In a male-dominated electronic music scene, Lauren Abedini’s strength, tenacity, and innovative talent has proved that she can make a name for herself – that name being Kittens. Kittens has taken the L.A. club scene by storm by her use of seductive electronic beats and heavy rap sounds. She has worked with the likes of Usher, Kid Cudi, and Skrillex, and recently signed with AM Only, one of the most esteemed labels in the world of electronic music. Though she’s faced a number of challenges by being a woman in the industry, nothing is going to stop Kittens from sharing her sound. She continues to make music, play shows, and is already on the bill for Firefly Festival 2016. Kittens is ready to take on the world.
Interview and Intro by Sadie Bell
Photographed by Jasmine Safaeian
Hair by Nicole Del Rio
Makeup by Lauren Kittens Abedini
The LA club scene is so strong – how has it influenced your experience as a DJ?
LA has an endless amount of inspiration when it comes to all forms of art but especially music. I’ve been blessed to be able to have access to so many different sounds and music scenes which have all influenced me in one way or another. The club scene itself is just as diverse as everything in this city so djing out here, especially when I first started playing out was like straight up boot-camp. Playing everywhere from super Hollywood bottle service clubs to really niche nights in small bars all taught me important lessons on how to share who I am and what I love while also adapting and reading a rooms energy.
How has LA affected you as a woman?
Man LA is hard to grow up in as a woman for a ton of reasons. But being surrounded by “perfect” women….models, entertainment industry types, women with every type of plastic surgery you can imagine…it makes you so self aware and sometimes really insecure. I’m thankful to have grown from that and become super strong and comfortable in my own skin..but I’ve definitely seen a lot of women get caught up in the whole facade of Hollywood. Constantly comparing themselves to these models and actresses we see passing by everywhere. Men play a huge roll in that as well because they put a lot of these expectations on women to look just like all the “perfect” women they see working around town. It’s just all mad unrealistic. Reality checks are 1000% necessary.
What do you find is often the most difficult part about being a woman in the industry and how have you worked to overcome the challenges you’ve faced?
Being a woman in any industry is a challenge but even more so when it’s something that’s looked at as a more male dominated industry. People by default don’t take you seriously. You have to prove yourself even for the most simple shit…things that a guy wouldn’t ever have to worry about. I mean I’ve been in this industry for years..I’ve taught classes on how to DJ..I’ve played very well respected events with respected artists. I’ve got the support of great people and mentors. But STILL I am constantly questioned and challenged. “She doesn’t really DJ.” “They’re only supporting her because she’s a girl or they wanna hit on her” etc….The only way to overcome these challenges is to shut them down and educate. Not be silent and docile. And just be as dope as possible at your craft so people can’t come for you.
“Being a woman in any industry is a challenge but even more so when it’s something that’s looked at as a more male dominated industry. People by default don’t take you seriously. You have to prove yourself even for the most simple shit”
What is the experience like when working in a group like Athlextixx with all men and working on your own?
Athletixx is so fun for me. It’s a passion project with my friends…my brothers. I don’t feel like gender has anything to do with it but there is definitely a difference between working in a group versus working on a solo project.
What do you think is the most important thing you teach girls in your Girls Only Dj workshops?
Obviously how to DJ is the most important but a constant talking point is how to navigate the industry as a woman. Anytime we’re discussing something I’ll remember a personal experience or a potential experience a woman might face that can be tricky or frustrating…from there I give advice on how to deal with these situations in pragmatic ways that keep respect and integrity intact. It’s very easy to take the wrong path on your way up to the top so I just want to make sure these girls know they don’t have to go any of those other ways that they may be pushed towards.
How did your upbringing and experiences growing up influence the person you’ve become?
My mom surrounded me with the best music I could have ever imagined. Tons of soul, neo-soul, funk, psychedelic rock shit from the 60s, hip hop etc etc. So without her I can’t imagine what my taste and passion for music might be like. She also had me try basically every kind of extracurricular activity under the sun until I found one that made me feel whole, which was dance..ballet specifically. Other than that my Dad (who is an incredible professor) really pushed me to work hard in school which definitely taught me some serious discipline which helps when embarking on any new path. I really wouldn’t be who I am without the influence of my parents. I owe them so so much.
You signed to AM Only earlier this year and continue to release tracks of your own aesthetic – what do you hope the remainder of the year and the future brings for you?
I’m super hyped for 2016 tbh. I feel really great about the future and like I’m really finding myself. Once you really know who you are and what you want and stand for etc…it’s a lot easier to communicate that through art and branding and all that fun stuff. So just going to be releasing a bunch of stuff and touring a bunch which will be dope.
