BEATS & PIECES
UNiiQU3
Club queen UNiiQU3, aka Cherise Gary, is a leading light in a fresh new army of Jersey club DJs, taking the sound of the East Coast US state to the world through her own productions and sick house music sets. She plays Body Movements Festival in London in October
Which song introduced you to dance music?
Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters. I’m sure I’d heard of dance music way before this, but it was one of the songs that made me do my research and find out more about the roots of Black dance music.
Which dance record changed your life?
I haven’t made it yet.
What secret weapon do you have in your DJ catalogue?
My mix presence. It’s not something anyone has.
What’s the go-to club to DJ at for the energy?
H0L0. It’s in Ridgewood, New Jersey, right in the midst of the action. They have a lot of diverse acts come through there. I like that they have an outdoor patio as well as the club, and it’s right by Pirate studio, so you can get a session in after.
Which club has the most impressive sound system in the world?
It has to be Corsica Studios in London. You gotta wear earplugs in there, for sure!
What was your greatest gig ever?
Afropunk Festival. It’s a Black alternative festival that goes down annually. I’ve been lucky enough to play in Brooklyn and Atlanta. It’s filled with the latest in Black music, fashion, politics and more. I love Brooklyn the most — no place like home!
Who would be your dream person to DJ with?
My homegirl KG. She’s a sick producer and DJ repping South Africa by way of London. Also Kikelomo from Berlin — she has great taste!
Which up-and-coming DJs should we look out for?
Sjayy is a very dope producer and DJ that’s evolving what Jersey Club sounds like, infusing lo-fi hip-hop into his productions. And DJ Dana Lu adds spice to any set she throws down.
Best advice you were given by another DJ ?
The most recent advice was from my homie DJ K-Duecez. I had a dope session at Pirate studios in Silver Lake, LA, with some Jersey producers who now reside on the west coast. On the way back home, he told me I’m her — whoever I was trying to be I already am, so just to be me to the max. I needed to hear that at that moment. It’s definitely a convo that’s going to stick with me forever.
What were your first set of decks?
A Pioneer DJ RX2 controller.
What’s your starting point when creating new music?
The vibes. That includes the lighting, snacks, my aura and the energy of the people in the room. It all has to be conducive and comfortable for me to get the best results.
What’s your production process when you are working on a new record?
Get a valid loop going. Whether it be a synth lead, or drums and percussion. I think when a loop hits you can expand on that without losing your creativity.
What makes a hot remix?
The cleverness and how hard the drums hit. It’s also really important to me to bring people into my world. All my tracks seduce you within the first ten seconds.
Which dance track represents your outlook on life?
I’m Every Woman by Whitney Houston. When I heard this song, I didn’t really identify it as dance music, but it has many elements of house music. I also loved singing, and Whitney is from Jersey, which is why this pop song has the soul of a Jersey house record.
If you could create your ultimate dance record, who would you produce it with, who would do the vocals, and which club would you play it at?
I would produce it with Sega Bodega, Kaytranada and Missy Elliott, and Tinashe would accompany me on the vocals. They are all amazing producers and artists — my favourites in music and so innovative. I would play it at a rave afterhours on the beach in California the day before Coachella weekend.
UNiiQU3 plays at Body Movements Festival, London on 9 October. bodymovements.co.uk
“Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters was one of the songs that made me find out more about the roots of Black dance music”