Exclusive Interview: Non Sequitur
Putting all gender stereo types aside to kick some ass in the music industry is none other than EPIC artist Non Sequitur. With San Francisco as her playground Non Sequitur has proved quite the name for herself regardless of gender and will only continue to grow. With roots in punk and indie dance, she strives to create melody-driven progressive electro with some heavy bass thrown in there. Non Sequitur has played along names including Tommie Sunshine, Feed Me, Jack Beats and more, and with a residency at the world renowned Ruby Skye we can't wait to see what she has up her sleeves. I had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Kelsey Saunders, the face behind Non Sequitur to discuss the industry, advice for females looking to enter the game and more. Check it out below!
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Can you tell us a little bit about where you started and how that road led you to where you are today?
When I first started DJing, I never intended on taking it as seriously as I do now. I was just a bedroom DJ until I played at a couple of warehouse parties I threw, and I fell into playing some other gigs from there. One of those happened to be EPR, where I ended up being a resident DJ for three years. EDM then blew up and EPR blew up with it, and I suddenly found myself in the middle of a blooming music scene. I just want to see how far this whole thing takes me. I'm always in pursuit of having the most fun possible.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What has been the most difficult thing in the music industry you have had to overcome this far?
The most difficult thing I've had to do deal with is the fact that as a female, people make assumptions about your music before they hear it. They see you before they hear you, no matter what. It's hard to get people to press "play" sometimes for that reason.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Advice to any newcomers, especially female artists in such a male dominant industry?
Make friends on your way up. This especially holds true for female artists, because there are so few. We have to back each other up and help each other out. Those relationships you form early on in your career, whether you're male or female, will help you later on if you nurture the relationship. I've seen some people make enemies left and right on their road to success, and when they fall upon hard times, their network evaporates instantly. And besides, it's so much more fun to not be a jerk!
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: You have played alongside a ton of big names including Tritonal, GTA, Jack Beats, Borgeous, etc. What is it like to play with such big talent, do you get nervous still?
I certainly still get nervous. I get nervous even if there is no big headliner and just a ton of people haha. I actually get really nervous...like almost barf nervous. Playing with those guys is cool, but I haven't ever gotten "star struck" so to speak. They're just people, and sitting down and talking to them before/after the show is the coolest part, if I get the opportunity. If anything, it is extremely inspiring. I'll be watching them play their set from backstage and seeing everything they're doing, and it'll just make me realize how much I need to practice to get to that level.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Can you tell us any upcoming collaborations or projects you might be working on?
Yunno, Daun Giventi and I have been going back and forth about collaborating on a track for like ever now...but it never seems to happen. Boo. He's the only one I'm actively pursuing a collaboration with because I feel like his style would gel sooo well with mine. We'll see what we come up with...when that happens.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: If you had to describe your music in three words what would they be?
I always call it Progressive Electro, but I've recently heard the term "electrance" attributed to one of my recent productions. I don't know! Space Party Music?
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Has growing up in the Bay Area left any sort of influence on your music?
My location has probably not swayed my tastes in any one direction, but I think that my tastes are more diverse than they would be if I lived in a town that was not a popular tour stop. We have a very healthy music scene here, and not just for dance music. I grew up going to punk shows as a teenager, then moved on to my goth industrial club phase, then started raving and going to undergrounds, then started going to clubs. All of that right here in my home town! Pretty impressive. Now, the music I create today is highly influenced by aspects of every single one of those genres.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What has been your favorite festival or show you have done thus far?
There are many that stand out, but I guess that my favorite overall experience would be when I played in New York with Bunny from Rabbit in the Moon after EDC New York. The entire dance team was there, since Bunny managed the production at EDC that weekend. Those were some really cool people...Strange, quirky, goofy people with great outfits. I opened for Bunny, and the show ended with all of us, including Bunny dancing around the room like idiots screaming into the microphone. It was surreal. Plus I was very sleep deprived, so that probably made it even more surreal.Also worth noting: I know it was some show at EPR, but can't remember exactly which one, but I'll never forget the first time I played one of my original tracks, and the crowd actually knew it and cheered!
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Last question, favorite food?
PIZZAAAAAAAAAAA
Non Sequitur has been busy releasing new music, including one track below which is available for free download below, as well as opening up for artists including Mat Zo at Control SF. If you are ever in San Francisco be sure to check her out at her regular residency at Ruby Skye nightclub.