Originally from Nîmes in the South of France, MissMoon was very early surrounded by vinyls and equipment. Known as a passionate vinyl digger and for her refined sets, she has defended the true sound of Detroit and Chicago since the 90’s. MissMoon shares with us more about her roots and values, her monthly live show with “the French Quarter”, her experience with Soulbag crew and current projects she supports.

Welcome at the Star wax office, a glass of?

Tequila sunrise

How was your childhood and the environment where you grew up?

I come from a family of Spanish "Pieds-Noirs", self-taught craftsmen on my paternal grandfather's side, who had a household appliance repair shop and a vinyl store in Algeria in the 1950s. Musicians on my maternal grandfather's side, who was a photographer and ran a photo retouching workshop in Sarlat, Dordogne in the 1950s. He was a musician, drummer and multi-instrumentalist in a jazz band. I spent my childhood in my imaginary world, always apart and different from others, close to nature and curious about everything, but very shy and introverted. I had a rather technical background: my grandfather was also a cabinetmaker and radio amateur, and an electrical repairman. I grew up with wood chisels, electronic tools and computers. I studied art as a wood sculptor and furniture restoration. My uncle was a Macintosh representative in the 1980s, so I was immersed in computers and video games from a very young age. We are a family of archive collectors; my aunt and uncle ran a vinyl store in Mostaganem, Algeria. My uncle collected everything; he archived all his films and photos in memory of Algeria. I discovered vinyl as a child, like many of my generation. My father listened to a lot of soul, rock, and classical music.

Who are your main influences?

1970 : Soul, Rock, Disco/Funk, 90's : Hip-hop, Acid jazz, House, Techno, Drum & bass, trip-hop. These two decades of golden age in terms of creativity and musical masterpieces have marked my era.

How did you discover electronic music?

In high school in the early 1990s, my boyfriend - who years later became my husband - made me listen to compilations in the car on the way home from school, and I was listening to radio shows with live Dj mixes. I quickly started going to raves and that's where I really got into this culture and music.

Your first approach to Djing?

My boyfriend, Olivier, had a friend who had all the Technics 1200 Mk2 mixing equipment in his room. I observed them for a long time, and one day I decided to learn how to mix to surprise my boyfriend when he came back from the army.

Techno of House music?

Both

Why did you choose the name MissMoon, any anecdotes?

I chose this name because, as a child, my teachers told my parents that I was always on the moon, looking out the window. As an anecdote, in 97-98, I was holding a residency at AFRICATEK, a Nîmes bar, and I didn't have a Dj name. So, at their request, I had the idea of ​​calling myself MissMoon.

What was decisive to become a Dj?

My determination to get out of my comfort zone, to overcome my shyness, to develop my passion for music and to transmit it.

What does the vinyl represent for you?

A state of mind, a passion, a culture. When you mix vinyl, you're 100% committed, you're perpetuating and passing on an heritage. For me, it's also a form of therapy.

The first record you bought?

One of the first was Green Velvet “The Stalker” on Relief Records.

How many vinyls do you have in your collection?

Around 2.500

Your favorite record stores?

Le Discopathe in Montpellier, JIM'S Prophecy in Toulouse, Unité Centrale in Lyon, Syncrophone in Paris.

Any ritual before a gig?

I've always had stage fright since I was young, and it's never left me. I look at the audience, I breathe deeply, I concentrate on my records; they give me confidence, and after the first few records, it goes away!

What about “the French Quarter”?

I met Cosmo Pat, the instigator of the "French Quarter," during the lockdown in 2020. We did live streams on Facebook, then on Twitch. We had a small community and then he created monthly events where he invited Djs from all over the world and also guests. Since then, the community continues to grow. He invites me to play live once a month on my Twitch channel.

Do you continue to manage “voyage sur la lune” ?

Yes, but I have less time between my monthly meetings at the “French Quarter”, my family life, my work and few booking dates… I have been a single mother and widow since 2013. The last “Voyage sur la Lune” live special deep techno dates back to the end of 2024, and there will be others, for sure!

What comes first to your mind, ff I mention Life Recorder? (Interview here)

Kriss LR is a longtime Dj-producer friend of mine, with integrity, loyalty, humility, and talent - which is rare in the industry. We've always supported each other, we share the same human and family values, and our shared passion for vinyl and the original music from Detroit, Chicago and New York. Check out his label, Life Notes Records.

And JIM'S Prophecy - interview here?

Thierry (JIM'S Prophecy) is a true craftsman with a real passion for music. I was very impressed by his determination to launch his record store by renovating an old bus. He built everything himself and I have a lot of respect and admiration for that. He invited me to his JIM'S Prophecy Club Night at Le Cri De La Mouette in Toulouse. Feel free to listen to records on his bus or his online store in Toulouse - player above.

How was your experience at DJOON last year?

Very cool, but too short. A great encounter with Bruno Ten Figuerz, the co-founder of Frappé label, in this iconic house club.

Any memories to share about Soulbag crew?

Soulbag was a great collective adventure in my life, from 2007 to 2015. I'm proud to have been the only female Dj in a male Dj collective. Parties, events, incredible encounters, the Soulbag Records vinyl store in Nîmes run by Bruno, aka Harlem B, where I met amazing people and made incredible friendships.

The 3 qualities of a good Dj?

Integrity, passion, creativity

Which Dj set blew you away the most?

Jeff Mills aka The Wizard, 3 decks and TR 909. I saw him playing several times in the 90’s, a lesson every time.

Your top 5 favorite labels?

Guidance Recordings and Peacefrog Records in the 90’s. Smallville Records, Royal Oak and Syncrophone Records in the 2000s, among others.

A banger in 3 words?

Emotion, connection, energy.

If you could teleport yourself…

1996, the year I fell in love with my husband amidst vinyl mixes and raves…

What about “Certified Dyslexic”, why do you support this project?

I am neuroatypical. I have attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and I am hypersensitive. Many people in France do not understand what dyslexia is and they judge. The idea behind "Certified Dyslexic" is to allow dyslexic persons to be treated like everyone else. When they write an email for example, they should have it proofread by someone else so as not to leave a bad impression on the person reading it. Thanks to the "Certified Dyslexic" logo, the recipient understands that writers are dyslexic who will not be judged on their writing. The idea is to eliminate the judgment that could result from misinterpretation. As a child, I suffered from rejection and anxiety related to my dyslexia and my hypersensitivity. I fought for years to assert my rights and those of my dyslexic children. All causes related to disability and neurodiversity are close to my heart. That's why, when I discovered Justine Vilgrain's initiative, I contacted her to congratulate her and to propose to use her logo on some of my pictures and videos to raise public awareness.

What really frustrates you about today’s scene?

Ego, lack of creativity and authentic message

Your Top 5 new releases?

- Life Recorder “Dreams”

- Nico Lahs “Over Me”

- Gary's Garage “Gary's Garage Is A Good Garage”

- Satoshi Tomiie & Dopeus “4:30 AM”

- DJ Deep “Insss”

Your Top 5 oldies?

- Chez-N Trent “The Choice”

- Maurizio “Domina” (Carl Craig's Mind Mix)

- Jeff Mills “The Dancer”

- K-Hand “Psycho World”

- Moodymann “I Can't Kick This Feeling When It Hits”

And finally, current MissMoon in 3 words?

Deep, Wild, Passionate

Interiewed by Sabrina Bouzidi