This week meet turntablist DJ and music producer Madison True aka DJ MaddogTrue, from the US, currently based in London. While getting her MA in Popular Music Practice, with a focus in Turntablism she keeps busy running events and workshops for FLINTA turntablists and vinyl enthusiasts with open decks as Vinyl Bitch.

At Vinyl Bitch, their mission is to create a vibrant, feminist, and inclusive space. It is a revolutionary movement, dedicated to empowering FLINTA turntablists of all skill levels. Embracing the term 'Bitch' as a feminist and queer statement, they celebrate the strength, resilience, and power of marginalized gender individuals. Beyond the beats, Vinyl Bitch is a celebration of empowerment and a testament to the transformative power of music!

This month on the 13th, Madison is putting on a big club night called Spin, Spin Sugar for Pride at London's famous queer venue Dalston Superstore featuring record swaps, panels, and workshops! The event aims to bridge the gender gap within the DJing and turntablism communities. The event will offer a platform for FLINTA artists to showcase their talents, engage in meaningful discussions, and participate in hands-on learning experiences. Attendees can expect an inclusive environment that fosters artistic expression and community building. Make sure to save the date!

When she's not DJing or studying, she enjoys seeing live music of all kinds, going to the theater, traveling, working out, learning German and recently French, discovering new tunes, and hitting up the record store bargain bins.

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

I started DJing because I was frustrated with my experience as a patron at bars and nightclubs. I never saw anyone who represented me where I lived and the music wasn't speaking to me so I decided to take it up as a hobby. After that it kind of snowballed from fundraisers to residencies.

What is a day in the life like?

At the moment my days are mostly working on school and organizing Vinyl B*tch Open Decks which is community for FLINTA turntablists and vinyl enthusiasts of all skill levels.

In your opinion what has been your favorite / the coolest thing you've worked on?

I had the pleasure of DJing on a cruise with Kesha which is probably up there. I also recently played in Vienna at a feminist animation festival which was absolutely incredible. Vinyl B*tch has also been really cool and rewarding. I'm looking forward to see what evolves from this amazing community here in London.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

Not being taken seriously or having to continually prove my talent and knowledge or having that questioned.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you’re doing?

Find your style and what speaks to you and stay true to that.

Do you! Be you! Find your style and what speaks to you and stay true to that. I think the most authentic DJs are the coolest and most interesting. Be memorable!

Are you a vinyl collector yourself? What drew you to it?

Big vinyl collector! Its a borderline problem. Ha! I need someone to fund my lifestyle. No but seriously, I love physical media. There is something about the intention in all the packaging and presentation that is missing from digital media. You just have a different relationship with your music. A more intimate relationship with your tracks. Each one of my records has a story from where I picked it up or where I played it or what I threw on top on it.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you’re excited or worried about? i.e. innovation, or trends you’re seeing.

Really cool to see vinyl sales doing so well. Happy for all the independent record shops and labels out there doing their thing. With these high vinyl sales you would think there would be more representation in who is out playing them. That is next on list!

Who has been influential to you and your growth as a professional in this industry? 

Everyone who has supported me and come to my shows. I wouldn't be where I am if people didn't believe in me. That is so important especially in an industry where you feel like your best isn't good enough sometimes.

Anything else you’d like to add; if not tell us what you're listening to: 

I'm having a massive Indie Sleaze and Bloghouse moment right now; The Strokes, Justice, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco, etc.