Talking To: Charlie Tee

In a world obsessed with stereotypes and genre pigeonholing, house & techno DJ, D&B DJ, broadcaster, presenter, writer and label head Charlie Tee’s no nonsense approach to music is that of any true aficionado; playing tracks that make her feel viscerally. From high energy house to gritty peak-time techno, or her more unhinged side rinsing some D&B and jungle, you’re always in for a ride.

As a broadcaster, Charlie is best known for her impressive eight years hosting her own Friday night show on the Kiss FM UK networks, and has recently become a regular DJ on BBC Radio 1, hosting their iconic Friday night slot Dance Party (in for Danny Howard), Future Dance and the Radio 1 Drum & Bass Show. As a seasoned DJ she’s brought her unique sounds to a myriad of shows including Elrow, Hospitality, Fabric, Snowboxx and Boardmasters.

We caught up with her ahead of closing the inaugural Lady Of The House Cultural Exhibition in Bristol with a headline set at their After Party Rave at Lost Horizon on Saturday March 12th.

You’re best known for your DJing career (both in clubs and on the radio), tell us more about what you are up to at the moment?

Showcasing evocative music is always at the forefront of everything I do and is something I’m very passionate about. I’ve been really fortunate to be asked to do this on Radio 1 lots recently. Covering Danny Howard & Sarah Story’s Friday night shows and the D&B show with René LaVice has been so much fun. DJ-wise, I’ve got some really exciting shows coming up this summer including the Tomorrowland, NASS and Snowboxx Festivals. I’m also just about to launch my label TOTAL, so it’s all systems go at the moment.

Tell us about how you got into DJ-ing.

I was given a pair of hand-me-down decks and just sat clanging in my room! Luckily, after lots of practice, one day it started to all click.

What attracted you to building a career in the dance music industry?

That’s a great question. Well, my love for music is the obvious answer. But I guess I just loved the culture that surrounded it all; it’s such a creative industry and you’re always learning.

How did you get involved with Lady of the House?

I saw the book that Laila McKenzie had put together and just started championing everything online. I’m a big advocate for equality and I think it’s important to honour the female icons that have helped build this scene. It’s important for us to support one another and create more opportunities for those that come after us.

Do you feel that being female or identifying as a woman is a barrier to getting work in the music industry?

Not as much now, but I’ve definitely got my fair share of stories over the last ten years. I’m all about looking forward though and focusing on how we can create more opportunities for the next generation. Right now is such an exciting time for dance music and people coming through.

How do projects like Lady of the House help women get into the industry, both practically and in the way of confidence and community?

Representation is so important for progression. Seeing other women DJIng when I first started really gave me that self belief that there was room for me in the industry. Also, networking is such an important part of this job, with so many great minds at The Lady of The House exhibition next week, it is like gold dust having everyone all in one space.

Who are your heroes and other influences?

Annie Mac was such a big one for me radio-wise. Her style fuses presenting and music journalism and she really pioneered a whole new style of broadcasting.

DJ wise, BTraits, Nina Las Vegas and Chloe Robinson as well. When she started as Barely Legal I was also just starting out. Seeing other women like her in the scene breaking the mould was so inspiring.

Who have you loved working with most so far?

I’m going to throw a curveball in here and not say a well-known DJ or anything. I think it’s important to recognise how many amazing people there are in the industry behind the scenes; without them, it wouldn’t work. Some of my favourite people are promoters, those working at labels and producers in radio. These people are gold.

What music is exciting you at the moment?

I’m really enjoying this raucous, rave fuelled progressive sound that is breaking through in house and techno at the moment. Also, the new generation of jungle stars. I’ve really noticed in my sets how jungle’s surged again and it’s SO exciting to see.

What is exciting you most about the upcoming Lady of the House event in Bristol next week?

Meeting some incredible people, learning more and meeting those wanting to break into the industry.

What is coming next for you?

Some of my biggest shows of my career, the launch of TOTAL and more Radio 1 shows.

Follow Charlie Tee on Instagram and Twitter.

Charlie Tee closes the inaugural Lady Of The House Cultural Exhibition with a headline set at their After Party Rave at Lost Horizon on Saturday March 12th 2022. Charlie is joined by fast rising DJs A for Alpha, Tee Tee and The Yard Woman mixing up house, techno and the latest beats.

Tickets at https://www.losthorizonlive.com/ .

The Lady of The House Cultural Exhibition launches on International Womens Day March 8th. Tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/Lost-Horizon-HQ/Lady-Of-The-House-Cultural-Exhibition-/35983571/. Connect with Lady of the House here.