Mindful Mixing

Photo Credit: Lex Ryan

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]M[/dropcap]any artists work hard for years to make it in the extremely oversaturated producer/DJ scene, so it’s a major testament to LP Giobbi’s success that she caught the eye of Sofi Tukker at a show, got invited on tour and has been a smash hit ever since. Far from a one-hit wonder, however, Giobbi is hustling all the time with non-stop touring and shows. She took a break from her busy schedule to chat with CULTURE about her ethics, dreams and success so far.

How did you first get your start?

A while back, I was asked to play with an all-girl electronic band. I didn’t know much about synthesizers, but if you know music theory and how to play piano, you can figure out the rest. So I spent the next four years in a garage teaching myself sound design and synthesis, how to play synthesizers on-stage, and how to produce and use Ableton and other programs.

Finally, I ended up playing a gig at a live music festival, because they needed someone to fill in. It turned out to be a horrible gig, but Sofi Tukker was there, and she asked me if I would want to go on tour as a DJ. I said I wasn’t really a DJ, but she said, “Are you coming or not?” So, I had to go!

“I think that female freedom to choose whatever career path you want, freedom to choose what you want to put in your body, and in general the freedom to choose for a woman, I think it’s all very tied.”

How did that lead into you doing more of your own projects?

It’s really exciting, because playing music on-stage gives me an idea of what I want to do and the kind of music I want to play. I started making music while I was on the road and started playing it out, and I was able to test what was working and what wasn’t. It’s really fun to get to see what works in a live setting.

Do you have anything specific you’re working on right now?

I have some new music [that came out at the end of October], and I’m super pumped. It’s very tribal and hard-hitting, and I collaborated with some amazing artists. There’s a lot of music I’m working on right now, and I can’t wait for it to come out.

Photo Credit: Xander Wright

Do you have any tours going on currently?

There’s a lot more touring in the works. Right now, I’m on this U.S. run with Sofi Tukker. When I have days off, I’m able to go play other shows as well, and that’s the first time I’ve really been doing that. And next, I’m going to Europe on tour, so I have things going on for the rest of the year.

I’m really excited, really because this is the first time I’ve added a few extra drum machines to the show. It’s been really fun to learn as I go and get to go on the road with some new toys.

“I don’t personally smoke, but I grew up with hippie parents who were Deadheads, and cannabis has always been a huge part of my life.”

Tell us about what Femme House is, and how are you involved?

When I first started producing, it was from sheer feminist stubbornness. When I first started playing music, I was surrounded by male producers. They were great, and I had a great experience, but I didn’t know many other female producers. So, I thought, “Oh my gosh, that’s a role I could have.” Living in LA, I was meeting so many talented women, and I just wanted to kind of change the narrative and get as many of the men in the room as possible.

We’re doing free monthly workshops right now in LA, and we’re extending to New York next year. It’s a safe space for women and nonbinary people to learn how to use Ableton and how to program drums and record vocals and basically just make a song. So far, we have some awesome support from Roland and Ableton, and it’s just been really, really overwhelming and completely inspiring to see all the support that we’ve gotten from these companies that I’ve always looked up to and respected. It feels like such a wonderful time to be doing this and to be providing these opportunities.

Has cannabis impacted your life?

I don’t personally smoke, but I grew up with hippie parents who were Deadheads, and cannabis has always been a huge part of my life. I always have been blown away that alcohol was so easy to access, and much more so than pot, because there are so many issues associated with alcohol.

Does cannabis advocacy tie in with the other things you advocate for?

I think that female freedom to choose whatever career path you want, freedom to choose what you want to put in your body, and in general the freedom to choose for a woman, I think it’s all very tied. I also think decriminalizing opens up doors for people that can help them medically, with depression, and with creative flow. I think it does a lot of good.

Is there anything else you wanted to mention?
There’s a really cool project I am doing with Sofi Tukker where we go into clubs and make them into neon jungles. People can rave all night and dress up like animals. It’s a really fun part of the culture that we’re building and the community that we’re building, and it’s all about finding your inner child and the fact that [when] one of us shines, the more we all shine. It’s a big, important part of my ethos.

lpgiobbi.com