- Words Notion Staff
In celebration of International Women's Day, we asked all-female DJ collective Girls Don't Sync to select 10Trax from their favourite female artists.
The four women of Girls Don’t Sync are making waves in a male-dominated industry, set on spreading high energy sets, plenty of big basslines, and a dedication to elevating female talent. The group is made up of DJs G33, Hannah Lynch, Matty Chiabi and Sophia Violet – collectively known for bringing tunes guaranteed to get any crowd jumping.
Recent show highlights for GDS have seen them support Kurupt FM on a UK tour, playing Printworks in London last month, and they are set to play their first headline show in March. Not only this, but they are part of an upcoming “Both Sides Now” launch with Youth Music Charity, advocating for gender equality in the music industry. In Skepta’s words: we need some more girls in here – and Girls Don’t Sync are showing why that really is the case.
Set for a big 2022 that includes playing Annie Mac’s Lost & Found Festival this summer, Girls Don’t Sync chose 10trax that always get them dancing in honour of International Women’s Day. Turn up the volume and dive in.
"I Like You" by Katy B
G33: "For me, she’s the ultimate princess of London, from dubstep to U.K. funky to now a new and exciting merge of club and pop but forever one of my favourites."
"El Layali" by Nawal Al Zoghbi
G33: "Growing up, my dad played a lot of Middle Eastern/South Asian music from Rachid Taha to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, but nothing excited me as much as the female vocals. The control, riffs and runs are so beautiful and emotional and I think there’s so much power in that."
"Love (Goodbyes Reprise)" by Jorja Smith ft Conducta
Sophia Violet: "This song has just been bringing me a bit of summer when it’s cold and dark outside. I love the sound of Jorja’s voice over the UKG beat. Feels nostalgic in a way."
"Write It Down" (Fred V Remix) by Hamzaa
Sophia Violet: "I love how soulful this track is and it reminds me of when I and my boyfriend got together. It’s one of the reasons we started talking so it always has positive connotations for me."
"Go (Crazy Cousinz Edit)" by Meleka
Hannah Lynch: "Everyone knows that this song is ME. This is that track that whenever I play it all my mates go mad, we grew up with it, it honestly has the same effect on us now as it did then in the height of the U.K. funky / UKG club come up."
"Million" by Tink
Hannah Lynch: "This song is such a nod in respect and appreciation for Aaliyah, another artist I love and grew up with. To hear this sample in a new sound kind of feels like Aaliyah’s legacy is living on, and for me, her music is timeless and you only need to listen to this to understand the influence Aaliyah’s had on so many female R&B artists."
"Woman" by Little Simz (feat. Cleo Sol)
Matty Chiabi: "This is the first song I play if I’m having an off day or not feeling my best. It reminds me that I'm doing just fine and I’m peng! I can’t help but think of GDS as well because we’re each other's support system."
"Crazy Tings" by Tems
Matty Chiabi: "This song came out around a time in my life when crazy things were literally beginning to happen (in a good way!) Tems reminds me that I've got a career to chase and I need to spend less time entertaining useless boys from Hinge LOOOOL"
"ShenYeng Anthem" by Shenseea
Everyone: "OUR ANTHEM. The lyrics. Yep. We will scream this song at any given occasion."
"When I See U" by Fantasia
Everyone: "Instantly recognisable intro! Such a distinct and nostalgic opening/beat, we lose our heads and our voices in Ink Bar in Liverpool when our friend DJ Salouse finishes the night with old school, one thing about GDS - we LOVE our R&B, past & present."