Ahead of a set at The Cause’s ‘Tribes’ party this weekend, we spoke with Madam X about KAIZEN’s return, Mary Anne Hobbs’ greatness and how to stay healthy in 2023.
Rooted in soundsystem culture, Madam X’s multi-genre mixes have seen her play at clubs and festivals across the globe. With a fondness for electronic music’s dark and industrial sounds, the DJ has become a leading figure in many of the country’s budding nightlife scenes for well over a decade. Wielding sonorous dubstep with off-kilter garage grooves and unfettered techno with throbbing basslines, the multifaceted selector’s graft is certainly paying off.
Starting KAIZEN, her trailblazing record label, nine years ago, Madam X’s community-driven authenticity has taken dance music to new heights. Founded when at the epicentre of Manchester’s lauded underground scene, the imprint’s featured music from brooding half-stepper Biome and skittering floor-shaker Walton. KAIZEN recently returned after a two-year hiatus. Coming back with vengeance, and a heavy-weight double single from Cartridge, the imprint’s new roster champions the next generation of leftfield club music. New artillery courtesy of dubstep kingpin Cimm debuted at the tail end of 2022, and truly announced the label’s return to the fold.
Turning dancefloors on their head, Madam X’s selection skills have won her frequent sets across Britain’s internet radio network. Spending over six years on NTS, with her KAIZEN show, the label managers become a seasoned voice on the global broadcaster, which operates in over 50 cities around the world. Further aligning herself with the biggest names in dance music, Madam X became a BBC Radio 1 resident this month; from start to finish, each show delivers a power hour of ghastly club music. The hot seat hasn’t fazed her, and by the day people are becoming more familiar with the club impresario’s endlessly innovative blends of bass-driven music.
Ahead of a set at The Cause’s ‘Tribes’ party, we spoke with Madam X about KAIZEN’s return, Mary Anne Hobbs’ greatness and how to stay healthy in 2023.
