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The Vinyl Word

Cookie, the female DJ's DJ. PHOTO COURTESY OF COOKIE

March marks international women's month, a celebration of the ways in which at least some of the barriers of male-dominated society have been broken down, as well as an attempt to educate societies about what is still left to do in the name of gender equality. Women across the world are under-represented in politics and the workplace, and also as DJs and electronic music artists. Where women do break into the scene, they still face some problems making sure that their talents, and not their looks, are showcased most prominently.

"In some ways, it's easy to get into deejaying as a female — guys want to come out and see a girl behind the decks," Luxy's Cookie said. "But it's sometimes hard to be taken seriously."

Cookie has come to deejaying from eleven years of hard work in the club scene, and though she is happy to make use of her image on-stage, behind the charm her opinions and experience show she's not just a pretty face. "I don't want to be just a flower that people look at," she says, "like these Playboy DJs who aren't actually very good."

As lighting director for Luxy, Cookie has stood on stage alongside some of the world's biggest DJs, and taught herself to mix by watching them work. "But even with some of these international guys, the attitude is that you're just a pretty girl who can't deejay. I go out to prove them wrong, and maybe that pisses them off."

Canadian expat Megan of J.A.M Sessions agrees. "Sometimes I turn up to gigs and promoters say 'You? You are the DJ?' I just laugh it off. But you do have to work harder to get respect. And, yes, it is harder in Taiwan than Canada, as female DJs are less widely known and there are so few of us."

Some female DJs argue that they have to concentrate on their image more because of the likes of the Playboy DJs. But Cookie doesn't agree that flashing flesh is a threat to girls who are proficient. "I think it's a different market. The crowd who come out to my parties are there for the music." Megan, known for her sharp dress sense, also thinks it's all about the beats: "I'd dress how I do whether I was a DJ or not," she said. "The Playboy-type girls bring a sexual image to deejaying that I'm not sure is always positive. They bring in the crowds but it should be about the music first. Looks second."

Cookie spins at her Girl Power-inspired night House Biaaatch tonight at Luxy with fellow femme and Taipei Times DJ poll winner Nina. Token blokes David S and SL show the girls are happy to play fair — and that, really, it's all about excellent house music. Scores on the doors are the usual NT$299 before 11:30pm and NT$599 after. Also tonight, Megan holds her own amongst a bunch of guys — partner Junior, naturally, with Fratzuki, and Yoshi — with Melt at M Club located at B1, 90 Jianguo N Rd Sec 2, Taipei (台北市建國北路二段90號B1).

Tomorrow, house night Vice makes an overdue re-appearance for St. Patrick's night in Taipei. Music comes courtesy of a trio of titans: Schism, Scotty Baller and the awesome Code, with this columnist in the warm-up early slot. Entry is NT$350 with a drink, two for those dressed in green, at Hips (formerly Barrio's) on the corner of Dunhua South and Hoping East Roads from 10pm. Down in Taichung, we are assured that the St. Patty'Swank night is not a spelling error made by the Swank crew at Liquid Lounge, with Guinness and free entry for Irish passport holders, while Funky Charms at the Oldies Bar, also in the city, proves that central Taiwan is the new spiritual home of itinerant Irishman. Slainte!

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