In this first entry of our series, we sit down with the multi-talented Gifta – DJ, producer, label owner and primary school teacher. Having only started producing during Covid, her rise has been meteoric, earning multiple featured releases on UKF.

As the founder of Phase Records DNB, she has worked tirelessly to build a platform for emerging drum and bass artists, helping the label secure its own stage at Hospitality on the Beach in Croatia last summer.

Thanks for chatting to us, could you introduce yourself for those that don’t know?

Gifta: Yes sure! So I’m Gifta! Drum and bass dj, producer and label owner based in London. I guess I kind of lean towards the rolling side of drum and bass, I like things dark, quick and skatty.

Who inspires you as a DJ or has had the biggest influence on your productions?

Gifta: oooffffff okay… As a DJ, T>I, S.P.Y and Enei have been hugely inspiring to me for their selection and skill and all three defo inspire me in terms of production too. I’m also a big fan of Benny L and Waeys. I do also tend to draw for super underground / lesser known producers too and enjoy their productions: names like LeStr, CrucifyMe, Gui and Brook spring to mind but there are loads of others!

You’ve played at all sorts of venues around the country, what are your favourites?

Gifta: Hard to say but I do really love Corsica Studios – proper shame that’s closing down, I feel incredibly lucky to have got to play there more than once before its doors shut. However, best venue I’ve ever played is Le Bikini in Toulouse, France. It’s not only my hometown but genuinely the sound in there is just phenomenal. Loud, clean, wicked lights… never seen or heard anything like it!!

How does it feel to have gone from your first release in 2022 to such a respected name in the DnB scene in such a short period of time?

Gifta: I don’t really think about it. I just keep focused on things and enjoy doing what I’m doing. But the support and the love has been so so truly encouraging and I’m endlessly grateful for that. Drum and Bass music and its culture means so much to me and is such a core part of who I am. It’s the honour of my life to play the small role that I do within its ever growing machine. That mindset helps me to always be present in the moment of where I am and stay thankful. That’s not to say I’m not hungry, or that I don’t have drive for more, because I DO!! I just stay thankful that I have been able to have things some people always dream of and never get. I think people also forget that I’ve actually been doing this D&B thing for almost 11 years now. It may seem like a short period of time between now and my first release, but maaaaateeeee its been a long long LONG road before that. 

How do you manage to juggle so many roles within the music industry and not burn out? Is it hard to focus on yourself sometimes when running a label?

Gifta: I care about my label and the artists I work with more than I care about the trajectory of Gifta, so for me its a no brainer when it comes to my focus. I will never let my label suffer. In terms of avoiding burnout though… I take breaks when I need to, I’m kind to myself, I stay as healthy as I can be physically – those things defo help! Prevention is better than cure when it comes to burnout so knowing the signs within yourself and stopping it before you’re in it is the way to go. I also love my job as a primary school teacher so much and I think that fulfilment in my everyday life and life away from music has been the saving grace I needed.

What is your favourite city to party in the UK? Any hidden gems of clubs people might not know there?

Gifta: Hidden gem venue is London Haggerston’s Signature Brew. If you know, you know!! In terms of fave city to party… wherever my mates are that’s where I’m happiest!!

What records are going off in your sets at the minute?

Gifta: plenty of label dubs are going off which is super promising and always nice to see. Rolo by Benny L is my secret weapon tune at the moment too – I LOVE THAT TUNE!

Dream B2B?

Gifta: You know what, there are loads of people I’d love to play with but its gotta be Enei or T>I really. I’d cack myself though hahaha

Finally, what have you got in the pipeline?

Gifta: Plenty!!! Loads and loads of music coming out next year, some sick shows lined up and of course continuing to champion the artists I believe in and the sound I love through Phase Records DNB. Also have fully qualified teacher status to look forward too as well! Basically, as always, nothing is slowing down with me lol!