Risen headliner Michelle Manetti shares her Top 5 Ones To Watch before the festival returns for a second edition. After the success of the first Risen last April, the celebration of the ‘divine feminine’ will return to Hackney Wick with a multi-venue, one-day event on April 1st 2023. Uniting over 80 artists in seven dynamic spaces, Risen will be a super session that encompasses some of the brightest, most dynamic talent from the UK and beyond.
1. Paramida
“So excited to be playing Risen Festival again this year, last year was just such an incredible event and I think this year will be even better. Showcasing FLINTA artists is something at the forefront of everything I do, so having a whole festival which not only does this, but equally gives opportunities and supports FLINTA folk behind the scenes is something that excites me so much and I’m so honoured to be part of something so progressive and important. There’s some serious headliners playing this year, most need no introduction, but one of my absolute faves is Paramida. We’ve played together a couple of times and she’s just such a powerhouse, immaculate selections of pumping high energy tracks, an absolute must see at the festival for me. I fell in love with her Moonrise VII EP last year in particular Space Ride, such a cheeky Leftfield chugger.”
2. Lulah Francs
“My second one to watch is Lulah Francs. We’ve played a few line-ups together over the last year, including Fabric Room one in January, each time she always brings the heat. She’s also an incredible vocalist and has had a few great collabs out recently. Her track Circulate with Demi Riquísimo has been a firm fave in most of my recent DJ sets, she’s absolutely an artist to keep your eye on.”
3. Tama Sumo and Lakuti
“Tama Sumo and Lakuti really need no introduction, but for those who don’t know, they’re a couple based in Berlin and both residents for Panorama Bar / Berghain. Individually they’re incredible DJ’s, but as a b2b they’re simply magic, this one’s going to be a special one to watch at the festival I feel. Their Ode to Audre track is such a happy, disco ditty that will absolutely put a smile on your face.”
4. Lishy
“My fourth DJ to watch is Lishy, she’s played for me a couple of times at my Femmme Fraiche party including our most recent one on March 13th and for someone who’s first DJ set was last year, she’s taken to the decks so naturally. Musically she always delivers fast, fun, light-hearted, high energy, cheeky and cheerful choons and always with a big smile on her face and hugh dancing energy from the booth, she’s a delight to watch, so I urge anyone to check out her set at the festival. We’re often swapping tracks between us and this one is a particular crowd pleaser.”
5. Ysanne
“My final one to watch is Ysanne, a super solid London based DJ, she works behind the counter at Phonica Records, so knows a thing or two about what’s hot, fresh off the press. She’s also been plugging away in the studio and brewing some serious tunes, and just this month released her first track, a collab with Hammer and it’s super tasty.”
“Some other honourable mentions for people to check out at Risen are Ms. G who will be repping Femmme Femmme with me, Jaye Ward who never fails to take you on a wonky journey, Wildblood & Queenie, who we’re two DJ’s who paving the way for me down in Brighton when I first started playing a good 20+ years ago and Scarlett O’Malley and Helena Star who both have soulful funky vibes down to a tee.”
DJ, vocalist, promoter & producer Michelle Manetti blossomed from being an underage clubber in the Late 90s UK Rave scene, into a well-loved and well-respected DJ and stalwart of East London’s Queer scene. With over 17 years of DJ-ing under her belt, it’s safe to say she’s no novice to the decks, with the passion, skill, panache and record collection of a wellestablished and well-refined DJ.
Michelle has been an active advocate for supporting and promoting marginalised and underrepresented artists in the music scene, since her humble early years. She was the founder and Chief Editor of the esteemed but now defunct female-run, female-focused music blog www.lipstickdisco.co.uk. She is also the promoter of the Bi-Monthly female-focused queer girl party Fèmmme Fraîche at London’s prestigious queer hot-spot Dalston Superstore; which as well as offering a safe space and fun-filled party for queer wmxn, Fèmmme Fraîche also showcases female, female-identified and non-binary House and Techno DJ’s, visual artists and performers; with Michelle as a resident and guest DJ’s such as Honey Dijon, Peach Rroxymore, Louisahhh, India Jordan, DJ Heather, Joyce Muniz, Nightwave, DJ Paulette, Smokin Jo, Alinka, Hannah Holland, Lauren Flax, CCL, Kate Simko and Jaguar as well as local, grass-roots DJ’s. Michelle is also resident and co-curator of ‘Adonis Pour Femme’ which is the female-focused room at the infamous London queer-rave Adonis.
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Risen’s concept is built around the ‘divine feminine’ and reflects the diversity of our electronic underground movement, in both representation and sonically. Exploring sounds across the spectrum, Risen’s music policy breezes from bass and garage to house, disco and techno, and the carefully curated set of spaces including Colour Factory, The Yard, Crate Brewery, and All My Friends will provide an ideal setting. Risen’s guests can catch sets from their long-term fave selectors and crews, plus discover brand-new emerging talent, DJs and crews that are involved across the day-to-night takeovers.
As part of Risen’s 2023 offering, there’ll be Rinse FM boss EMERALD joining, a selector renowned for her hi-energy, bouncing sets that defy genre labels. Always fun and a ravers a dream, EMERALD’s set will be a hype one. Love On The Rocks label founder, and one of BBC R1’s freshest residents, Paramida, will be one of the Risen highlights this April. Playing the second edition is Heléna Starr; the passionate Foundation FM DJ will be flexing her club-ready tracks for 2023, plus Team Woibey – the four-strong crew who have been soundtracking dances with their fun selection of garage, bass, house and more. And there’s plenty more – Michelle Manetti, who is at the core of London’s queer scene, Tama Sumo, Lakuti and Mixtress. With over 90 names on board for 2023, guests won’t be short of sounds to explore.
Risen’s mission is to offer something new in terms of programming and includes talent ranging from rising stars, international names and revered local crews, all of who represent the feminine energy. Visibility and inclusion have been a key part of the Risen programming, and the first edition will be something special to shout about – paying homage to the groups and individuals who are driving forward a progressive culture.
“We feel so lucky to be organising an event which has an ethos so close to our hearts. Last year’s event was an incredible day of love and unity across Hackney Wick’s dance floors, with ecstatic energy. Year one was incredible, and we’ve been overwhelmed with the interest in Risen and how many people want to be a part of year two, continuing to build the community (attendees, artists and BTS) and provide a space to celebrate the divine feminine. This has always been super important to us since we first started conceiving this event. Risen is a joint effort from everyone involved, so thanks to all who have supported and been involved. Divine Feminine Energy is here to stay.” – Kitty Bartlett + Alice Franklin, Co-Founders of Risen
Strut Safe will rise 2023’s charity partner, an organisation dedicated to making women, queer people, people of colour, and anyone who needs us feel safe walking home. Learn more about their work here.
Tickets for Risen festival are available now: https://ra.co/events/1540093
