Music
GiGi FM picks 10 atmospheric tracks to lose yourself to on the dancefloor
A fast-rising DJ with an affinity for texture, ambiance and big, heavy kicks, GiGi FM shares a "moon ritual playlist" to carry you from the peak-time club to the late after hours.
GiGi FM is a master of movement. She can shell down a club with skewed, slamming techno and bass that feels like it's pummelling you from your inside – but her command of space, texture and ambience softens their killer blow. In her sets, she creates colourful, shapeshifting worlds of sound that transport you rather than knock you off your feet. There's something particularly magnetic about it – hearing her play makes every muscle want to move along too.
Born Giulia Fournier-Mercadante in Paris, France, GiGi’s first love was dance. As a teenager, she studied it to the highest level through scholarships at prestigious institutions like the NYC Ballet and Alvin Ailey. Through dance, she learned how to produce – not from a DJ's perspective of what will shake up a club, but as a way of soundtracking her own performances. Her holistic approach to music and movement remains the same: both are a way of deeply expressing mind, body and soul.
She later moved to London, and has since embedded herself in the tight-knit clubbing community south of the river, organising parties in DIY spaces and landing regular gigs at clubs like Corsica Studios and Rye Wax. With a Netil Radio show and a touring schedule that's only getting busier, she's fast becoming one of the most exciting emerging acts in the UK.
Ahead of her set at Red Bull Music Presents Open House in Southampton on December 11, she shares 10 tracks that welcome you into the dark, warped and fluid atmospheres that make up her sonic universe – a "moon ritual playlist," in her own words. From lush and hypnotic ambient to gritty, haunting techno, get to know GiGi better by the contents of her record collection.
TV Victor – Zero Gravity
"It’s lush, natural and organic. It would find a home on one of my radio shows as much as it would early doors to build the floor."
Peter Van Hoesen – Unlock the Heart of the Moon
"PVH is one of my favourite DJs and producers. I picked this one up recently off his latest release and this is one of my favourite tracks from it. Both of the volumes are lush."
Lost Souls Of Saturn – Lunarvision
"Haunting. Minimal. Ritualistic. I love it."
Wata Igarashi – Moonlight
"Wata on Midgar – one of my favourite producers on one of my favourite labels. You can’t go wrong."
Laux and Olsson – Luna Llena
"I found this one on a YouTube wormhole and it ticks all my boxes – super sassy 1996 groover. It was release on Berlin OG label, Kanzlamt, run by legend, Heiko Laux."
Lunatik – Laser Solution
"Peak time, lost in the sauce, dancefloor moment – or on call to aliens. LOVE."
SpunOff – Lunar Mission Frequency
"Spacious but hard. A sort of track I would play when I’m deep in the worm hole channeling the dark energies."
Refracted – M8:13mm
"I absolutely love Refracted; the way he plays with textures is second to none. Ethereal, hard, cosmic techno at its best."
Giuseppe Falivene – Lune
"This is one of my favourite tunes – it truly melts my heart!"
Maria Teresa Luciani – Luna Park
"This is one I listen to at home, but is also one I love to play out and layer with something percussive to give a haunting, wonky feel."
GiGi FM plays alongside Nathan Micay, Cinthie and more at Red Bull Music Presents Open House in Southampton on Wednesday December 11. Entry is free. Sign up for tickets here.
