Madam X on "staying true to myself and drowning out the noise"

For over a decade (and counting), Madam X has been a force in the UK underground, navigating the shifting tides of club music with razor-sharp precision.

As a DJ, label boss, and tastemaker, she’s carved out her own lane. Through KAIZEN, she’s championed forward-thinking sounds, staying true to the ethos of “continuous improvement” while cultivating a global community of artists and ravers alike.

With a debut EP ‘Homecoming’ that came out late last year turning heads and her signature storytelling-style DJ sets setting dancefloors ablaze, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

That being said, Madam X is more than just a DJ or label head. She’s a storyteller, crafting high-pressure sets designed for sweat-soaked dancefloors and soundsystems that hit hard. Her bass-heavy selections carry a sense of purpose, built to break boundaries and pull crowds into a state of pure, unfiltered movement.

Beyond the club, she’s made her mark on the airwaves with residencies on NTS and BBC Radio 1, while her pandemic-era project MDMXERCISE fused music and movement, proving that connection isn’t confined to the dancefloor.

Her upcoming gig at Hong Kong’s SLAP 拍 on February 15 via invitation of Mixmag Asia and Omni Agency marks a long-awaited return to the city. It’s a perfect match—SLAP 拍 is a venue built for big sounds and intimate vibes, and Madam X is all about storytelling through bass, rhythm, and raw energy.

Ahead of her highly anticipated arrival in Asia (she'll be heading to Bangkok's BEAM this Friday and Shenzhen's OIL the next), we caught up with her to talk about KAIZEN's journey, the making of ‘Homecoming’, and the art of staying authentic in a world that tends to be obsessed with trends.

KAIZEN means ‘continuous improvement.’ How has this philosophy influenced your journey as a DJ, label head, and producer over the past decade?

It’s been a guiding principle, helping me stay focused on quality, self-preservation, and growth. The music has always been the priority, and I’m intentional about not rushing into things just for visibility or relevance. It’s about taking the time to create and curate something meaningful.


What’s one thing you’ve learned from running a label that you didn’t expect when you started KAIZEN?

I didn’t realize how much admin and responsibility it would involve. Balancing it with touring can be tricky, so I’ve learned the importance of setting aside ‘work days’ to stay organized and support the artists properly.


Your debut EP, ‘Homecoming’, is a “back-to-the-roots call to the underground”, as you’ve mentioned. What’s the significance of this statement in today’s music landscape?

The DJ landscape has changed so much over the years. We’ve become synonymous with celebrity culture and it’s easy to get caught up in trends and the pressure to create disposable, algorithm-friendly tracks. I found myself feeling disillusioned by this side of the industry. The EP became a form of rebellious therapy—a way to reconnect with my roots, pay tribute to the music I love, and remind myself why I do this. Staying true to myself and drowning out the noise.

Where’s your favourite place to dig for music?

I draw a lot of inspiration from my peers, listen to a lot of radio, DJ mixes and go deep-diving on Bandcamp and Soundcloud. Raving’s also been integral to me discovering music and hearing things for the first time.


Manchester to Athens—how have these cities influenced your sound, and how do they feed your creativity?

Manchester was where I really sunk my teeth into raving. Djing at Murkage, BPM, Hit & Run etc was a constant source of inspiration and energy. I was fearless with my mixing and it was so raw and fun. Athens lets me breathe. I can step back from the pressures of the London grind and find space to be creative. Athens has this beautiful sense of community amongst all the art spaces like dance, theatre, music etc, which I love and need to thrive and get inspired. London can feel isolating and competitive, so for me, balance is key.


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Collaborations are central in ‘Homecoming’. How do you choose collaborators, and what role do they play in shaping your vision?

I didn’t go into the project looking for collaborators; it just happened organically with my travels and tour schedules. If it feels forced, it sort of adds a layer of pressure to the project which I didn’t want. It was more of a vibe, energy thing. Cartridge was a no-brainer as he’s a KAIZEN alumnus and speaks my language (has a way of understanding what I mean and want, which is sort of his magical power). Doctor Jeep I’ve known for years and we had a day to kill in NYC so went from there. He’s also got an EP coming out on KAIZEN next month! JM, I met when I DJ-ed in Denmark and it was just so effortless and organic and Andy Martin I’ve admired for years, and really was excited to spend time in the studio with him and see how he works. Every collaboration brought something different to the sound palette and without their engineering, I wouldn’t have been able to produce something so polished and so proud of!


‘Hoodlum FC’ has infiltrated playlists and festivals—was it crafted for a specific vibe or moment, or did it just explode naturally?

Cartridge is a master at sound design and knows how to create energy with space and tension. He’s a Dubstep wizard. We didn’t design the tune for a specific moment but we knew the drop had to slap and needed to reach maximum screwface capacity.

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Your bass-driven sets are described as a masterclass in storytelling. What does ‘storytelling’ mean to you in the context of DJing?

Take people on a journey and let them get lost in the present moment. I want people to step away from their phones, connect with the music and feel something visceral.


What instantly puts a smile on your face?

My cats Sakis and Rouvas.


MDMXERCISE was such a unique pivot during the pandemic—what’s the connection for you between movement, music, and community?

It’s all interconnected. Music is a universal language, and it’s powerful when shared within communities. Movement, whether it’s dance or exercise, is a ritual—just like music. They all make me feel good, release endorphins, and create a sense of connection. It’s all about feeling better, together.


What does "breaking boundaries" mean to you in an era where genres blur more than ever?

To me, the biggest act of rebellion and "boundary breaking" is simply doing what feels authentic and true to yourself. It doesn’t matter if everyone resonates with it—by staying true to what feels right for you, you're already breaking boundaries. It's about carving your own path and embracing what makes you feel at peace.


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SLAP 拍 seems tailor-made for your vibe—what excites you most about playing there?

The fact that I’ve not returned to Hong Kong since before the pandemic is wild to me, and I know the crowds bring a different layer of energy! Buzzing to share the line-up with Just Bee, who I played with on my debut in Asia years ago, so this one feels particularly sentimental and special. I’m here for the goddess line-up and can’t wait to meet Shanda too!


You’ve built something truly grassroots with KAIZEN. What’s the most rewarding part of seeing it thrive?

Knowing that something I’ve created has had a positive, creative impact on others is the greatest reward. Meeting people across the globe who resonate with and support the music is so heartwarming—the supporters who buy the records, come to the raves, wear the t-shirts, etc. The bedroom producers who send me demos and share how KAIZEN has been integral to their journey into production mean so much. It’s incredibly rewarding to see producers and artists from the label thrive in their own spaces. Watching Walton transition from KAIZEN to Iliantape was amazing, and I love being that springboard—a stepping stone for people to grow from.


If you could give one piece of advice to a younger you, what would it be?

Trust your instincts and don’t rush the process. Stay true to your authenticity, even when the noise around you gets loud. Take the time to enjoy the journey!

Secure passes to Madam X at SLAP 拍 on February 15 via Mixmag Asia Tickets here.

[Images via Jasmin H.]

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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