Know Your DJ - Miss Butler

Interview

1. How did you get started in DJing? What has your journey been like so far?

I started DJing just after COVID. I grew up in a musically inclined family, primarily focused on traditional French Acadian music. However, I discovered a profound appreciation for electronic music during the deep house movement of the early 2010s.

When I became sober from alcohol in 2019, I initially thought I had to let go of my love for electronic music and events. Instead, I decided to jump to the other side of the party—onto the decks! My journey skyrocketed from there.

Within two years, I played at Electric Pines, Future Forest, Cloverdale’s Vibrancy Festival, Not So Thatch Island Festival, Euphoria Outdoors, Inspire Festival, East Coast Groove, and Bloom in Ontario. I hope to continue growing as a DJ and have the opportunity to play more out-of-province gigs.

2. What genres do you usually play, and which ones are your personal favorites?

I play my favorite genres—progressive house and melodic house. If I’m the opening DJ, I tend to lean towards deep house, house, and organic house.

3. What does DJing mean to you? How would you describe the role and its responsibilities?

Music is a language everyone can understand—it connects us all, even if we don’t speak the same words. For me, DJing is about creating emotions and building a connection with the audience. Each of my sets tells a story, and I hope to create lasting memories for everyone who comes to my shows!

4. Who are some of your favorite producers right now, and why do they inspire you?

Matan Caspi and TH;EN. Their mix of progressive and tribal sounds transports you into a trance!

5. If you could only play one track for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

On My Knees (Cassian Remix) – RÜFÜS DU SOL. RÜFÜS is my favorite band, "On My Knees" is my favorite song, and Cassian’s remix is simply incredible—plain and simple!

6. What’s the most bizarre situation you’ve encountered while DJing, and how did you handle it?

At Future Forest 2024, my friend Gab showed up with a totem featuring my face dressed as a butler serving beets. Bizarre and totally hilarious!

7. Can you share some of your favorite memories from past gigs?

Playing early morning at Electric Pines—see my answer to question 8!

8. Have you ever had a set go completely wrong? How did you manage to bounce back?

I haven’t been DJing long enough for anything to go completely wrong… yet!

Funny story at Electric Pines: I was scheduled to play at 5 AM, so I set an alarm for 4 AM to prepare. At 4:45 AM, my friend Jodie wakes me up from a deep REM sleep:

"Heyyyy, Miss Butler… aren’t you playing in 15 minutes?"

I checked my phone—I had set my alarm for 4:45 PM instead of AM. Classic.

I started screaming, shuffling around my tent in the pitch black. My MacBook was frozen, and I threw on the first outfit I saw before booking it to the tent stage. At 4:55 AM, my laptop still wouldn’t turn on, and I was walking into a packed tent where DJ Ryskie was killing it.

At 4:58 AM, the progressive house gods magically revived my laptop. I scrambled to open Rekordbox while Ryskie graciously played one more track so I could download my set onto my USB. I started five minutes late, but we made it!

🎧 Listen to the set here:🔗 https://on.soundcloud.com/tEbPEFUvC6Cv7yq97

9. How do you stay connected with your audience and fans outside of your sets?

I post monthly mixes on SoundCloud and have been working on growing my YouTube channel. I also make an effort to show up and connect at other electronic music events—when my social battery allows it!

10. When you’re not behind the decks, what kind of music do you usually listen to? Any guilty pleasures?

On a day-to-day basis, I love putting on Anjunadeep Radio on YouTube as background music.

Guilty pleasure? Early 2010s "EDM." Though, I don’t feel guilty about it!

11. What’s your current DJ setup? Any favorite tools or gear you swear by?

This is embarrassing… I still use the first setup I ever bought—a Pioneer DDJ-400.

It has to be Pioneer, and it has to be Rekordbox. I swear!

12. How do you go about discovering new tracks and shaping your sound?

The best way for me is to listen to sets by my favorite artists.

13. If you could host your dream party anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would the vibe be like?

A sunset set at a club overlooking the ocean—somewhere warm. 🌅

14. What’s something unexpected or surprising about you that fans wouldn’t guess?

I can sew and make custom outfits. I usually bring a sewing kit with me to festivals, so if you have a fashion emergency, I've got you!

15. Are you a cat or dog person?

I'm a dog person.

16. Favorite cuisine?

Italian or Indian.

17. Favorite drink?

Kombucha or strawberry lemonade.

18. Favorite place/travel destination?

• Montreal for music & food.

• Aboiteau Beach (New Brunswick) for the ocean vibes.

19. What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey as a DJ in today’s music industry?

Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on your own journey, but stay teachable!

20. What’s something exciting or new happening in your life that you can share with your audience?

Big things are coming soon. 😉