Q&A: Zeisha

The #1 Female DJ in New Zealand for two years in a row (as voted by djanemag.com), Zeisha has supported TroyBoi on the Mantra Tour as well as opened for the likes of Peking Duk (AUS), Katy Perry (USA), Halsey (USA), DJ Tigerlily (AUS) and Cassian (AUS). Most recently, she’s been confirmed to perform at Rhythm & Vines 2020-21 and has debut EP on the way - absolutely killing it!

She chats to us about her biggest inspirations in music, the highlights of her career so far, her advice for new DJs and artists out there, and more.

We’d love to know a bit about your musical journey and how you got started in DJing!

I was a singer first and foremost - I had written and recorded my debut album. I toured China and was doing a bit of presenting. I was asked to interview DJ Havana Brown and after chatting with her about her successful career, decided that I would give DJing a go. That was 8 years ago.

What genres of music did you grow up listening to, and how have your favourite genres influenced your sets?

I’ve always been around music. I was inspired by a lot of different styles including pop with strong female vocals, and DNB and Trap with heavy basslines. The two together are really what I aspire to make and play out.

Who are your biggest inspirations in music?

Mac Miller, Alison Wonderland, RL Grime, Flume, TroyBoi, Chase & Status, QZB, IMANU, Charli Brix, Banks, Christina Aguilera - it’s a mixed bag I know.

In 2016, you supported internationally acclaimed producer TroyBoi on the Mantra Tour! Can you tell us about what that experience was like?

Completely a dream playing to crowds all over Australia and NZ ... and it really only happened because of putting in an insane amount of hard work and having someone believe in me and to help push me to ultimately the best version of me.

This experience even gave way to a residency at Drai’s Beach Club in Las Vegas in 2018! What’s it like to play at one of the world’s most infamous party capitals?

Vegas is a dream for artists, it's the city that never sleeps!

Over lockdown, it was awesome to see you live streaming on Twitch! What was that like and what’s one of the biggest lessons you learnt over lockdown?

Thank you so much. The biggest lesson I learnt was to adapt. You won’t go anywhere if you don’t grow and because our industry was flipped on its head, I had to learn how to deal with change and quickly. Live streaming quite literally saved and changed my life and I’m so grateful for it and the people who came through on the reg!

What have been some of your highlights and most memorable moments in your career so far?

Probably the most memorable was the time I played in Waihi and after doing a vorteke (leshgo) - I slammed the drink down next to the decks and accidentally stopped the music. So I got on the mic and proceeded to tell everyone to get on someone’s shoulders. So they did, and then things got a little out of hand after that ... security weren’t too stoked.

We can’t wait to hear your upcoming EP due to drop this November! What can you tell us about it?

Thank you, well, I mean ... I guess you’ll hear me sing ;)

So incredible to see you on the fire Rhythm & Vines lineup for 2020-21! What does it mean to you to be playing at this iconic NZ New Year’s festival, and are you able to tell us anything about what your set’s going to be like?

Thank you so much, I’m really excited. It’s been a dream of mine to play at R&V for the longest time and I can’t tell you too much here, but it’s going to be the biggest proper show I’ve ever done in my life to date.

Who are some of your favourite NZ DJs and artists right now, and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?

Sammie, LATU, BENEE, Ashez, Mylky, Sean Richards, Montell, Valkyrie, all of my students …

There are way too many songs sorry! But I’m actually really digging “Minamina” by Valkyrie - it’s in te reo and it’s beautiful.

What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?

Love Northland (where I’m from) ... I also really love Hahei - anywhere in the Coromandel really.

What advice do you have for new DJs and artists out there?

Work hard, stay humble. Take responsibility for your own actions and help other people along the way (as long as they want to be helped).

Don’t try to shortcut your way to success and know that word spreads quickly in the scene so if you’re out there talking badly about someone or you’re treating someone with disrespect, you’re going to get pulled up on it sooner or later and it may cost you your next gig. Harsh, but true.

Make sure to keep up with Zeisha on Instagram (@zeisha) and Facebook, and keep an eye out for her upcoming EP! 👀