AOA Mix 005: JWY

“I love those chaotic sets that somehow come together,” says JWY about her contribution to the AOA mix series. Recorded live at Electric Picnic’s Cerebral Fortress for Rathaus’ takeover, it showcases the Amsterdam-born, Dublin-based DJ at peak performance, whipping up a storm of bass, breaks, speed garage, and all manner of thundering club stuff. It exemplifies the relentlessly fun and freewheeling style that first put me onto her last year, when I wrote about her mix for the Ethereal Skies series. It’s particularly exciting to hear it live too, captured in its raw, in-the-moment form. “It was such a blast to just go for it and mix as many genres as possible,” she says.

The Electric Picnic set was a highlight in a busy summer for Jowy Ahia, who also played at festivals like Fuinneamh, AVA, All Together Now and Alternating Current. It’s all been part of a continuous upward trajectory for the DJ, who got started a few years back via the Skin&Blister workshops founded by Woozy label founder and Yamamori Tengu programmer EMA. The influence of those workshops, and the work of groups like Gash Collective, inspired her to start Foxgluv, a platform championing underrepresented DJs and creatives in the Irish scene via events, classes and its ace Blossom “N” Bloom mix series.

For my money, JWY’s one of the most vital DJs to emerge on the scene in recent years, so it’s a real pleasure to bring back the AOA Mix series after a brief a hiatus with such a big one from her. Listen to it, and read a Q&A where we talk about all things past, present and future in her world, below.

Also, don’t forget to follow Anois, Os Ard on Soundcloud!

Éistigi.

How are you? How was your summer? What were some highlights?

“I’m very good, thank you. This summer has been great. I feel like I got to have a good mix of socialising, but also downtime. It’s hard to find that balance sometimes, but I’m working on it. Got to go to my favourite places and play sets with my favourite people and make many new memories.”

Tell me a bit about your history with music. What’s the path that led you to where you are today?

“My love for music began with my mother. We grew up quite isolated from the world because of her mental illness. She is my hero. Despite everything she has been through, she still gave us the childhood we had. It was not always easy for us to connect when I was younger, and I felt like the only way we truly did was through music. One of the things we always did to spend time together was put on CDs and dance and sing in the living room. She introduced me to artists like The Everly Brothers, Bryan Adams, Neil Sedaka, and a lot of gospel music. From an early age I knew music was special because even when words fail, the right song can say everything.

“Being able to DJ and share the music I love means so much to me, especially as someone who struggles with social anxiety. It gives me a way to connect with others without having to say too much.

“I got my start with the Skin&Blister’s DJ workshops thanks to the wonderful EMA, who I met by chance on the street. I love to sing, though trust me, you do not want to hear me. I always wanted to try DJing but never imagined it would become such a big part of my life. One gig led to another, and now I truly love it. DJing has brought so many incredible people into my life and given me a voice to express myself.”

What would you say is your guiding principle as a DJ?

“I’d say figure out what works best for you and focus on that. It’s easy to feel like you have to follow a specific guideline but if you prefer making a playlist and planning each song in order, go for it. Or if you like to wing it, that’s totally fine too. The main thing is to have fun with it because, trust me, it’s so easy to get stuck in your head wondering if you should do more or less and then it stops being enjoyable and starts feeling like a chore.

“I always recommend not being too shy to ask questions. I learned so much just by reaching out to other DJs. At first, I felt nervous because I worried about being judged but we all started somewhere and the only way to figure things out is by trying and asking.

“It’s okay to ask how much a fee should be. It’s okay to ask what kind of vibe a party will have if you’re unsure. And it’s also okay to decline a gig if you don’t think it’s the right fit for you.”

Tell me the story of Foxgluv. How has the project evolved over the past couple of years and what are some aspects of it that you’ve been most proud of? What plans do you have for the future?

“Foxgluv started out inspired by collectives like Skin&Blister and Gash Collective with the goal of adding something unique to the amazing work they’re already doing. I wanted to create a space where artists feel truly appreciated for their own sound and have the best possible time while performing.

“Unfortunately, I’ve heard many horror stories about bookings from people I’ve spoken to, so I was determined to make sure Foxgluv was different. It was created to highlight female, non-binary, and trans creatives, but it also functions as a database or agency. The ultimate goal is for artists to get booked independently without needing us.

“A lot of people have told me they don’t know where to look for new DJs, so I wanted to make that easier. Every post includes the contact details of the creatives and the database in our bio categorises artists by genre so you know exactly what their sound is and can reach out directly.

I’m so proud of all the incredible artists who have been part of Foxgluv as they’re what make it so special. We’ve had the chance to play at festivals, open stores, run the WOC Art Market, perform our first international gig, and we’ve been lucky to secure residencies at places like Pawnshop, Luckys, and DDR.

“Each Foxgluv line-up is different because we want to provide as many opportunities as possible. As the founder, I sometimes step in as a resident DJ myself. Looking ahead, I definitely want to continue growing in this direction and possibly even expand to other cities or countries. Save the date for St. Patrick’s Day next year as we’re coming to London for a special daytime to night themed celebration.”

Foxgluv recently collaborated with Women Of Colour Belfast on an Art Market in Dublin. How was that?

“It was such a powerful experience to see so many incredible women of color come together and create a space that celebrated creativity and authenticity. Stacy from Women of Colour Belfast brought the idea to us, and it was truly amazing to watch it come to life. You could really see how much time and effort everyone put into their work, from the food vendors to the art vendors. We can’t wait to do more like this in the future!

At a time when racism, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and far-right politics are on the rise in Ireland, to have something like Foxgluv around feels all the more significant. Do you feel like the collective’s role has changed – become more crucial perhaps – in reaction to this?

“Yes, I do think our role at Foxgluv has become more important. From the beginning, our aim has been to create space for marginalised communities, to provide platforms, opportunities, and a sense of belonging through events that are safe, inclusive, and community-focused. With the growing rise of racism, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and far-right politics in Ireland, that mission has taken on a new level of urgency.

“Foxgluv is no longer just about hosting events. It is about protecting and nurturing space for expression, joy and connection at a time when many are trying to take that away. Celebrating our communities and uplifting one another is, in itself, a form of resistance. That is something we are deeply committed to.

“That said, I know we can always do more. It is important to me that everything we do comes from a place of honesty and care. Not just visibility for the sake of it, but meaningful action that supports and grows with the community. We are always learning, always listening and always striving to do better.”

Have you detected any particular changes in Dublin and Ireland’s clubbing and underground electronic landscape in recent years? What changes are you still hoping to see?

“I’ve definitely noticed some changes in Dublin and Ireland’s clubbing and underground electronic scenes recently. There are fewer nightclubs now, partly because of stricter rules and higher costs, and most places close pretty early compared to other cities. That can make it tough for the nightlife vibe to really thrive.

“One of the most exciting things is how many young creatives are really killing it right now. There’s so much fresh energy, new sounds, and passion coming through, and it’s awesome to see them pushing boundaries and making the scene their own. I also think it’s important to book people based on their own unique sound and give new artists a chance. It shouldn’t be about who gets the most views or attention, but simply whether you love the music. With Foxgluv, for example, we’ve booked loads of people who had never played outside before because how else are you supposed to gain experience?

“Looking ahead, I’d love to see later closing times so the nights can really flow, more support for local DJs and artists, and spaces that feel welcoming to everyone. It’d also be great if the scene kept pushing for sustainability and stronger community vibes. Overall, I’m excited to see where things go because there’s a lot of talent and passion here.”

What’s exciting you about music in Ireland at the moment?

“What is really exciting to me about music in Ireland right now is the incredible local talent coming through, especially showcased at festivals like Fuinneamh and Open Ear. These events are amazing because they highlight artists you might not usually hear about, and give everyone a chance to discover fresh sounds. I was just at Fuinneamh recently and it was such a special experience supporting friends, making new connections, and dancing in a field with absolutely no worries. That kind of genuine carefree energy feels really refreshing and I would love to see more of those vibes in the scene.”

What have you got coming up for the rest of the year?

“There are some really exciting gigs coming up I cannot share too many details just yet but I will be announcing them soon I am really looking forward to sharing what is next, but also wanna take it easier and spend more time finding new things to do”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“FREE PALESTINE, CONGO AND SUDAN.”