Written by Kylie Vesey

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When I think about Jesabel what comes to mind is one world unbelievable. You may be wondering why I choose this word? That's because she really is the whole package; she's beautiful, super smart, talented, energetic and above all is one of the most humble DJ’s I have had the pleasure of interviewing. In the 6 years since she shot in the scene, she has made major waves, working with some of the biggest names in the industry. She has paved the way for aspiring female artists all over Australia proving that if you stay true to yourself you can achieve anything. When Jesabel is not carving it up on the decks, you can catch her working in the fashion industry with Aussie brands such as Cotton On. And if that wasn’t enough, she is also extremely generous, working with a number of charities proving that you really can do it all. We caught up with Jesabel recently to talk about life, her career and what it's like to be a female DJ in the industry. 

 

Come with me as I step Behind The Decks with Jesabel. 

 

Congratulations on being Australia’s first female DJ to mix a Ministry of Sound compilation CD, what an achievement that must have been for you. What response did you get releasing a CD with the Ministry of Sound and do you think this has influenced other females trying to break into this industry? 

The response was overwhelmingly positive! While it was a few years ago, it was only a couple of years after, that Australia stopped producing MOS compilation CDs so I’m honoured to have been given the opportunity and to lay down a footprint for women in the MOS world. I think immediately people were surprised (in a good way!) and then super supportive as this was at a time where female DJs were beginning to really breakthrough in the Australian DJ scene. I sure hope it has influenced other females, that’s a big reason I do what I do…to inspire others.

 

You signed to the Ministry of Sound’s label in 2014, 9 months after beginning to DJ. Working with such a big influential company must have been incredible, how did this contribute to your success as an emerging artist? 

Yeah it was huge for me and definitely recognised by those around me. Being very young at the time, only 20, and not knowing much about the music industry as a whole, it taught me almost everything, both the good and the bad. It’s important to note too that you never stop learning in this industry and I think that is why I’m so addicted to what I do. To have the outward facing support as well from one of the biggest music brands in the world really gave me the credibility to move forward quickly...

 

Music is something you have loved from a young age having been singing since you were 8 years old and playing the violin. What were the early influences that made you want to move into Djing? 

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My Dad was in a big band and always encouraged my sister and I to get involved with music. During my school years, I was very passionate about musical theatre and every chance I got I was involved in our school productions, choir, vocal lessons and various other bands - I LOVED it! Finishing school, I felt there was a void as I no longer had any music involvement whatsoever. DJing was becoming very popular at the time and became my musical outlet. It grew into something I never would have envisioned.

 

Being a singer, I know you must have considered dropping your own vocals on a track, is this something we could see from you soon?

Look I certainly hope so! I have two finished tracks currently featuring  my vocals. Singing is soooo exposing and scary! I’m so nervous to put it out to the world so as long as my nerves don’t get the better of me, they will be out for people to hear hopefully this year. Eeeeek! I’m so excited about them though. I’ve absolutely loved the process around writing and producing them. 

 

Great work on the creation of your own podcast “The House Party with Jesabel and Friends” featuring a mix from other Australian DJs. Already 3 episodes in, what can we expect to see from these shows and any gossip on who we might see joining you next? 

Thank you! I’m so glad I have some more music content to put out into the world for people to enjoy. I’m even more stoked that I can showcase my super talented friends as well. While it has featured only Australian DJs to this point, I’m hoping to get some special international guests on board as well. Stay tuned!

 

Having completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing Management, would have given you a great amount of knowledge in creating business and marketing yourself. How has this influenced how you approached your music career and building your profile? 

In my opinion, branding and marketing is the most important aspect to all of this. Having the right backing here is imperative to a brand like mine. To me it is also the part I enjoy the most (besides performing!). Setting yourself up with strong brand values, image and guidelines and supporting that with the right marketing channels is what drives it all. Second to that, networking and growing authentic relationships is also key.

 

In an industry that is heavily male dominated, do you find there are more challenges being a female artist and building your brand? 

No I don’t to be honest. I actually love being a female not just in this industry but in general. I think there is such power to being a successful and driven female. More and more I’m seeing female DJs pop up and I’m loving it, I think it’s awesome. There is so much we can all bring to the table but the most important thing is to support each other.

 

Being a regular on the Australian festival circuit for many years has seen you play some of the most iconic festivals like Sterosonic, Future Music and more recently Riva and Ultra Music Festival.  When you look back and compare it to what we see now, how has the scene changed over the years? 

100% It is constantly evolving, which is really exciting. I think over the recent years though we have seen sort of indie, niche festivals take the lead. We are seeing so many boutique style festivals popping up these days which is cool. I do wish we had more festivals like Ultra for EDM and the electro scene as they are sooooo incredibly fun and it would mean I get to play more of them. With some strict laws here in Aus it does make it hard for festivals and sadly we are seeing less and less of them taking place these days.

 

As if being a DJ was not cool enough, you have an amazing list of achievements across multiple industries including TV, Travel and Radio - well done this is truly EPIC!  Do you find it challenging working across so many different industries and how do you balance the workload?

Yeah I do find it challenging sometimes. I find I can be my own worst enemy but I absolutely love a challenge and work really well under pressure. I always say that for me personally it is a fine line between pressure and sending me into a state of anxiety hahaha. Very true though so I have to be careful how much I take on so not to over do it. I am so grateful for every opportunity though, I love doing what I’m doing – I’m truly obsessed and love getting to work with such a variety of people.  

 

2016 saw you feature on MTVs show “MTV It Girls” which allowed you to open up and really give people a behind the scenes look into what being a DJ is all about. What was the main drive for yourself to feature on this show and what did you want young girls to take away whilst watching you? 

I think on the show I said something like “be the best version of you because nobody can tell you how to do that”. That is what I want young girls to take away. I also want them to realise that you can actually do anything you want if you really put your mind to it. It sounds so cliché but it could not be more true. You can literally do whatever you want to do!

 

Bringing positive change and getting involved with charities is something you are super passionate about. What are some of the charities you currently support and how can people get involved? 

Mental Health in particular is a cause very close to my heart having suffered with anxiety for a lot of my teen and adult life. I support a charity called Listen Up Music (@listenupmusicorg) and they are incredible for not only raising awareness but connecting it with music all at the same time. I’m obsessed with what they do and they genuinely care about the well being of those in the music industry. Showing them support through their events, social media pages and if possible through their donation portals can really make a huge difference. Head to their Instagram to find out more. 

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You’re a Brand Ambassador for Cotton On, who does a lot of philanthropic work through the Cotton On Foundation. What does it mean to you to work with an Australian company that does so much work to give back to those in need?

In the beginning of this collaboration, I was so humbled that they chose me to work with but when I discovered what they do to give back to people I chose them right back. Working with brands is something I love to do but I’m super selective. For me it needs to make sense and speak true to who I am and what I like. Honestly, Cotton On is so aligned with my values as a human being, it is like being involved in a family. I love their fashion, I love their brand but most of all I love their values.

 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, a moment where maybe you had to pinch yourself or something that still makes you smile anytime you think about it? 

Some pinch me moments that come to mind are performing at Marquee Singapore, Omnia Bali, It’s The Ship Singapore and most recently Ultra Australia. I regularly have pinch me moments though when the crowd and I just get each other and we are all just loving life for that hour and a half I’m on stage. Ahhh there really is no better feeling and I’m missing it so much atm. Overall though, I pinch myself when I realise how (with the help of many people) I have been able to grow this. When your passion is realised and you get to live out your dream that is success to me and that makes me smile.

 

This year has truly been a testing one for many and the music industry has really been hit hard. When this is all over and we can return to some sort of normality, what can we expect from Jesabel and how can people get around supporting Jesabel again? 

Lots of touring! I will be hitting touring in a huge way. Music releases will be another huge component, as well as continued brand collaborations. Gosh there will be lots of things on the go when all this is over. I hope to just see people at shows and party with everyone to be honest. The crowd is the reason I’m here and I do what I do! It’s all about them so I cannot wait to get back out there.

 

And finally, we ask everyone the same closing question. What is the craziest thing you have seen from behind the decks?

Oh gosh. This is a little bit R rated but I did see two people get a little intimate and proceed to have sex until they realised I could see everything. I don’t know what it is about people and not thinking the DJ can see them but trust me, we can see more than most! Hahaha. Keep it clean people! 

 

I said it at the start and I’ll say it again, Jesabel is one humble chick. The amount of energy and drive she displays is truly electrifying. One thing that I love seeing is the passion behind the decks and this is something that Jesabel radiates. I was lucky enough to see Jesabel perform her at RIVA in January and she slayed those decks. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of seeing Jesabel perform live before, do yourself a favour when the club’s reopen, get out and go to one of her gigs. She is a regular here in Melbourne and on the Aussie festival scene, so get out there and DO IT, you will not be disappointed. To get involved with any of the charities Jesabel supports and to stay updated with all things Jesabel be sure to head over to her socials and tune into her show each fortnight by jumping over to her soundcloud and showing some support!