Music
5 things you should know about Peggy Gou
Discover a fistful of facts about the South Korean-born, Berlin-based DJ and producer.
In the few years since she's relocated from London to Berlin, South Korean-born Peggy Gou has been rising up the ranks thanks to a successful debut EP, The Art Of War, an ever-evolving sound (honed by living in the techno capital of the world) and a variety of high-profile live gigs – including a debut at Berlin institution Berghain.
With performances alongside Moodymann, The Black Madonna, Jackmaster, and DJ Koze all under her belt, the future is bright for this DJ, producer, visual artist and classically-trained musician.
Before she performs at the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender in Zürich on Friday, November 10, Peggy tells us a few things about herself in this interview in association with TAG Heuer.
1. It's not just about new music
“[It’s all about] reading the crowd properly,” says Peggy. When it comes to being a DJ, she firmly values great track selection over DJ technique. “Selection comes first, then technique come second. I would say [I find] 70 percent [physical] records and 30 percent online. I don't just play new music, I play old music, new music together, and I think it's important to mix them together.”
2. From now on, she’s focusing on quality over quantity
“In 2016 I did four releases, this year I haven't done one yet,” says Peggy. “From now on, I will be more focused on quality, so I will do a maximum of two to three releases a year. I personally think quality is more important than quantity in many ways… not just music. So I think it's important to do quality music and not too many releases a year.”
3. Her style is her own thing
“I used to have a complex about [style],” she says. “I wanted to look serious, so I used to wear only T-shirts and denim. I realised that didn't make me happy. The fashion, dressing up is also part of me, so I do it for myself. And I really enjoy it.”
Peggy Gou at Red Bull Studios Berlin
© Nathan Zentveld
4. It’s not a male/female DJ thing
“I don't like to even say ‘Female DJ’… It's just DJ. I don't like when they're defining female DJ, male DJ. Some of the people knows the answer already, and there's no point of speaking out loud.”
5. She prepares for each show differently
“It depends on which city I'm playing, which club I'm playing, what kind of DJ I'm playing with, so I always take various house, disco, house, techno…” she says. “But it all depends on where I'm playing, who I'm playing for and in which city. I usually always get an idea when I go to a club and a festival. Before I get to see the crowd, I'd never have an idea. I get butterflies and my aim is not to lose those butterflies.”
Peggy Gou photographed at Red Bull Studios Berlin
© Nathan Zentveld
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