LAUREN Lane is one of a new generation of female DJs taking the global dance music scene by storm.

Cutting her teeth in the famous New York house circuit, she quickly gained US-wide recognition and landed a residency at LA’s Sound Nightclub. Sets at Coachella, BPM Festival, Burning Man and TommorrowWorld quickly followed and Lauren now plays regular club gigs across the globe from Europe to North and South America.

Here, she chats to Ben Jolley for CLUBZ about going clubbing at the age of 15, the power of music and living on the road ‘like a nomad’ for two years.

How did you get into music?

I grew up listening to my parents’ record collection. It was mostly classic rock, disco and Motown. They had great taste in music and I always enjoyed playing their vinyl on our record player in the basement of my childhood home. As I started growing up I got into 90s hip-hop and grunge and then house music as a teenager.

What made you want to be a DJ/producer?

I’ve always loved music and dancing. The first time I went to a club I remember hearing the music and watching the people react. I saw a DJ playing records. I was 15 and instantly fascinated. It was like my life had just begun that night.

I spent the next few years record shopping with some of my older friends who were bedroom DJs, helping them find music. Then when I moved to New York aged 18 I realised I really wanted to do it myself.

Who and what influenced you to pursue music as a career?

New York really inspired me to pursue music as a career. The underground music scene is a real community. It was my family away from my actual family for many years. I’ve always liked to express myself creatively and pursuing DJing and producing music became my passion. I wanted to be able to give back to the scene that brought me so much happiness, so I just went for it.

How would you describe the music you make? How do you want people to feel when they see you play?

The music I make right now is very dance floor inspired. It’s usually upbeat with a weird twist. I love to make people dance and get lost (or found) in the music. I want everyone to leave happier than when they arrived to the party. Music has great power to bring people together, to heal or uplift.

What has the last year been like for you?

It’s been quite dreamy at times and also hectic. I haven’t technically had a home for two years. I’ve been travelling all over and living between Ibiza, Mexico, LA and NY mostly and playing a lot of other places in between. It’s fun to live like a nomad. You realise how little possessions you really need.

You’ve played all over the world so tell us about your favourite shows. What made them so special?

Recently I played at Warung in Brazil for Rumors with Guy Gerber during Carnaval. That was a really amazing night I will never forget. Also the closing party of BPM festival this year was pretty epic.

Last Autumn I played at Brooklyn Mirage for Nicole Moudaber’s party. It’s always amazing to come home and play in NYC, especially because it was in honour of the late, great Rob Fernandez who gave me my start as a DJ.

Tell us about your earliest clubbing memories. Where did you go and who did yo

u see? What was it like?

I grew up near Philadelphia so my first memories were hearing Josh Wink and Dieselboy and buying rave tickets at 611 Records, this really cool warehouse club called Space/Motion. Then I moved to New York and would go to hear Danny Tenaglia at Vinyl and Jonathan Peters at Soundfactory almost every weekend. It was captivating for me. Everything always felt like it was special and I was so drawn to the whole scene. The music was a bit different then, but there are classic records that withstand the test of time.

How did your ‘Diary of a Madwoman’ EP through Edible come about? What was the process behind it?

Dan (Eats Everything) mentioned to me he was starting a new label and wanted to hear the music I had been working on. I sent him some tracks and he really liked the three that ended up on the EP – ‘Diary of a Madwoman’, ‘F.O.M.O’ and ‘The Right Kind of Weird’. ‘Diary of a Madwoman’ was both of our favourites so it became the title track. I’m really happy to be working with him because we both have an eclectic taste in music. Also, I really love his productions and DJ style so it’s a great fit.

What’s the concept behind the video for ‘Diary of a Madwoman’?

I think we are all a little mad sometimes. The video depicts the diary showing up on my doorstep and possessing me. It brings out my inner darkness and forces me to face it.

What are your hobbies aside from music?

I love photography, skiing and hiking.

If you could only pick five items to take on tour with you, what would they be and why?

Headphones, my laptop, sunglasses, hot sauce and my French bulldog Bijou.

What is a typical day in the life of Lauren Lane like?

Everyday is a new adventure. Lots of days start by going to the airport. My schedule really depends on what city I’m in. If I’m in NY I’m probably at the studio or connecting with friends. If I’m in Ibiza I’m probably at an after-party, on the beach or going to DJ. If I’m in LA I’m trying to do something healthy like yoga or go for a hike.

Tell us about any funny moments whilst onstage or touring

Something funny I’ve seen so far while DJing is when I was playing at Output in New York, a girl made a sign that said “I love Bijou!” Bijou is my dog, who makes a lot of cameos on my Instagram and is a world traveller).

What have been your career highlights so far?

Playing on the DC-10 terrace for Paradise, Warung in Brazil four times, BPM Festival closing party, Coachella twice and recently the closing party of Pacha NYC because it had a lot of meaning for me since that is where I got my start.

What do you think of the dance music scene at the moment?

I think it is very exciting because the interest in electronic music keeps growing worldwide. People are becoming more musically educated and digging deeper past the commercial mainstream EDM. It’s a movement and it could be a really positive force.

Where do you think its heading next throughout the year?

I can barely keep track of where I’m heading so I’ll just stay tuned!

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

I will be touring in North America and Europe this Spring/Summer. I have some new music that will also be coming out throughout the year. Look out for my new track ‘Mantra 304’ on Saved Records. I’m also finishing up a collaboration right now with Paul C and Paolo Martini for Snatch.

Where can people next see you play?

Tribal Sessions at Fire in London and Do Not Sleep in Glasgow. I will be playing at Off Sonar: El Row Party, Fabric on June 11, many Ibiza dates including DC10 on June 29, then SW4 later in the summer.