Suze Ijó: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

That Loft manifesto feeds into the sounds in her own DJ sets too, whether in the booth or on the waves. From infectious Chicago house to uplifting 80s cuts and warm, soulful grooves; the mood transports you back to the heydays where dance floors were becoming spaces for freedom, self-expression and connection. It’s music to bring people together, music to get you moving, and music to lose yourself in.

That’s exactly the aim she has in mind with her Shine A Light On mix. A dedicated digger, fuelled all the more by her time spent behind the counter at Clone Records where she worked for three years, Suze dips into her collection to deliver an hour of music that touches on shuffling piano-led house, bouncy broken beat and synthesized 80s funk.

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

I am Suze (better known as Suze Ijó), a dancer, record collector and DJ with west-Indian roots born, raised & based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

Where was the mix recorded?

The mix was recorded at home. After a moment of inspiration I recorded this set in one take in my home booth.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

It’s definitely a late night set (or early morning depending how you see it). Perhaps perfect for listening on a warm summer night, sharing a spliff on the balcony with a lover or dancing with your eyes closed in a tiny dark club with a great sound system. I highly recommend burning incense while listening!

What should we be wearing?

Whatever you feel comfortable in. I would suggest something that’s easy to move in.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

I think I would love to record a set at a New York loft party. Most important requirement: a HiFi set up and a good dance floor.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

EDB feat. Marshmello & A.Lincetto – You Bring Me Joy [Neroli 055]

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

It’s this mix by Fred P recorded at Kaiku, Helsinki. I love Fred P and how deep he gets with it.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Oh my, great question. I think Marcellus Pittman. His sets have inspired me a lot over the years.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

My first DJ setup consisted of two Technics I still have. I bought them almost 10 years ago and I consider them still the most precious items I bought for myself. Oh and a shitty mixer which I had received from a friend.

I expanded my set up recently when I purchased two Pioneer XDJ-700’s so I can play digital and vinyl. I also upgraded my mixer to a decent model but I am still dreaming of my own E&S DJR 400 mixer.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

If I have to choose I would say a strong opening track.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The last record I bought is by GB ‘Yamaheaters EP’ and the first I don’t remember so well. I feel like records were always around. One record that I remember very vividly buying at the start of my collecting journey is ‘DJ Rasoul – Until the Morning’.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Like a grilled smokey peach, sweet and savoury.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A bird.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Some records are hard to beatmatch but there are many different ways of mixing so I have yet to encounter a record that is impossible to mix.

Anything else we need to discuss?

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