ENFNTSTERRIBLES

13 Sep 2023
Music

On Our Radar: Parisian DJ and Vintage Lover Miley Serious Is an All-around Creative With a Vision

Creativeness originates when different worlds collide and something new starts to exist. New York-based Parisian and all-around talent Miley Serious has always been inspired by electronic music and the punk scene, which led to a symbiosis that makes her stand out as an artist and label owner. With residencies in iconic clubs such as REX in Paris or Killekill in Berlin, her influence on the electronic scene cannot be underestimated, bringing her all around the world for sets. Miley Serious is far from being new, but it’s time to get her on your radar with our series.

Your moniker is probably one of the best DJ monikers we have ever heard. What’s the story behind Miley Serious?

First of all, thank you. (Laughs) It’s one people remember at least! I’ve been DJing for a minute; I started around 2007 with my friend O.Xander, and we were always playing together. One day, we had to stop the project as he had to move to the capital, so I had to play by myself and find a new name. It was during the Witch House era, and names were kind of absurd using pop references. I still have it, and no, I’ve actually never been into Miley Cyrus. (Laughs)

How would you introduce yourself to someone who isn’t familiar with who you are or what you do?

So, I’m a DJ, but I’m also the head of my own tapes and zines label called 99CTS RCRDS. I consider myself an archivist; I have this crazy urge to collect everything in my life, from music to my favorite items or vintage clothes. It’s how I see my life and career: archiving the scene and the history while I’m here. I’ve been into music since my teenage years, being in a band playing bass guitar to DJing for the past almost 20 years, so it’s been my life and my job for almost my whole life. I also have a radio show on the legendary Rinse radio in France and renewed my residency at REX club in Paris. A big honor for me!

You’re based in Paris and New York. What makes these cities so exciting for you as a creative?

I’m extremely lucky to have these two cities as my home now. New York City has always been a special place for the past ten years, and I have always felt so creative when I am there. My whole label is based on how the 99-cent stores, deli, and corner stores are inspiring to me. It’s like a museum of daily life, my favorite space to observe. I need it, to be honest. It’s where I started my label, met my amazing husband, and had some magical nights, days, and memories.

Paris is where I’m from, not born, but where I’m actually from. I love to go back and take it easy. It’s where my best friends are, and the scene and clubs are so exciting. It’s another amazing capital that has so much to offer; it’s definitely another dynamic. I feel it’s where I focus, I rest and be creative in another way, more calm. The stimulation is definitely different, but it’s my balance.

You’re also often in Berlin as a resident at KILLEKILL and recently for a set at HÖR. Is Berlin still the capital for electronic music in your opinion?

Berlin is definitely an important capital for electronics—for clubbing—and the scene would not be the same without this city. Berlin is constantly moving, and I guess, evolving. It’s been hard for me to be super comfortable there as I grew up with my eyes and ears obsessed with the US scene or UK scene. Meeting KILLEKILL and seeing clubs bringing more genres makes my time there more easy. I had a hard time understanding how it works in Berlin, but it became fun!

99CTS RCRDS is your label. Why did you want to set up your own label?

I’m not a producer; I tried at some point, but I didn’t feel like it. Being used to making music with a band made producing solo a big pain, so I did not force myself into that. My passion, naturally, is to dig, and when I say that, it’s about everything: from music to clothes, to furniture, zines, plastic bags … My collections of items are endless. Collecting all this music and seeing so many good producers not having their first release made me want to launch 99CTS RCRDS. I think it made more sense for me to put music out on my label and create a catalog of what is the scene in my eyes than to produce some. This is where I definitely feel creative and excited. I’m so proud of all the process when I’m about to release an artist. I consider it like a little store, too. I have the music section, merch, and now imprints with releases of art zines. It’s my little brand.

What elements do you look for when you decide to release something via 99CTS RCRDS?

As cheesy as it sounds: to be a fan of the music I want to release. I always approach the artists and create a link with them before working on something. I want to put out friends, not just a ton of people. It’s already so hard to be good at everything, but I really want to be a friend and someone they know they can talk to for support. I don’t have a limit on it; I put out what I want. I go with what I like at the moment or believe is super interesting and bring something new to the scene. This is my research for sure: a kind of SoundCloud music for real life.

Your aesthetics are inspired by post-punk. How would you define your fashion style?

Well, not by post-punk exactly, but by punk, hardcore, alternative, and DIY scenes. Since a young age, I’ve been into thrifting. Finding a perfect piece to add to my closet was always and is still an exciting moment, but I’m picky. I love vintage T-shirts—bands or graphic ones—so I often have one on. It’s also a way to show support to music I like. Pants are fun; there are so many options. I love good fabric, heavy cotton, corduroy, or distressed pieces … I wear what means a lot to me and what I can explain. I think how you dress can definitely be who you are, and I enjoy it. I love to think about it.

As a vintage lover, what kind of tips do you have for successful vintage shopping?

Knowledge of clothes. To know what you buy, I don’t think buying vintage is just thinking of an era, it’s also about knowing where it’s from, who made it, and the story behind it. Clothes had and have purpose with a strong story. I know we now often shop more Y2K stuff, but I think you still have to see and know the difference between pieces you find. Too many kids wear band tees ’cause it’s cool, but some stuff can be gnarly to wear. So yeah, do some research when you come across something amazing. It makes it even more precious.

What are you working on next? What can we expect from you in the upcoming months?

While typing this, I’m actually on my flight to L.A., so some amazing shows are coming … I’ll be kicking off my second-year residency at REX Club in Paris soon. I have another tour in Australia with my second Boiler room coming up in October/November; I can’t wait to be back there! I’m on the next release for the label already, and the next zine is almost done. More life, more fun, more talents to push, and more time with my husband, too. (Laughs)

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