048: RENATA
Renata is an artist who DJ’s at the intersection of genres, weaving together the threads of soul, jazz, balearic, afrobeat, and house into a transcendent soundscape. Based in London, her rise in the underground circuit over the past decade has included playing iconic venues like Spiritland, Brilliant Corners and The Cause to gracing festivals like Gottwood, Houghton, We Out Here and Love International. Renata has established herself as a selector who can tell a story through sound.
For Renata, music is a family affair—her father, a jazz musician, introduced her to titans like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Jimmy Smith. Growing up in a household of music enthusiasts, with older brothers spinning everything from reggae to heavy metal, Renata’s eclectic taste was nurtured early. Her teenage years were marked by introspection and musical exploration, spending countless hours with artists like The Doors, Sonic Youth, and Mazzy Star. These formative experiences cultivated a unique approach to her craft.
Renata’s sets are a seamless interpretation of music in flow. Her track selection spans genres, each piece contributes to a cohesive emotional narrative, offering a journey that contextualizes the music. Whether spinning at London’s hidden gems or broadcasting on 1BTN Radio, she consistently channels the energy and solace she finds in music to her listeners.
An integral part of London's underground music scene, Renata reminds us that the best art exists at the intersection of influences, transcending boundaries and creating connections between people. With every set, she invites us to lose ourselves in the music—only to find something greater.
RENATA LINKS: IG / Soundcloud / LINKTREE
Interview Questions
Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to start DJing after years of staying behind the scenes?
I’m a London-born Indonesian, living in London and consider London as home, in so many ways. It’s the place where it’s allowing me to be my authentic self. Not being put in a box, not defined by heritage or gender. I’m just me.
I think the whole ‘where are you really from’ question is such an outdated concept - one that’s limiting and an excuse to put people in boxes. And I’m so not about that. I believe in being in the present, moving forward and leaving the past behind. You can’t always choose your past, but you can choose how you would like to grow and evolve.
I’d like to be seen as me, a multifaceted whole person.
I’ve always been into music and buying music for as long as I can remember. I used to make mixtapes all the time, on cassettes and a bit of Ableton too. DJing itself didn’t really appeal to me but I love discovering music and putting those sounds together. I’ve always been surrounded by people who play music and they are an encouraging bunch. So it was just a natural progression, not like I decided one day that I’d like to pursue DJing.
Can you share your earliest memories of music in your household? How did those experiences shape your taste?
I used to sneak into my Dad’s room and listen to his tapes - George Benson, Give Me The Night was on repeat, Sergio Mendes, Stevie Wonder. His taste was quite vast and eclectic actually, he also listened to Pavarotti for example, Gypsy Kings and The Rolling Stones. So I was exposed to all sorts of music from a young age.
I remember really enjoying listening to music on my own in my room….it was comforting….I was quite a solitary kid.
You blend a variety of styles and genres in your sets. How do you go about creating a cohesive flow across such diverse styles?
Hmmm yeah….I guess I do tend to build up a set. Not intentionally, it’s just something that intuitively feels natural. Sometimes I'd start off with one tune that I really want to play and then build it around that track. To me, a set needs to go somewhere, preferably ending on a high. It needs to tell a story I suppose and sometimes you can’t really achieve that by playing just one particular genre. Although I’m always aware it’s a delicate balance, otherwise the set will sound messy and doesn’t make sense.
Are there any favorite records or labels that are consistently in your bag?
I always have a Joe Clausell record in my bag for sure, DJ Aakmael as well, and really like releases on Mysticisms.
How do you decide what to play for different audiences, whether at Spiritland, a festival like Houghton, or on 1BTN Radio?
I think it’s important to stay true to yodurself, to understand your own voice and identity when playing records. Like what is your sound. However, it is also important to adapt to wherever you’re playing. I enjoy playing electronic, mid tempo house and deep house these days; and I got to flex that side of me at Houghton this year, which I was so grateful for. But I was also aware that the majority of the crowd there are younger so I’d still have to keep it exciting.
Whereas venues like Spiritland and Brilliant Corners are exciting for different reasons, because you can play heavier sounding records and venture to jazz, soul, psychedelic as well. Also, playing all those nice records on a nice sound system is just pure joy.
My shows on 1BTN had very much a Monday afternoon vibe, so I wanted the vibe to ease you gently into the week and be rather uplifting, hopefully helping set the tone for the week ahead. I have been taking a small break from the radio station though due to work commitments. I’m currently building a small business for myself and it’s taking up a lot of my time at the moment.
What’s been your most memorable set to date, and why?
A Sunday set at Gottwood a few years back was pretty special. The sun was shining, I played on the big stage near the lake. I was playing lots of disco and gospel and the crowd really lapped it up. It felt almost church-like for some reason. It was beautiful.
Another one was when I played at Spiritland, the one in Southbank, warming up for Giles Smith. I got to play a housey set, quite soulful, which I don’t really get to play a lot….so I was in my happy place. And the crowd was so receptive, it was such a lovely night.
Also have to say my set at Houghton this year. It was a Sunday and I know people are tired and struggling by that point. So I tried my best to play nice uplifting records….more on the deep spiritual housey sounds, which again is my happy place really. A few people came up and said how they were in a bad way and gradually felt uplifted from listening to those tunes. That was nice…
Spiritland and The Cause are legendary London venues. How do those spaces shape your sets and energy?
I’m not sure if they shape my sets and energy. I just try my best to bring some good vibes over and play my records. Of course if people react well to those records, then you know you’re on the right track. At the same time, it’s also having the conviction to build your set and not let people throw you off course from what it is you’d like to channel out at that moment. Basically, try your best to read the room and feed off of that energy.
How has the environment of London influenced you?
It has influenced me massively. I have nothing but love for London.
I used to struggle with depression and one of the contributing factors was due to not having the freedom to express yourself, as a person and as a woman. There were lots of expectations to be everything for everyone apart from for yourself. So I’m deeply grateful for London. I have a lovely healthy creative life, surrounded by good people.
Can you speak about any mentors or peers who have supported or inspired you along the way?
It’s hard not to give my other half Andy Bainbridge (DJ, Producer, Not An Animal record label) a shout out. We really support each other and give each other space to flourish creatively. We try to be really honest with each other when it comes to our creative projects…and I think that’s important so we can both be the best versions of ourselves individually.
Are there any upcoming projects, releases, or collaborations you’re excited about?
Nothing in the pipeline yet, apart from the odd gigs here and there. Hopefully next year I’ll have more time to focus more on music as the business gets more established. I’m a planting and garden designer by the way.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope that they can appreciate the journey and enjoy the selection. Music for me is healing and cathartic, so hopefully that comes across.
Any advice for aspiring DJs trying to find their voice in such a vast and diverse musical landscape?
Maybe don’t spend too much time on social media haha ... .Seriously though….I think it’s important to forge connections in real life, do your research and build on that identity. Try not to let social media dictate or influence too much. Have the courage to be an individual. Don’t just copy.
What should we expect from this mix?
Laid back, deep and groovy sounds…
Tracklist:
Cold Winter - Byron The Aquarius
After The Rain - Alton Miller
The NiteFlyte - Vick Lavender
Bermuda Clouds - Native Cruise
But In Time - Driss Bennis press. OCB
La Belle Du Jardin - Pilgrims of the Mind
Dream 2 Science - Ben Cenac
Spirit In Tala - Chari Chari
Days In Time - Fred P
Midnight Ceremony - Boobjazz
Modified - Kyle Hall
Love You More - Mr G’s Endlessly In Love Dub
The Breeze - Kerri Chandler
