Get to Know: Lily Huu

Lily Huu is a full-time DJ based in Montpelier. I first became aware of her during the early days of my own label when I approached her asking her to record a guest mix for me.

It has been incredible seeing her career go from strength to strength over the past two years, gaining more and more gigs, and often needing to travel to other cities to get the party started.

We had a chat for the first in this new series of Get to Know interviews, as I wanted to find out what music really means to Lily, to remember some of her finest moments and how she got to where she is today.

Hello, Lily! How the devil are you?

“I’m very cold but pretty good, thank you!”

We’ll start off nice and easy – give us three tracks that you feel really define your style at the moment.

Blazin’ Squad – Standard Flow (DnD Vocal Remix)

Louie Toro – Superfly

Stratton – Badboy

I know you were part of the Saffron Records Mixnights scheme. Tell me more about that. Do you think you’d be in a different position now if it wasn’t for them?

“Saffron is a music tech initiative taking an intersectional approach to redressing the gender imbalance in the (dance music) industry. I took their Mixnights course in Bristol. Over eight weeks I was coached by Danielle – a very awesome Bristol-based DJ – who taught me how to mix vinyl and helped me prepare a set for the graduate showcase at the end of the course.

“I’m super grateful for Mixnights. I don’t think I would have the confidence to do what I am doing now if it wasn’t for the supportive learning environment and network they have created. It was great to have the showcase at the end as it threw us straight in at the deep end of playing out. I love DJing, but I am a very anxious person! So having industry experts and other graduates there to support me was invaluable.

“The music industry is very male-dominated and can be cold and intimidating at times, so finding community has been crucial for me. Saffron has created a fantastic community and network that has helped me a lot.”

The last year has seen you skyrocket upwards in the Bristol DJ scene, what would you say is one of your proudest moments to date?

“Keep Hush for Dr Dubplate‘s birthday is definitely up there, having followed Keep Hush and the Dr for years and loving everything they do. It was my first livestreamed set so I was thrilled it went well, and that I didn’t pour beer all over myself on camera. My first b2b with my garage cousin Longeez is up there too. Seeing all of Love Inn leaping around to Vengaboys at 3am with the lights on is a very happy memory.”

Put simply: why Bristol?

“Because I love Bristol so much! I’m from Somerset and would get the train in every weekend as a teenager, going to as many gigs as I could. There is so much music and creativity here. Every week there are guaranteed to be multiple great nights on. It’s almost impossible to stay in. The people are laid back and up for a good time. There are green spaces everywhere and loads of ways to find community. I love the fashion in Bristol too. I love it all!”

You recently played up in Manchester. Having also played London (and probably other places that I haven’t clocked) do you find there’s a difference between the crowds in different cities? Do they react differently to different styles of music etc?

“Bristol crowds are scruffier – which I adore! There’s no need to force yourself into a dress code to get into places here. And the size of Bristol makes bombing so easy. Bristol has a casualness that is so much fun. I loved playing in Manchester and London too. The crowds have great energy and I can’t wait to play them again.”

If you could have one other DJ’s USB, who would it be?

“I want the fabled Soul Mass Transit System hard drive. Or Ben UFO‘s USB.”

Where do you see the scene moving, both socially and musically? And do you think that those two things go hand in hand, or do they develop as separate entities?

“I see the scene moving toward more diversity at every level, but I don’t think it’s a given. I think there needs to be a conscious effort to see where this isn’t happening and how we can make the scene safer and more inclusive in ways that matter, not just ways that look good. Musically, I have no idea what’s next! Hopefully whatever I’m playing.”

As you begin to get more of a platform, do you feel a pressure to use it for more than just music?

“I like to use my platform for things I’m passionate about: mental health and politics. I’m keeping the politics to a minimum at the moment as it has gotten too absurd for me, but come election time I won’t shut up. Mental health is very close to my heart and an issue most people are horrifically under-educated about, leaving many people alone and confused. It doesn’t have to be that way so I like to use my platform to inform and make people feel less alone in their struggles.

“I feel pressure to consider my privileges and how I can support those less privileged, but I’m glad this pressure exists. We can’t take positive social change for granted, you have to work for it.

“I sometimes feel pressured to convey a polished toned-down version of myself just due to the nature of social media, but I am much happier being genuine and messy, so I like to ignore that pressure!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck0vFYrMJPV/

What’s your dream lineup? Give us at least three other DJs you’d have on the bill, and give us a venue. 

“DJs: okay this was really hard but I have finally settled on El-B, Kessler and Tim Reaper. Venue: Trinity!”

To close things off, recommend us the perfect set-closing track.

Buzzy Bus – Jump! (Scritch Scratch Dub Mix)

“I like to end on something either hard and silly or super happy, leaving everyone smiling.”

Main photo: Lily Huu

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• Motion announces NYE lineup with Eats Everything and Born on Road
• Is nine-year-old Betty Bristol’s youngest DJ?
• From Shambala to Glastonbury: Chai Wallahs has now come to Bristol

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