Diverse, eclectic and ever-changing tastes that she describes as both a blessing and a curse, Pjenne moves through phases so quickly that she wonders if she will ever have a “sound”.
“It would be great to achieve that,” she says, “But I’m constantly inspired by casting a wide musical net and letting that filter through into my sets.
“At the moment I would describe my club-oriented sets as percussive and UK bass-leaning. Depending on the situation you could probably also expect to hear some electro, trance or even reggaeton. Non-club sets might sound a little more synth and dub oriented.”
Pjenne’s journey to the turntables was an idea she’d held onto for a long time before ever taking the stand, feeling that only now with more conversation surrounding gender quality in the music industry, could she adopt a confidence to follow this path.
“I can definitely recognise the impact that had on me, not only having the confidence to admit it was something I wanted to do, but the confidence to actually make a move.
“There has been such a remarkable shift in gender diversity in the DJ biz (sic). I’m not going to pretend that there isn’t still a long way to go, but the last few years have seen a lot of progression in the right direction.”
Billed with an incredibly eclectic blend of artists across many different styles, Pjenne will perform at this year’s Strawberry Fields. Of the many DJs on the lineup, Pjenne acknowledges the calibre of talent she’s alongside, admiring the work of her contemporaries.
“At the top of that list would be Pearson Sound,” she says, “who I am so fortunate to also be warming up for his Melbourne sideshow at The Sub Club.
“The lineup is so rich with local talent though. I am inspired greatly by the people close to me on a day-to-day basis, and some of these people have been absolutely instrumental in my progression as a DJ – special shout out to Wax’o and CC:Disco … also Louis McCoy and 30/70 for the local heat.”
Festivals like Strawberry Fields provide Pjenne with an opportunity and a platform to not only showcase her talents, but to learn from and share ideas with her contemporaries. “Any opportunity to consume music I take on board as an opportunity to learn. Especially seeing your mates flex in the bush.” she says.
“The great thing about festivals is that it gives you a platform to test the waters a bit, play a little left-of-centre with lots of energy, which suits my style.
“I really couldn’t tell you if I’ve converted anyone to my sound. I think more recently playing a bit more reggaeton and dubstep has been interesting, and perhaps have been seeing people get around the “wob wobs” more. I wouldn’t go as far as attributing that to myself though.“
Pjenne is the kind of artist who definitely takes each day as it comes, with no bucket list per se as to what she wants to do in the future, but what is on the cards has Pjenne, in her own words, chuffed, terrified and excited.
“[I’m] closing out Golden Plains with my girl Millú,” she says. “I think that is about as bucket list as it gets. I’m also looking forwards to some more interstate appearances and holding down a month long residency at the NGV to show off my more ‘cultured’ side of DJing.
“Perhaps I’d like to start thinking about some more radio down the track, be it local community radio or international online platforms. Perhaps something in Europe.”
