Monki: The whole EP was an exciting gamble

Becca Frankland quizzes Radio 1 DJ and Zoo Music label owner Monki ahead of her gig at Mixtape Fridays in Southampton on October 3rd.

Becca Frankland

Date published: 4th Sep 2014

Image: Monki

At 21 years old, Monki has successfully achieved what some artists twice her age can only dream of. A slot on Radio 1, her own prosperous label Zoo Music and a residency position with Annie Mac's touring club night are just some of the her notable accomplishments.

She's risen through the ranks with exceptional force and continues to shape the world of dance music with innovative ideas and an unprecedented approach to making music. With a keen ear for the best in bass, house, hip hop and everything in between, Monki has established herself as an underground broadcast authority.

August saw her deliver the second volume of the Monki & Friends EP which features Cause & Affect, Joe Goddard, Preditah to name just a few. We caught up with her to talk about the new release, upcoming gigs and whether the North or the South party better.

Hi Monki, cheers for taking the time to speak to us. We're loving the new Monki & Friends EP (listen below), all 7 tracks stand on their own as killer releases, but what was your vision when producing it as a whole?

I never had a set vision in terms of what I wanted it to sound like. The whole thing was an exciting gamble, I didn't know how the tracks would turn out because the majority of artists had never worked together before. I could only guess, but that's what's exciting about it, to be able to get two/three producers and artists I really like and put them in a studio for two days and see what happens.

That was my vision I guess, it's all a bit experimental and slightly selfish in some ways because these are just artists I'd love to hear together. Luckily I'm in a position where I can make it happen with the help of Red Bull Studios. Both EPs have been really fun and I can't wait to work on more of these sorts of projects.

What was it like working on the EP in the Red Bull Studios in London?

The people are wicked there and the facilities are amazing. You probably can't get much better in terms of what we need. The whole atmosphere of the building is perfect for the project - pretty laid back, creative and fun. It's just a bunch of us having a laugh for two weeks so most of the time it's not too serious, we can have fun with it and usually come out with something good.

Red Bull as a whole has been very supportive of you. How important do you think they are, alongside others, in helping nurture and helm fresh and exciting talent?

Yeah they have been and I know they have supported a lot of other people too. Of course the Red Bull Music Academy is an amazing unique experience where a bunch of creatives can work together and learn from each other in a city somewhere around the world. There is no other brand that does anything like that. We're lucky to have a studio in London where you see newcomers in there and then you'll see people like Jessie Ware in there - they look after a whole range of people who they believe in.

You're a resident for Annie Mac Presents, which hits The Rainbow Venues in Birmingham this November. How does it feel to be part of such a massive tour?

I'm really happy I'm part of this years tour, I've played a lot of AMP events over the last 4 years, being resident at KOKO, I still look forward to playing there every time. So to carry on my residency around the UK is going to be really fun. I use to go to AMP religiously when I turned 18 so it's really nice to be a part of it now.

You'll be headed to Southampton for Mixtape Fridays in October, but what's the general consensus, Southerners or Northerners party better?

I think I've played in Southampton a few times but from what I remember it's a very studenty place. In terms of comparing the South to the North, in London we are completely spoilt with choice with raves and events and we probably take that for granted. So on that note I would have to be with the Northerners on this one.

You've had your slot on Radio 1 for quite some time now, how valuable has the experience been to you and the music you make?

Yeah it's been just over a year and was a complete learning curve for me. To come from a pirate/community station to the biggest radio station in the world was quite a daunting thing but it's where I wanted to be. I've learnt a lot from it and I've still got stuff to learn but I'm really comfortable there now, I feel like a part of the station. It hasn't affected what music I listen to or support it's just given me a bigger platform to share it on.

What's been the highlight of your summer?

I think it has to be either Radio 1 at Glastonbury or Radio 1 in Ibiza. I rarely sort of stop and think how mad the last five years have been, but those two moments were really cool for me.

And finally, if you could host a special Monki & Friends gig, what artists, dead or alive would you pick to join you on the line up and why?

Ah man, that question is far too hard! You know what? I would just throw a massive rave with all of my pals playing and it would be free. Job done.

You can catch Monki at Southampton's Mixtape Friday's on Friday 3rd October. Find out where else she's playing here.

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