
Sherelle on Her Festival: "Believe in Supporting Feminist Events"
Her Festival returns for its seventh year in Tenerife this Saturday, featuring influential London DJ Sherelle, who will bring her fast electronic sound and advocate for community-focused, feminist events.
Her Festival is back for its seventh year! This Saturday, starting at 4 PM, the El Tanque Cultural Space in Tenerife's capital will host a powerful day of electronic music. It features top names like Instropekt, DJ Aydeen, Bliss, Irtap, Vandala, Dyatlove, and Carlotto Rosse & T. Modet.
A standout act is Sherelle, a DJ and producer from London. She's known for her fast, raw sound, blending footwork, jungle, and drum'n'bass. We spoke with her about her career and what she'll bring to Her Festival.
Sherelle founded the Hoover Sound label and the Beautiful collective, which supports Black and queer artists in electronic music. This has made her one of the most influential figures in today's scene. At Her Festival, she'll deliver an intense set, aiming to make the dance floor a place for shared energy, resistance, and freedom.
This will be your first time performing at Her. What attracted you to this festival and what are you most excited to share with the audience?
"I'm really happy to be here; the island is beautiful. It's wonderful to be part of Her Festival because I strongly believe in supporting feminist events."
Your sound has been described as energetic, transgressive, and unashamedly fast. How would you describe the evolution of your musical identity?
"My sound has changed over the years. I love digging deep and constantly searching for new music. Traveling to many places has really shaped my style, and growing up in London, I was exposed to so much music. It's crucial to keep evolving."
You have played on some of the most important stages in electronic music. What role do local and emerging festivals – like Her – play in the current ecosystem of club culture?
"Club culture wouldn't exist without community-focused festivals like Her. These events are deeply rooted in local culture and genuinely support new and emerging talent. We need to back more grassroots festivals, venues, and projects that help the next generation of DJs and producers reach their full potential."
Could you share a moment or experience from your career that has significantly impacted you as an artist?
"Traveling and seeing the world has really shaped my perspective. Meeting diverse people and understanding different communities has been impactful. There's so much beauty in the world, and I think people should focus on that rather than the divisions some try to create."
Tenerife has a growing electronic music community. Do you have any expectations or curiosity about playing here for a new audience?
"The great thing about being invited by Her Festival is that I can share my culture, coming from London with West Indian roots, with a new audience."
Your sets often feel like journeys: daring, emotional, and technically precise. What guides your decisions when constructing them?
"These days, it's a shot of tequila and a Club-Mate that guides me! I really play based on how I feel, and I just hope people trust the journey."
Beyond DJing, you have been involved in platforms and projects that support new talent. What motivates you in this work and what impact do you hope it will have on the next generation?
"As a Black and queer artist in a mostly white scene, I've tried to use my platform to create opportunities for artists like me. My space in London, Beautiful, offers free recording studio access to Black and LGBTQI+ individuals, which helps to level the playing field."
Finally, are there any upcoming projects, releases, or collaborations that you are excited about?
"I'm planning to release another album soon and also tour with my audiovisual show."