By: Amanda Chambers
Top Award winning Derry born DJ Louise Dacosta, in person, is petite, composed and ever so soft spoken. Behind the decks, where she truly belongs, she is a different girl. The energy, vibe and sound buzzes in the very air around her. The crowd bounce to her tunes as she bops around, suddenly she drops a fresh beat, the crowd erupt into a frenzy of dance and with them Louise bounces to the sound of her own musical brilliance.
A history graduate with a very interesting Portuguese lineage and record breaker in more ways than one, including most downloaded female Irish DJ 2014; official Irelands no 1 Female DJ; first female DJ to Headline Kelly’s Portrush and DJane miss August. Louise is just home after an Asian tour, I sat down with the ever so luminous Louise for a good catch up and to hear all the news of her upcoming jingle ball gig, her one and only hometown gig in 2015, here’s what she had to say.
Louise DaCosta Exclusive Derry Vibe Interview:
How does it feel being home off an Asian tour?
It was a truly incredible experience. But I haven't really stopped since I got back, been crazy schedule with gigs, workshops etc. Glad to be home for a while now but a lot more tour plans in the works for 2016. Can't say too much just yet, but watch this space.
As a role model to an up and coming digitally tuned in generation, what advice would you give; education,’ creatively; life lessons…….?
There's a lot more opportunities that young people can access thanks to technology. I would encourage kids to be technologically aware especially when making career choices. As tech jobs are where the future is headed! I think music software is a great investment for young people these days. It's almost like a video game, but rather than wasted hours they get something at the end of it & are able to use it as a creative outlet. I think its incredibly important for young people to find a form of expressing themselves.
You teach kids the basics when it comes to making music digitally; how did you first get into DJ’ing?
I've always loved music but getting involved in djing was a stroke of luck really. Right place, right time. I was at a gig with a few friends one of whom was djing, I stood in for them, while they went to the bar and got asked to play again the following week. I just discovered I had a nack for picking & mixing tracks. Just shows, you can’t be afraid to try new things and put yourself out there, you never know what might happen
You have lived a colourful life for a girl in her not at her mid twenties; you’ve travelled through work and holidaying, you’re a fitness guru and Vegetarian. What drives you?
I love what I do! My passion for my occupation I think is what drives me in all other aspects of my life, as to me, they're all interrelated. Health and fitness go hand in hand with live performance, as does touring & travel etc. Passion for anything you do in life is key!
Derry Vibe loves your style, straight chic black on black tones, beautiful flowing locks and kickass heels to top it all off, who is your style icon?
Thanks Vibe, lol! My style Icon would really be someone like Audrey Hepburn, I love the ladylike look, but it’s completely impractical for what I do! So I mix classic colours and styles with modern fitwear & fashion! I actually design quite a bit of my own stage wear, some of which will be available for sale from my website next year.
It was a truly incredible experience. But I haven't really stopped since I got back, been crazy schedule with gigs, workshops etc. Glad to be home for a while now but a lot more tour plans in the works for 2016. Can't say too much just yet, but watch this space.
As a role model to an up and coming digitally tuned in generation, what advice would you give; education,’ creatively; life lessons…….?
There's a lot more opportunities that young people can access thanks to technology. I would encourage kids to be technologically aware especially when making career choices. As tech jobs are where the future is headed! I think music software is a great investment for young people these days. It's almost like a video game, but rather than wasted hours they get something at the end of it & are able to use it as a creative outlet. I think its incredibly important for young people to find a form of expressing themselves.
You teach kids the basics when it comes to making music digitally; how did you first get into DJ’ing?
I've always loved music but getting involved in djing was a stroke of luck really. Right place, right time. I was at a gig with a few friends one of whom was djing, I stood in for them, while they went to the bar and got asked to play again the following week. I just discovered I had a nack for picking & mixing tracks. Just shows, you can’t be afraid to try new things and put yourself out there, you never know what might happen
You have lived a colourful life for a girl in her not at her mid twenties; you’ve travelled through work and holidaying, you’re a fitness guru and Vegetarian. What drives you?
I love what I do! My passion for my occupation I think is what drives me in all other aspects of my life, as to me, they're all interrelated. Health and fitness go hand in hand with live performance, as does touring & travel etc. Passion for anything you do in life is key!
Derry Vibe loves your style, straight chic black on black tones, beautiful flowing locks and kickass heels to top it all off, who is your style icon?
Thanks Vibe, lol! My style Icon would really be someone like Audrey Hepburn, I love the ladylike look, but it’s completely impractical for what I do! So I mix classic colours and styles with modern fitwear & fashion! I actually design quite a bit of my own stage wear, some of which will be available for sale from my website next year.
You've worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Calvin Harris, How was that?
One word, epic! In August I played in a nightclub on the 57th floor in Kuala Lumpur with legendary DJ Felix Da Housecat! That was almost as cool!
Your Miss DJane Mag Aug 2015, how does that feel?
Unbelievable. The support I've received from friends, fans and family has been truly humbling. I was also just voted into the TOP100 female DJs worldwide 2015, 20 places ahead of Lisa lashes and 20 behind Paris Hilton lol.
In fact, I'm the only Irish woman in the entire list. It's a bit surreal at times; I can't thank people enough for their support!
One word, epic! In August I played in a nightclub on the 57th floor in Kuala Lumpur with legendary DJ Felix Da Housecat! That was almost as cool!
Your Miss DJane Mag Aug 2015, how does that feel?
Unbelievable. The support I've received from friends, fans and family has been truly humbling. I was also just voted into the TOP100 female DJs worldwide 2015, 20 places ahead of Lisa lashes and 20 behind Paris Hilton lol.
In fact, I'm the only Irish woman in the entire list. It's a bit surreal at times; I can't thank people enough for their support!
Louise DaCoasta's Only Hometown Gig of 2015:
The Jingle Ball is not only your homecoming gig but one and only gig in your hometown this year, are you excited?
I can’t wait! I'm totally excited to bring the bounce home and rock it with my home crew! Lots of friends and family home for Christmas and lots of people travelling to Sandinos for the event! The vibes are good. I can't wait to rip it up!
What have you instore to for your loyal fans and Jingle Ball party people?
One big crazy party, lol! As well as myself on the decks, I've some of the finest young DJs from all across Ireland coming to play support that night too! I'm also going to be giving away one of my brand new custom made LDC tshirts to one lucky winner, as well as a few other little surprises!
What is next big thing we need to look out for in the dynamic Louise DaCosta Universe?
Taking the LDC brand to the next level in 2016. Lots of touring. Lots of music! I'll be doing workshops with teenagers across Ireland trying to discover and develop new talent. I've also another big step in my career starting in January, but I can't say too much about that just yet!
Any New Year Resolutions?
Give back! I will to be doing more work with kids and hopefully helping other young people to realise their dreams in 2016.
Stayed tuned to Derry Vibe as we will be out and about at the Jingle Ball getting pics of all you party people.
Jingle Ball, Sandino’s main venue, 28th December Doors 9pm.
For More on Louise Dacosta follow her on Facebook and Twitter
Also on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/louise-dacosta
Official Louise Dacoasta website: louisedacosta.com
I can’t wait! I'm totally excited to bring the bounce home and rock it with my home crew! Lots of friends and family home for Christmas and lots of people travelling to Sandinos for the event! The vibes are good. I can't wait to rip it up!
What have you instore to for your loyal fans and Jingle Ball party people?
One big crazy party, lol! As well as myself on the decks, I've some of the finest young DJs from all across Ireland coming to play support that night too! I'm also going to be giving away one of my brand new custom made LDC tshirts to one lucky winner, as well as a few other little surprises!
What is next big thing we need to look out for in the dynamic Louise DaCosta Universe?
Taking the LDC brand to the next level in 2016. Lots of touring. Lots of music! I'll be doing workshops with teenagers across Ireland trying to discover and develop new talent. I've also another big step in my career starting in January, but I can't say too much about that just yet!
Any New Year Resolutions?
Give back! I will to be doing more work with kids and hopefully helping other young people to realise their dreams in 2016.
Stayed tuned to Derry Vibe as we will be out and about at the Jingle Ball getting pics of all you party people.
Jingle Ball, Sandino’s main venue, 28th December Doors 9pm.
For More on Louise Dacosta follow her on Facebook and Twitter
Also on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/louise-dacosta
Official Louise Dacoasta website: louisedacosta.com
We will be sharing all our photos from Jingle Ball on Monday 28th December when she plays in Sandino's Main Venue.
Follow our Facebook and Twitter for all photos from the night.
Follow our Facebook and Twitter for all photos from the night.
