Into the Musenverse

As the vibrant music community prepares for an exciting summer, one event stands out: Musenverse Melange, set to take place on 20 June 2024 at Makossa in Dalston, London. This European cup final After Party promises a dynamic blend of genres and an inclusive atmosphere that reflects the spirit of unity and celebration. To understand the essence behind Musenverse and the journey of its founders, we delve into their background, motivations, and future plans. From blending careers in human rights law and DJing to fostering a supportive musical collective, this interview with DJ and Human Rights Lawyer, Signorina reveals the passion and vision driving Musenverse. Here, we explore their story and the inspiration behind their upcoming event.

**Background and Motivation**

**Can you share your journey from being a human rights lawyer to becoming a DJ?**

In my legal career, I hold powerful institutions, such as police and prisons, accountable by bringing compensation claims on behalf of those who have been wronged. While this work is rewarding, it’s also emotionally taxing. Music, a lifelong passion, has always been my way to recover and heal. Though I’ve been surrounded by music since childhood, DJing only felt intimidating until I finally embraced it last year. Music, much like my legal work, is a powerful form of expression and a tool for change, which has this innate ability to capture struggles and triumphs in a way that transcends language and culture. By combining my legal background with my passion for music, I hope to create DJ sets that not only entertain but also inspire reflection on broader social issues.

**What inspired you to combine your passion for music with your profession in human rights law?**

DJing has allowed me to blend my love for music with my commitment to social justice. Combining my passion for music with my human rights work comes from my belief that music and social justice are deeply intertwined. Music, much like my legal work, is inherently political to me. It’s a way through which I can address themes of resistance, resilience, and unity, echoing the values I uphold as a lawyer. My DJ sets often reflect this by blending diverse genres and sounds that resonate with these themes.

**Career and Advocacy**

**How do you balance your demanding career as a human rights lawyer with your work as a DJ?**

Balancing my career as a human rights lawyer with my work as a DJ has honestly been quite challenging and often involves extended periods of very little sleep. Practicing law, especially in civil claims against police and prison authorities, requires intense dedication and energy – both physical and emotional. Simultaneously, my passion for music and DJing is a vital part of my identity and creative expression and equally requires a lot of time investment and energy. I often find myself working late into the night, preparing for legal cases or DJ sets. I think my drive to excel in both fields keeps me going.

**How do your experiences as a lawyer influence your music and DJ sets?**

My experiences as a lawyer deeply influence my music and DJ sets. Working in civil claims against police and prison authorities exposes me to a wide array of social issues and human stories. These experiences find their way into my music, shaping the themes and emotions I try to convey through my DJ sets. I always feel inspired by tracks with narratives of justice, resilience, and empowerment. Genres like hip hop, in particular, with its origins in protest, serve as a powerful vehicle for expressing social commentary, enriching the meaning of my DJ sets with its raw and authentic voice.

**Musical Journey**

**What genres and styles do you focus on as an open-format DJ?**

As an open-format DJ, my aim is to create dynamic sets that blend a variety of genres and styles, but there are several genres that I particularly enjoy. Hip hop and all its variations, whether they are edits, mashups, or remixes, hold a special place in my heart as hip hop was the origin of my love for music during my teenage years. I particularly enjoy hip hop songs which include social commentary. It was only about 12 years ago through artists like Kaytranada, who blends R&B, soul, and hip hop edits in electronic music, that I have discovered and come to love the world of genre-blending electronic music, such as Future Beats, which has expanded my musical horizons and allowed me to experiment with new sounds and rhythms.

**Can you describe your approach to creating DJ sets that harness the power of sound for healing and unity?**

My approach to creating DJ sets centers on using music to evoke both nostalgia and newness which I think can be really igniting for a crowd. By blending nostalgic classics with contemporary beats, my aim is to transport listeners to moments from the past while also providing a soundtrack for new memories to be made – sort of like a blend of past and present.

**How do you select tracks for your sets, and what themes or messages do you aim to convey through your music?**

When selecting tracks for my sets, I draw from a wide range of genres, including hip hop, female rap, Palestinian music and songs of resistance from the Diaspora generally, love songs, and house beats—it’s a diverse mix! Each track serves a purpose, whether it’s to energize the crowd or evoke deep emotions. My aim is to create a vibe that resonates with everyone in the room, no matter their background or musical tastes. I want people to feel uplifted, inspired, and connected through the universal language of music.

**Founding and Mission**

**What was the inspiration behind founding the Musenverse Collective?**

Within the vastness of the DJ space, we wanted to create our own musical universe — a Musenverse – where we could blend our love for music with our desire to create a supportive and inclusive community. Our collective is made up of close friends and like-minded souls who share a deep passion for music and its healing power. Our aim is simple: to provide a space where music lovers can not only enjoy great tunes but also grow as individuals. We believe in the magic of music to uplift, connect, and inspire, and our events reflect that. By bringing together diverse genres and styles, we hope to create moments of joy and connection.

**Can you elaborate on the collective’s mission to connect and heal through music, art, and human connection?**

Through collaborative events, our collective aims to inspire individuals to explore their musical talents, express themselves creatively, and promote healing. We provide inclusive spaces where both emerging artists and experienced musicians can learn and grow. By creating a culture of collaboration and support, we empower individuals to embrace their musical journey and share their gifts with the world. Together, we’re creating a vibrant community where we come together to make beautiful music.

**Collaborative Efforts**

**How do you foster collaboration within the collective, and what does each member bring to the group?**

In our collective, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We try to create an environment where each member can contribute their unique talents. While we are all inherently creative, some of us are visionaries, others excel at networking, and others are great at crafting engaging visuals. Together, we pool our ideas and expertise to shape our projects. We share a deep passion for music which unites us, and a steadfast dedication to our collective vision. It’s this collaboration that brings us forward on our musical journey.

**Can you share some highlights or memorable moments from your recent DJ video shoots?**

Our DJ video shoots capture the essence of our music and community. Each shoot features us or guest DJs spinning tracks while friends and fans dance in the background, creating a lively atmosphere. We add a unique twist by using different color themes for every set, which enhances the visual appeal and a sense of unity. It’s difficult to pick just a few highlights from our recent DJ video shoots because each one has been special in its own way, filled with moments of connection, unity, and love. From the vibrant energy on the dance floor to the shared excitement of collaborating with talented artists, each shoot has left a lasting impression on all of us. It’s these moments of magic that remind us why we’re so passionate about what we do and inspire us to keep creating and sharing our music with the world.

**Future Plans**

**What are the long-term goals for Musenverse, and how do you plan to achieve them?**

Our long-term goals for Musenverse revolve around building a vibrant community where music lovers can connect, create, and grow together. We plan to achieve this by hosting diverse events and workshops, expanding our online presence, and fostering collaborations with like-minded organizations. Ultimately, our aim is to create a supportive and inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to pursue their passion for music.

**Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?**

The thing we are probably most excited about is our first collective event, “Musenverse Melange,” on 20 June in Dalston. This event will be a celebration of music and community, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone. We also have some exciting projects and collaborations on the horizon. We are currently in the process of releasing video footage shot last week, showcasing incredible talent and creativity. We’re also in the early stages of planning our next shoot, which promises to be another amazing opportunity for collaboration and expression.

**Event Details**

**Can you provide more details about the upcoming “Musenverse Melange” event – what can attendees expect in terms of performances, atmosphere, and overall experience?**

Musenverse Melange is an exciting Eurocup After Party taking place on 20 June 2024, starting at 8 PM at Makossa in Dalston. This event will be a vibrant celebration of music and unity, featuring a dynamic blend of genres including Amapiano, Baile Funk, Future Beats, Hip-hop, UK Garage, and UK Funky. The night will showcase performances by:

This event is free and open to all, with no tickets required. In keeping with our tradition of themed events, “Musenverse Melange” will have a football theme to coincide with the England game on the same day. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite football jerseys and join us in celebrating music and community. Musenverse Melange is supported by Faded Society, an underground DJ and music community dedicated to providing a platform for up-and-coming DJs and artists to perform and connect.

**Preparation and Challenges**

**How are you preparing for this event, and what challenges have you faced in organizing it?**

Preparing for “Musenverse Melange” has involved a lot of dedicated promotion and planning. We’ve engaged in extensive flyering and event promotion across various channels, including social media and in person, to ensure we reach a broad audience. We’ve also launched a DJ application process for a one-hour slot on the night, allowing us to foster inclusivity and discover fresh talent for the night. The biggest challenge has been balancing the networking, playing our own gigs, and engaging in effective event marketing. Coordinating with DJs, managing logistics, and ensuring a smooth promotional strategy has required a lot of effort and collaboration. Fortunately, the support from Faded Society has been invaluable in navigating these challenges and ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.

**How do you plan to create a unique and memorable experience for the audience?**

Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience by blending music, atmosphere, and community spirit in a way that resonates deeply with our audience. We’re focusing on creating a dynamic and engaging environment through our diverse DJ lineup, which includes genres like soulful house, baile funk, amapiano, funky house, hip hop edits, R&B, and electronic beats. The football-themed aspect of the event, timed right after the England game, will add a unique twist and encourage attendees to get into the celebratory spirit by wearing their favorite football jerseys.

**Impact and Outreach**

**What do you hope to achieve with this event in terms of audience impact and community outreach?**

With “Musenverse Melange,” we aim to create a space where people can connect through music and build a sense of community. We hope to embrace our audience by providing an inclusive environment where attendees can enjoy a range of musical styles and discover new sounds. Through our open DJ application and diverse lineup, we’re also promoting emerging talent and encouraging broader participation in the music scene. This event is about more than just a night out—it’s about fostering connections and creating memorable experiences that resonate with people even after the music stops.

**How do you envision the event contributing to the collective’s mission and goals?**

The event aligns perfectly with our collective’s mission to build a supportive, inclusive community through music. By showcasing a diverse range of genres and styles, “Musenverse Melange” reflects our commitment to celebrating musical diversity and fostering a sense of unity. It provides a platform for both established and up-and-coming DJs to share their work, contributing to our goal of nurturing talent and promoting creative expression. Ultimately, this event is a step towards creating our own unique “Musenverse”—a musical universe where everyone feels welcomed, inspired, and connected.

**Personal Insights**

**What does it mean to you personally to perform at this inaugural event for Musenverse?**

Signorina: Performing at our first Musenverse event is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a milestone for our collective, marking the start of something we’ve worked hard to create—a unique musical space for connection and community. Sharing music that reflects my journey and values, and seeing its impact on others, is deeply fulfilling. This event blends my passion for music with my commitment to community, offering a space where people can feel connected and inspired. It is something I am majorly looking forward to, and I hope it will be a great success.

Sndyvibes: I’ve been envisioning this moment for the past year, and to see it come to life fills me with immense pride. Curating this event has allowed me to create something I was searching for—a platform that purely focuses on authentic music selection. The best thing about it is that I get to do it with people who are close to my heart. I can’t wait to share this experience with you all. This is a dream come true.

Esthahh: I am deeply grateful for this, as it’s something we’ve all worked so hard for. Being one of the organizers is huge because I know it is the beginning of something impactful and enduring – not only for us but for everyone involved. I believe my performance can help set the tone for what Musenverse represents—creativity, innovation, and a deeply shared love for music. I am committed to delivering a performance that not only entertains but also resonates with the audience and embodies the spirit of Musenverse. Music is the muse!

More about the event: https://ra.co/events/1932253