Interview
Zoie Mizuna brings a global and unapologetic fem-consciousness to ecstatic, deep house and world dance communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Diving straight into the edges of the underground, Zoie blends genres from downtempo and chill house to tech house, and big room delicately weaving such worlds in order to catalyze revolution and demolish patriarchies. Merging sounds from Oaxaha to Moscow, Istanbul to São Paulo her subtle, compositional and human-centered mixing style invites the emotive dancer to explore their own Truth through movement and frequency.
What have you been up to?
Spinning on my head mostly haha. These last few months have been super busy – changing jobs, starting classes, playing more music festivals, moving house, organizing events, keeping the home kept, getting in the gym, and making the diet right. Throw social relationships, family, and some unexpected events on top of all that and well…let’s just say 2019 has been a big level up for me, but feeling super blessed to be living in such interesting times.
Tell us a bit about the mix!
This mix launches with a new release from East Forest feat. sic.man. Being in the machine can make you feel really disconnected from others, I think this track really lays that tone for the mix.. Bringing language and words of the world into the soundscape of this community are important to me. I mean, what is the internet for if we don’t connect to the rest of the planet and overthrow fascists? The mix ends with a remix of ‘Bella Ciao’ which is an Italian folk anti-fascist hymm of freedom and resistance. So I guess that’s what the mix is about – remember to distinguish yourself from the machine, overthrow fascists, have a little fun while you’re at it.
Where are you at when you’re not behind the decks?
Usually in Bellingham or somewhere on the West Coast, I work remotely and spend a lot of time networking and consulting in different places. I’ve been big into muay thai and boxing for almost 10 years, so when not on the grind I’m in the lab hitting the heavy bag. Time in nature, with animal and ample meditation also to keep the mind right.
What are you listening to when you’re not in the mix?
I like a lot of different genres and styles of non-electronic music. Going to see live music around town like jazz, blues and latin (salsa, samba, tengo) fills my soul immensely. I grew up in band and choir so I have a deep appreciation for anyone who can play an instrument like a boss. Exposing your ear to classic and traditional rhythms and scales is valuable to me just in knowing that much of contemporary electronic music has roots in these lineages. Every feels a lot more relevant in this way.
What are you up to next?
I’m shipping off to the EU in two weeks! Hoping to dive into some epicenters of underground house music and see the homeland of some of my favorite artists! Looking forward to making some new connections and getting a better perspective on the current state of the world. On the home front, I’ll be working slowly on my new colab – Deep House Bellingham, preparing for the Big Earthquake and playing Super Aunt come fall. Life is good!
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