?
West End Records
Toytonics
Strictly Rhythm
Name two tracks that consistently inspire you to do better and just...well, get you through a bad day.
Nothing More To Say- SOPHIE
Narcissus- Róisín Murphy
If you had any superpowers it would be:
Teleportation- I never have to take the subway again and can zip to any country anytime.
Your fullest expression of love is:
The energy I put into my relationships and quality time I spend with those I love.
What is the best piece of advice you could give to a DJ / Producer just starting out?
You’re going to feel nervous and you’re going to feel self-conscious. You’re also going to mess up blends- none of these things matter. People aren’t at parties to analyze your every move and critique your blends, people just want to dance. That’s something I had to wrap my head around a lot when I first started out and knew that there were going to be other DJs in the crowd. But think of how you act when you’re out- you’re not listening to every bar in every blend, you’re there to have a good time and so are the people attending your sets. Be yourself, you don’t need the most underground deep cut tracks, play what you want to listen to and the rest will follow suit.
