Macy Lancaster.

Macy Lancaster is a Manchester-based house DJ and producer who has quickly made her mark on the electronic music scene.

Since beginning her DJ journey, she has secured residencies across Manchester and at Ibiza Rocks. She has also played iconic venues such as Ministry of Sound and continues to develop her sound through a growing catalogue of original releases.

In this interview, Macy reflects on her journey into DJing and production, the milestones that have shaped her career, and the advice she would offer to students hoping to break into the music industry.

How did you first get started in the music industry, and what inspired you to pursue DJing?

My mum first bought me a set of decks when I was 13! We go to gigs and raves together all the time so I’ve always loved house music, and as soon as I saw the likes of Gorgon City and Fatboy Slim DJing I knew I wanted to do the same.

I studied Music at GCSE, College and then Spirit Studios so I’ve always had a passion for it. In my second year at Spirit I finally pushed myself to try and step into the industry to get a couple of local gigs in Manchester. I started doing some bar gigs under a local agency and from there it took off!

I would say my mum gave me all my knowledge and love for music, and going to see my favourite DJs inspired me to try and do the same.

You’ve played some huge venues including Ministry of Sound and held residencies at Ibiza Rocks. What has been the most memorable moment from performing so far?

Performing at Ibiza Rocks is definitely up there! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,

I had just graduated from Spirit Studios so it was the perfect time to kickstart my career in music. It’s my favourite place on earth so to experience it for 5 weeks and perform everyday was something else.

I think I would have to say my most memorable moment so far was warming up for Pete Tong and Sam Divine in my hometown, Preston. All my friends and family were there and to support my idols it was crazy, a real moment that hit me whilst I was performing.

You’ve recently released new music including your latest track “The Sound.” What inspires you to keep creating and how would you describe your sound as a producer right now?

I think nowadays to make it as a DJ you need to produce too so I always want to keep creating and trying to push myself, but it’s such a good feeling being able to play your own music in your sets so that definitely spurs me on!

I love mixing tech house baselines and drums with deep house chords and stabs, and I always have a sassy vocal in there!

I think I’m starting to find my sound and starting to enjoy the process of creating which is a nice place to be in! I set myself a goal of releasing 4 tracks this year and I’m already halfway there!

If you could collaborate with any artist or producer (past or present) – who would it be and why?

I can’t pick so I’m choosing one past and one present!!

There’s so many incredible female DJs out there at the moment who are smashing the scene and to follow in their footsteps would be a dream, so I’d love to collaborate with Sam Divine, she’s my absolute idol.

Past would have to be Frankie Knuckles!! Just to be in the room and see their process would be crazy.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Probably Ibiza Rocks! I learnt so much, met so many amazing people and experienced so much.

They held a competition on Instagram and I entered on the last minute (not thinking anything of it!) so to win and live out my dream was the best.

What is one piece of music equipment / software you couldn’t live without?

I have a pretty simple setup and don’t mind it that way! I recently discovered a new plug in called Life by XLN Audio and I use it on everything!

You can add any sample into it and it will mashup/ create new rhythms with the sample which you can manipulate in all kinds of ways, I use it on my drums, chords, FX and vocals and it sometimes helps to get inspiration for new ideas. I would definitely recommend checking it out.

How did your time at Spirit Studios help prepare you for the music industry?

I absolutely loved my time at Spirit Studios.

I learnt so much particularly in production on Logic as I wasn’t always confident in my production before Spirit.

I also met so many people who I still stay in touch with now, it’s such a supportive community with students and tutors.

You wouldn’t find another place like it with the same standard of equipment and teaching so I couldn’t recommend it enough, and just having those opportunities to be working with real life equipment and people is so helpful.

What advice would you give to our students or graduates at Spirit who want to build a career as a DJ or music producer today?

Use the studios and the resources spirit give you to the fullest whilst you can! You can’t find anywhere else like it in Manchester so rinse it while you can!

The biggest thing when trying to start out is putting in the work 24/7, network as much as possible, start posting on social media, support people who you look up to. Social media is a big thing nowadays so not being afraid to put yourself out there is a big part of it and trust yourself and trust the process!

Good things take a while to come into fruition but if you do things authentically, you will definitely reap the benefits.

Where can we find you and your work?

Find me on my socials at – @macylancaster

To learn more about Macy Lancaster, such as her music releases, upcoming gigs, mixes and more, check out her linktree here!