10.08.15
Words by:

When Siobhan Bell sets her sights on something, there’s no stopping her.

The ascendant DJ is embedded among a wave of young London talent embracing style, sound and culture to push things forward in unique ways. Initially fuelled by her like-minded peers, the likes of London collectives Livin Proof, Don’t Watch That and Work It, Bell has thrived in the city’s music scene by embracing her passions. “There are no limits because you are a girl or young, just do what you feel and be as expressive as you can,” she tells us. “Think big!”

Dropping out of university to pursue music, Bell went on to learn the ropes of the industry through working at Warner, Atlantic and Cash Money Records, including a summer spent working in Birdman’s rather opulent New York office. And after abandoning her desk to get behind the decks, she honed her skills as a DJ through promoting her own nights across London.

 

As well as continuing to throw her own monthly party Cherryade, Bell now sits comfortably on line-ups alongside A$AP Mob and Skepta, DJing her own brand of hi-octane, bottom-heavy fire across the world. She also holds two residencies on London’s NTS Radio, the city’s outpost for young upstarts, including PDA with Mischa Mafia and her recently inaugurated solo show.

Raised on the London-born syncopations of garage and grime, Siobhan merges this with influences in trap, 90s RnB and Jersey club to create her own incendiary sound. Her look borrows from the streetwear- focused aesthetic of the city, and as a result of her growing profile, she’s become a cult favourite in the fashion world. As well as DJing for the likes of Moschino, Nasir Mazhar and The British Fashion Council, Bell has more recently completed her first production project for a label, producing the score for Bobby Abley’s SS16 show at LC:M.

The almond-eyed entrepreneur has also pursued her own design endeavours, last year launching Cherryade hair extensions, the range mirroring the constantly changing pastel tones of her own locks.

In a scene where success can hinge on amplifying a persona through a smart phone screen, Bell isn’t shy to label it the evolution of her personal brand, channeling the infectious energy and ambition of her personality through music. “My DJ sets are hyped, happy and energetic,” she says, “and that definitely describes me.”

Photographer: Roo Lewis
Stylist: Jake Hunte
MUA: Charli Avery
Hair: Joel Benjamin

Catch Siobhan Bell at Outlook Festival, Pula, Croatia, 2-6 September