FEATURE: Spotlight: SIGGY — Music Musings & Such

FEATURE:

Spotlight

SIGGY

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THIS awesome D.J. is…

someone I have been following for years now, but I feel she deserves a lot more spotlight. An amazing woman who is one of the most talented D.J.s in the U.K., Sigourney Standley is SIGGY. I have always known her as Siggy Smalls, and she has given an interview under that moniker, though I hope she will not mind me referring to her SIGGY – as that is what is on her Instagram page. Incredibly cool and passionate about her work, I want to get to a 2025 interview with her. I do feel that more people need to speak with SIGGY, as I have known about the brilliance of her work for years now. I do feel that D.J.s do not get the same sort of press inches and discussion as artists. I am dropping in some examples of her work. Although it might not be the most up-to-date information, here is some background to the remarkable Siggy Smalls: “Siggy’s music is usually considered to be more disco house she is is able to adapt her style for any event without losing her signature sound. Starting her career interviewing artists at Sony HQ she quickly moved into hosting her own weekly show on MEATtransMISSION, playing the best in Disco/ Nu disco and vocal house with monthly guest DJs and producers. The show gained more and more attention, providing her with the perfect platform and opportunity to launch her DJ career in venues and festivals”. I have featured recently another D.J. London queen, Carly Wilford, who is releasing her own music. I do wonder whether Siggy Smalls is going to bring out some music, as she is a hypnotic and utterly wonderful D.J. who is rightly being hailed and saluted. In all the years I have known about her brilliance, I am yet to see a set of hers. I am going to rectify that, as SIGGY is an immense talent. I am thinking about the rest of this year and what is coming from her. We do not realise the variety of female D.J.s. In terms of the genres they blend. I am a big fan of D.J.s who play Dance, Disco and House. SIGGY has evolved and incorporated different elements into her sets, though she is renowned for House and Disco. Earlier this year, she has warmed up for legends like Jayda G and Horsemeat Disco.

PHOTO CREDIT: Massimiliano Giorgeschi

Although not an interview, I was intrigued by SIGGY’s appearance in the Noctus. Published early last year, this was The Last Date – A Valentine’s Story: “Inspired by ‘The Last Supper,’ we gather around a dark, atmospheric table where distinctive characters embody various facets of love. Ranging from the purest desires to the deadliest passions, they unite around Cupid, creating a delicate balance. Together, they represent the entire spectrum of what love can be”. SIGGY was part of a fantastic cast: Dead Love: Chiino, Sad Love: Jakub Franasowicz, Self Love: Siggy Smalls, Cupid: Busola Peters, Lover 1: India Bailey, Lover 2: Frankie Mason, Money Lover: Jenna Anne Nathan. One thing about SIGGY, apart from her power, passion and talent is that she has this iconic quality to her. In terms of the photoshoots and her fashion sense. She is someone so incredible striking who can adopt a number of looks and distinctly be her. Someone who is so engaging in front of the camera, it also makes me hope that she does put out music videos. I also feel she would be such an engaging and remarkable actor, though this is me projecting or trying to manifest something that Siggy Smalls has possibly never considered. Though, looking at that Noctus shoot, and those images of her stay in the mind! This multi-talented and multifaceted queen who I am such a fan of, I do want to drop in parts of her 2025 interview with Decoded Magazine. Labelled her as ‘London’s Disco Diva’, this is a truly phenomenal D.J. who you really need to check out:

“London-based Siggy has carved out her own unique space in the capital’s ever-evolving house and disco landscape, bringing an infectious energy that’s taken her from intimate radio booths to the world’s biggest festival stages. What began nearly a decade ago as a weekly radio show on MEATtransMISSION has blossomed into something far more profound, seeing her navigate the challenging terrain of original disco mixing and develop a signature sound that seamlessly blends classic disco soul with contemporary vocal house.

From her early days interviewing artists at Sony HQ to becoming a two-time Glastonbury performer, Siggy has consistently pushed boundaries across continents. Her passport tells the story of a true musical nomad, with standout performances at Hideout Festival in Croatia, Secret Garden Party, the legendary Pikes in Ibiza, and most remarkably, the playa at Burning Man, an experience she describes as utterly indescribable and life changing. Closer to home, her residencies at venues like Egg London and La Discothèque, plus her role with the acclaimed Disco Disco parties, have established her as a vital voice in London’s disco revival, sharing stages with world-class performers at iconic venues including Room 1 in Fabric.

Now, as she prepares to take the decks for Decoded Magazine – Friday 26th September at SushiSamba London alongside Clive Henry and Ben Cain, we caught up with the woman who’s helping define disco’s modern renaissance. From hidden crate gems to her transformative festival experiences, from London’s underground pulse to her ventures into original production, Siggy Smalls is ready to share the stories behind the groove.

You’ve been deeply embedded in London’s house and disco scene for nearly a decade, from your early days at MEATtransMISSION to your residencies at venues like Egg London and Disco Disco parties. How would you describe the evolution of London’s house music scene during this time? What shifts have you witnessed in both the music and the community, and where do you see it heading in 2025?

I’ve found over the last ten years, London’s house music scene has really changed big time. In the beginning it was all about creating a lively underground vibe. As time has gone on house music has got a lot more attention and gone down the mainstream road, which is great but also the unground scene still needs its own identity from today’s ‘House Music’ scene…

As time has gone on the bigger clubs in London began to feature different subgenres and international acts, this made the sound a bit slicker and polished it sometimes felt too commercial for those who loved the underground scene. But…it has opened doors for new artists and fresh styles, adding more to the music scene. Everything is changing always but these days it’s happening much faster!

A lot of smaller events in today’s scene are focusing on roots and creating friendly spaces, which really helped build the community back together post Covid. The younger generation are growing and I see a push for diversity and representation, which is super important as the scene keeps evolving, but also keeping what it was all about from the very beginning, diversity and inclusion for all.

Looking at 2025, I think the scene will continue to change drastically, technology is changing fast and how music is being created and played, which could lead to exciting new fresh sounds. I expect we’ll see a mix of old and new, with fresh artists taking inspiration from classic house while pushing boundaries. The sense of community will still be key, as people search for real connections and shared experiences in a digital world with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. I just hope they can start to put their phones down and have a proper dance together!!

Your residency at La Discothèque has become quite the talking point in the UK’s underground scene. What initially drew you to that venue and its aesthetic? How has having a regular residency shaped your development as a DJ, and what’s the energy like when you have that familiarity with both the space and the crowd?

I was drawn to La Discothèque because of its loud and proud aesthetics, Kat who runs La Discotheque is the first female promoter I’ve ever worked with within my 10 years of being in the industry. I love what she represents for her brand and pushes boundaries with her dancers. She’s big on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and I love that!

Having a regular residency there has been a big deal for my growth as a DJ. It lets me try out new things and really connect with the crowd over time. I get to see what works and what doesn’t, which helps me improve my sets, I’ve met some amazing legendary DJS playing with La discotheque, such as Jamie 326, DJ Paulette, Kenny Dope and more! It’s also given me the opportunities to play at some amazing locations and venues such as Kala festival, Pikes Ibiza, Drumsheds, Printworks, Glastonbury!

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There’s been a massive resurgence of disco over the past few years, with everyone from Purple Disco Machine to Barry Can’t Swim and newer artists bringing fresh ears to the genre. From your perspective as someone who’s been championing disco since your radio days, what do you think is driving this renaissance? How do you feel about seeing disco pull in a completely new generation of listeners?

The resurgence of disco over the past few years is really exciting to see! I think a big part of it comes from people craving that feel-good energy and those uplifting vibes, especially after everything we’ve been through. Artists like Purple Disco Machine and Barry Can’t Swim are doing an amazing job of blending classic disco sounds with modern production, making it accessible and fresh for new listeners.

As someone who has championed disco since my radio days, I love seeing this genre pull in a new generation. It’s great to watch younger audiences discover the joy and groove of disco, reshaping it in their own way. There’s something timeless about disco music that resonates across generations, and it’s awesome to see how new artists are putting their spin on it while still honoring the roots, it’s great to see Artists such as Kirollus and Minna playing authentic disco music on vinyl and seeing a young crowd absolutely loving it.

This revival also highlights how music can bring people together. Disco has always been about joy, celebration, and community, and seeing it capture the hearts of new listeners is a reminder of that magic. It’s a great time for disco, and I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve!

You mentioned working in the studio and finding your sound as a producer. How has transitioning from radio host to DJ to now producer changed your relationship with music creation? What can we expect from Siggy Smalls in the studio, and how do you see your sound evolving as you continue to bridge that gap between classic disco soul and contemporary production techniques?

Transitioning from radio host to DJ and now to producer has definitely deepened my relationship with music creation. As a radio host, I focused on curating and sharing music, developing a keen ear for what resonates with listeners. DJing allowed me to connect directly with the audience, understanding how tracks can create energy and emotion in real-time. Now, as a producer, I’m digging into the intricacies of sound design and arrangement, which gives me a more hands-on role in the creative process.

In the studio, expect a blend of classic disco soul vibes infused with modern production techniques. I’m experimenting with layering live instruments and samples, all while incorporating electronic elements that keep the sound fresh and relevant. My goal is to create music that honors the past while pushing boundaries, making it accessible to both old-school fans and new listeners. I see my sound becoming more nuanced, exploring deeper grooves and collaborations that challenge me musically. I want to create quality music that resonates across generations. That’s the dream anyway!”.

I have waited until now to spotlight SIGGY, as I could not find interviews with her. I wanted to get that insight and words from her. However, I do hope that there are gigs announced and we hear more from SIGGY this year. Another reason why I love her is that she recently shared a photo or her rocking some Betty Boo-inspired fashion. Inspired by the video/art for Betty Boo’s single, Where Are You Baby? This is my favourite Betty Boo song and one I heard when I was a child. Maybe a SIGGY/Boo collab soon?! This world-straddling and hugely accomplished D.J. and producer is someone that you need to connect with. Even though she has played sets and stages around the world, I can see in SIGGY’s future…