Misstress Barbara

She's an internationally renowned DJ who has spun at some of the world's top clubs and worked alongside electronic music legends like Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin and John Digweed.

Her DJing and production have earned her accolades and awards, including "Best Breakthrough Underground DJ" at the UK Underground Music Awards. But while she could easily rest on her laurels, Misstress Barbara (born Barbara Bonfiglio in Sicily, Italy) is embarking on a whole new adventure with the release of I'm No Human, her first album as a songwriter - one that features contributions from Sam Roberts, Brazilian Girls and Bjorn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John.  She’ll be treating the Coloursfest crowd to a slice of her simply stunning techno at Braehead next Saturday.

Where in the world do we find you today?
Montreal, Canada

What country do you call ‘home’?
Canada

How has 2009 been for you so far?
Very busy! I'm swamped with my upcoming album promo and with band rehearsals.
Did you attend WMC?  If so, how was it for you?Yes I did. It was ok. Nothing exciting.

Do you have any plans for Ibiza this year?
Yes. I'm playing Meganite at Privilege on July 1st and Martina Club on August 19th.

Your new album ‘I’m No Human’ features vocals from yourself.  Did you find it strange to hear your own voice on your tracks?
No

How long did it take to write all the tracks?
I wrote the album songs during and on and off period of 14 months total.   

Do you plan to incorporate your singing into your live DJ sets in the future?
Not in my DJing. The singing and the album performances will belong strictly to my live touring with my band.

You have many skills under your belt already (pilot, producer, dj, songwriter and musician), have you got any new skills in your sight that you want to master?
Ahaha!! That is funny! Hum... Let me see..... Yes! Actress!!

Did you find it hard to get noticed when you first started DJing being a woman, or did you find it the complete opposite?
I've worked very hard as I'm a hard worker and I enjoy my work, and it obviously paid off. I can't say it was easy but as I said I don't mind working hard to get where I want to get and that's what I did.  Who was your DJ idol when you first started out?Laurent Garnier

Is there any DJ/producer in the world that you wish you could work withbut haven’t as yet?
There are many. But the more time goes by the more my collaboration dreams belong to talent beyond the DJ world. I looooove DJing, and I adore certain tracks that some DJs are producing, but not enough to dream of collaborating with them. I'd rather make songs with people who make songs. And do tracks alone. Making tracks require less structure and less work than building songs with lyrics and chord changes and recording voices and instruments and all that... I also think that making tracks is a thing of a couple of hours inspiration. Something you got to do on the spot. So unless I find myself already in the studio with another DJ/producer, it's most likely something I'll be dealing with by myself, alone, in the moment of the inspiration.  

You’re playing Coloursfest in Glasgow for the second time in June.  Are you excited about coming back to the Scottish crowd?Yes!!!! It's been a while!! Always good memories of playing Scotland in the past?Always. Scottish people are so fun!! And happy!

The Meganite Arena at Coloursfest sees the return of techno to the event after a couple of years absence. What do you think has changed with techno in the past few years that’s increased its popularity so much?
It became more accessible simply by the fact that its bpm slowed down, so it's less harsh for the mass to listen to. And I love it that way!!

What do you think has made you so successful?
Certainly my hard work along with the passion I pour into it. Also my DJing style, my music, my productions, the fact I own a label, and last but not least my energy behind the decks.

Any tips for someone starting out in the industry?
Do only what u love and believe in it. It's the only way.

If you could trade places with any other DJ for an evening,who would it be and why?
No one.

If you were playing your last ever gig, what would be your last tune of the night?
What a cool question!! I guess it would be Modwheel ‘Spirit Catcher’. Because it's been my hit record in all my DJ sets in my beginnings and it's a record I still play today, after 13 years, so it would be a very intense and touching moment.  

Finally, what can the Coloursfest crowd expect from you on June 6th?
A rocking set of course!! :)

See you all down the front!