Born in the colourful landscapes of the Netherlands, DJ Playing
with Knives, whose real name remains an alluring mystery, has
carved a unique space in the global DJ scene. Her journey began in
her homeland but swiftly took a pivotal turn when she relocated to
London, a city pulsating with diverse musical cultures and
histories.
Her style, a rich tapestry woven from her inspirations – the
gritty, soulful beats of New York, the house rhythms of Chicago,
Detroit's techno legacy, and London's eclectic music scene – has
made her a standout figure. She doesn't just play music; she
narrates a global musical odyssey, seamlessly blending genres from
Disco to New Wave, Soul to Funk, RB to Hip Hop, House to Techno,
and beyond.
DJ Playing with Knives honed her craft on dance floors across the
world, absorbing the energy and vibes that would later become
integral to her sets. She has shared the stage with legends like
Lil Louis, Theo Parrish, Idris Elba, Norman Jay, Madlib, Mos Def,
and Talib Kweli, marking her as a formidable talent in the
industry. Her ability to curate unique experiences caught the
attention of celebrities like Madonna, Dave Chappelle, Dua Lipa,
Mark Ronson, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Michele Lamy, Marina
Abramovic, and Damien Hirst, for whom she played at their
afterparties, showcasing her versatility and appeal across
different audiences. DJ Playing with Knives is not just a DJ; she's
an artist, a storyteller who uses turntables as her canvas.
London's underground scene reveres her, not just for her musical
prowess but for her commitment to the art of DJing. Her all-vinyl
sets at Chiltern Firehouse and Annabel’s are legendary, offering a
pure, unadulterated sound experience. Her residencies, spanning
from Sketch, Maison Estelle, The Standard to the Soho Houses
worldwide, including Amsterdam, Berlin, and Barcelona, are
testaments to her global appeal and versatility. Her reputation
extends beyond clubs and private events, as she has graced the
airwaves of NTS Radio, The Lot Radio, and Operator Radio, bringing
her unique sound to a wider audience.
What truly sets DJ Playing with Knives apart is her intuitive
understanding of music's power to unite and transport. Her sets are
not just about the tracks she plays but the journey she takes her
audience on – a journey that transcends borders and genres, leaving
her audience in a state of euphoric transcendence. As she continues
to spin her stories and beats, DJ Playing with Knives isn't just
playing music; she's weaving the soundtrack of a global dance
floor.
Catch her set from 5pm-9pm.