It's crazy to think it's been three years since I first came across Louise Da Costa in a Carlow nightclub, it was the first time I ever saw a DJ performing and putting on a show opposed to just standing there pressing buttons and I was inspired so much so much by this woman. A 24 year old Derry girl with a degree in History was quickly becoming Ireland's number 1 female DJ and years on she's become a household name not only in Ireland but around the globe.
I featured Louise (or as I call her the queen) on my blog wayyy back in 2015, which you can check out here ... but now that so much time has passed and with so much success under her belt I decided it was the perfect time to catch up with the woman who inspires me daily & who I'd now consider a friend, the one and only Louise Da Costa.
So Louise, since we last caught up in 2015 what has been going, what's changed for you?
''Hey Lynda, great chatting to you again! Lots gone on over last few years! I've been touring flat out nationally & internationally, back out to Asia and middle east and lots of European dates coming up this year too. I've been living between my suitcase and the studio [laughs]. Releasing lots of new muses and have even had a couple of No1s on Beatport etc as well as some commercial chart success on iTunes.
I'm also delighted to have joined the team at award winning Irish record label Full Tilt as head of A&R. Its been a wee bit of a whirlwind!''
You've blown up the Irish radio recently, how does it feel when you hear your music coming on the radio? ''The love from Irish radio & DJs has been truly incredible! Obviously without all the support the music wouldn't get too far so it means a lot for people to get behind it, from radio stations, to fans requesting to the DJs championing it!
Massive respect too all the DJs & stations for pushing music from myself as well as the label & supporting home grown artists.
There's been a lot of international interest also from Europe, Asia, UK, Middle East & beyond. Most recently in Scandinavia where one of my releases has been featured in fitness albums & programmes. Obviously its a real buzz when you're heading to a show or in the gym & you hear your music come on the radio! Cant imagine the novelty wearing off any time soon!''
When we last spoke you said you never plan a set list you just feed by the crowd is this something you still do or have you found a new technique? ''Hahah, no change there Lynda! Still winging it in that respect! Obviously I'm researching new music on a daily basis and making my own edits etc to play out so I'm well prepared. Unfortunately a lot of DJs seem to just come along with pre- programmed sets and pretend to do something. But personally just that I don't think you can plan for an atmosphere. I feel you have to be able to react to the vibe & change things about to keep people interested and involved in every tune.
Playing off the cuff & to the crowd is what has worked for me & thankfully still does.''
You're head of A&R at Full Tilt who's worked with the legendary Alan Fitzpatrick and John Gibbons, how is that going for you? ''Absolutely loving it! We've a fantastic team at the label & one of the best studios in the country & a world class engineer in Tommy Conway! Its tremendous fun & has been a great success so far with hit after hit in the charts. I love been involved in the sourcing and development of new talent... It keeps the ideas fresh & every day you're interacting with different artists & learning something new. Also love the fact that we're able to get behind Irish acts & push home grown talent!''
If someone wants to be signed by you and your label what should they do? ''Firstly get in touch! I can't stress that enough! Reach out, get involved, even if you're productions aren't there yet its worth getting in contact. As an accredited education centre we offer a range of production courses & services, so even if you don't get signed you may learn something useful. In terms of artists & music however, we're looking for all kinds of talent from DJs/Producers into House, Techno, Progressive etc as well as singers of all styles! So, shameless plug here haha],hit me up Louise@fulltiltrecordings.ie''
Now that the bank holiday has come and gone some people might not be in the mood to hit the town again, what tunes would you suggest they listen to, to get in the mood?
''Feeling loads of different sounds at the moment! Loving the new Cliq track, Tommy Conways Invigorate, Camlephat - Panic Room, Mark Knight Feat. Mr V – We Get High From The Music, Tough Love - One Love, Riton ID, and obviously my own latest release Solstice.. too many to mention! Check out the full list of my current faves via my Power House Play list on Spotify > https://open.spotify.com/
You're one of the most positive and inspirational women I know, how do you keep those positive vibes? ''Haha thank you for your kind words! I just think life's just way too short to be down! There's so much to do & so many great things to experience, what's not to be positive about!''
FINALLY, do you ever think 'what if I just went on to teach history?
''Yes all the time... especially when I'm behind the mixing desk or on tour, I'm like why am I not in class at 9am waffling about the Roman Empire! Haha no not really, I think things have moved on so much with my music career that I'd find it very difficult to move into a 9-5 working environment now.
I still love history and I'm an avid reader, more as a hobby id love to go back to college and do some post-grad studies in classics, but that would be a pursuit of pleasure rather than part of the career plan at the moment.
Id more likely be found teaching about Djing /production at this stage. Regardless though, I think its healthy to have a wealth of interests and options in terms of career choices as then you'll never feel to tied to any particular field. Although I'm still in music at the moment, who knows what the future holds''
And there you have it, my little catch up with the unbelievable Losuise Da Costa. Take my word for it this lady is the most positive, hard working, down to earth woman I have ever spoken to and and mark my words this won't be the last you hear from this Queen!!
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