GIRLS MAKING MOVES WHILE MAKING YOU MOVE...

How you feel about certain music is subjective but we all can agree on a common theme: we want music that makes us move. Suzy Kenny and Jaclyn Panylyk from Girls Club DJs are in the business of accomplishing just that. From a dozen of local clients, several head-boppin' mixes, and over a decade of experience... The women of Girls Club know how to get a crowd going. 

We were lucky enough to photograph the girls' personal style in some of their fave Bamboo Ballroom pieces and we just loved the outfits they picked. From colourful summer fashions to bold sporty graphics we can safely say their musical styles are completely expressed in their outward style.

We also had a chance to sit down with them for an interview, highlighting their timeline of success, hard work, and, most importantly, the music.

I understand you've been doing Girls Club for 10 years now! That's amazing. Can you tell us about the raw beginnings?

SUZ & JAC: Our first public DJ gig was at the (original) Common. Justin, Kyla, Stacey and Rob took a chance and trusted us to man the turntables on Thursday nights. From there we grew our following and got booked to play at venues all over the city.

What was the scene like 10 years ago? How is it different now?

S: Indie rock remixes were huge when we started. That and lots of crunchy electro, techno house and dubstep. Back then people went out to party, hard.

J: Now we focus on disco house and future bass and play to more of a daytime crowd - using music to create an energetic atmosphere no matter the occasion. 

You guys have established many clients throughout Edmonton such as The Running Room, the AGA, the Fairmont hotel... And now Jasper lights! Tell us how you have found so much success in establishing these clients within Edmonton.

J: We believe in the brands we work with and support. When taking on a new corporate client we’ve made sure our vision aligns with theirs, that way it’s a win and the relationship naturally develops into a solid partnership.

S: Our professional work experience has been focused on marketing and involved a lot of event planning. We understand where our clients are coming from when tasked with the daunting task of organizing a special event and make sure it’s as easy for them as possible to work with a DJ.

How do you connect to a crowd, especially when you have many different types of clients to play for?

S: First, read the room. What do these people look like they listen to? Try out a song and if their heads start bobbing, feet tapping then you’re on the right track.

J: Say, “not today”, to requests - they are guaranteed to kill the vibe and dancefloor.  

What do you usually start with when preparing for a set?

S: Listening to mixtapes by DJs mentioned above (The Magician, Robosonic, Annie Mac, Ferreck and Dawn) to find new songs.

J: Consider the theme and tone of the event and then build an order for the set list that fits the vibe. 

Who are your biggest inspirations in music?

S: The Magician, Robosonic, Annie Mac, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Robyn.

J: Ferreck Dawn, Mousse T., Disclosure, Alt-J, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Nicks, Shakey Graves.

When did you start DJing - and what or who were your early passions and influences?

S: The good ol’ radio. I LIVED for Chris Shepard’s Pirate Radio and Electric Circus every Friday night to hear the newest coolest house and techno tracks. Then Annie Mac started her BBC radio show, playing all the newest indie and electro - she made me realize girls could do that too. I’ve been “DJing” since I was 12. Used to record songs I heard on the radio (on cassette tapes) or Much Music videos (VHS) and edit it together to make my own mixtapes to share with friends and family.

J:  Decided I wanted to be a Dj at Shambhala while I was watching Ana Sia play at the Rock Pit. She was playing this amazing new bass/hip hop vibe I had never heard before, which I would learn was called Dubstep. Loved the sound and wanted to play it myself.  I grew up listening to Classic Rock and dancing in my ballet bodysuits to my Dad playing the guitar and harmonica. I took classical piano lessons for 5 years. Music has always been a part of my life. Got into electronic music listening to Daft Punk, Boys Noize, Diplo, Rusko and dancing the night away at the old Common.

What do you personally consider to be the most memorable moments in your artistic career?

S: Spending 10 days playing as the resident DJ at Jasper Park Lodge’s Christmas in November. We got to meet so many amazing people, from all walks of life.  

J: Playing the beach party at Boonstock music festival. DJing Skratch Bastid’s BBQ on the Red Bull tour bus stage - it was epic!

Finally, What's it like being a woman in the DJ scene? We did our research and found less than 10% of female DJs and producers are found at notable festivals. What do you think of that stat?

S: It’s a hard truth. Something we’re working to change by mentoring fellow female DJs and producing our own tracks to help decrease the disparity. Silver lining - as women we have the opportunity to make an impact and be a vehicle for change in the music industry.

J: You have to be ruthless when it comes to bookings. This is a business and often green female DJs are taken advantage of and underpaid. Another not-so-fun fact is that on average, females are paid 30% less than males in the music industry.