Every now and then a DJ will come along that brings something extra special to the dancefloor. Whether it be through razor sharp mixing skills, an impeccably woven web of sounds or a deeply intimate connection with the dancefloor that borders on the spiritual, there are some DJs out there that propel the experience of hearing music to a whole new level. As a DJ, Jewelz is all this and more..
Jewelz brings something to the craft of Djing that transcends the simple practice of beat mixing. From her signature dark ‘n’ dirty trance sound, to the filthiest acid basslines, toughest form of progressive and lashes of techno and minimal, Jewelz seamlessly combines them all to produce pleasurably wicked floor-shaking soundscapes, inspiring even the most po-faced of punters to tear holes through the dancefloor.
For Jewelz, what began as an early passion for music, soon developed into an all-out driven obsession to immerse herself in the sounds that were inspiring her. In 1996 Jewelz scored her first professional big break, winning a residency at Sydney’s Hellfire, her natural talent and incredible energy charming punters and promoters alike, and ensured that this talented gal’s rise up the Djing ranks would be a rapid one indeed.
Throughout the next few years of her career, Jewelz spread out her Djing wings beyond the boundaries of her hometown of Sydney, becoming a resident at Melbourne’s exclusive Liquid Parties, as well as frequently packing out dancefloors in both Adelaide and Brisbane. International dance music lovers were also fortunate enough to get a taste of Jewelz’s magic when she toured both New Zealand (playing at Voyager) and Korea (The Basement) in 2000.
In 2001 Jewelz left the harbor city to start a new life in Melbourne, in a career move that’s surely been her smartest yet. In city known for its burgeoning dance scene, Jewelz’s impressive sonic dexterity quickly set her apart from her DJing peers. Her love of chunky house and progressive saw her start up her own dayclub, Therapy, together with fellow local DJ Tony Loucas, with the weekly prog fests drawing a loyal cult following amongst Melbourne clubbers in 2002. Her skills were also regularly sought for the legendary Shaza bush parties, with Jewelz’s genre-defying sets of electro-acid-tech infused progressive trance going down a treat in the outdoor setting. Appearances at the big kahuna of outdoor festivals, Earthcore, followed in 2003 and 2006.
Whilst Jewelz regularly exercises her progressive muscle with gigs around town, it’s her ability to incorporate these less conventional influences into her hard sets that’s made her one of the scene’s most in-demand DJs. 2005’s Live at Big Bass CD compilation which she mixed with Melbourne DJ stalwart Jason Midro was an unquestionable critical and commercial success and featured Jewelz’s much talked about Hard Driving Bass acapella as an opener. The cheeky vocal later featured on Dutch über producer Marzz’s Bass 12†release, with Johan Gielen among the many artists rinsing the blazin’ techno cut.
Today she stands as unquestionably one of Australia’s leading DJs, having polled in ITM’s prestigious Top 50 poll for the past three years running – the only Victorian-based female to do so in its history (she currently stands as 39). No surprise that her talents are in constant demand, playing many of the country’s biggest dance parties, including Summadayze, Two Tribes, Slinky, Godskitchen, Pharmacy, Ultraworld and Earthcore.
On the club night front, she is a resident of PHD, Revolution and Sundaiz, as well as regularly playing 3D and Hard Kandy, after ending a 5 year long residence at Bass Australia (formerly Bass Station) in early 2007. Her versatile playing style has seen her support DJs as diverse as Carl Cox, Satoshi Tommie, Paul Oakenfold, Scot Project, Infected Mushroom and Marzz, among many others.
With her best career form still ahead of her, Jewelz plans to further build on her already impressive musical repertoire with production work throughout 2008 and beyond, further confirming her position as one of Australia’s leading dance talents. Treat yourself to a slice of her magic, you won’t go back.
Bio written by Clare Dickins
