Jennifer Witcher (known as DJ Minx) is a house and techno DJ and Producer born in Detroit, founder of the DJ collective 'Women on Wax',[1][2] and accompanying record label 'Women on Wax Recordings'.[3][4]
DJ Minx | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jennifer Witcher |
| Born | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Detroit techno, house, techno |
| Occupation(s) | DJ, producer |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Women on Wax Recordings |
Biography
editLife
editWitcher was born in Detroit in 1967, the youngest sibling of five children.[5] In June 2021, as part of Pride month, Witcher came out as a lesbian.[5][6]
Career
editWitcher began DJing in the 1990s, after witnessing established DJs perform at Detroit's Music Institute.[2][3]
She engineered and hosted the electronic music show ‘Deep Space Radio’, on WGPR (Detroit),[3][7] and hosted the University of Canada weekly radio programme ‘Steamy Windows’ on CJAM 91.5 FM.[8] She went on to become a resident of Club Motor in Hamtramck.[3][5] Witcher performed at the first Detroit Electronic Music Festival in 2000,[7] has performed at many editions of the Detroit techno festival 'Movement’, and regularly plays at venues and large festivals across the U.S. and internationally.[2][3][4][5]
In 2001 Witcher began producing, first resulting in the 'Introduction' EP, followed by 'Airborne' in 2001, a four-tracker which included the track 'A Walk In The Park'.[5] In 2003 ‘A Walk In The Park’ was re-released in 2004 by Richie Hawtin’s label ‘Minus’. In recognition of the track’s 20th anniversary, it was remixed by Seth Troxler, Ardalan, and Soul Clap. DJ Minx also did an edit, which will be released prior to Movement Festival in 2023.[3][9][10]
In 2015 Mixmag named her as one of the 20 women who have shaped the history of Dance Music,[7] and in 2016 Time Out New York named her one of the “Best house music DJs of all time”.[11] In 2018 she was awarded the ‘Spirit of Detroit’ award, by the City of Detroit.[3][12][13]
In 2020 Witcher launched the online clothing store Behind The Grüv.[8] The following year, in recognition of Pride Month, DJ Minx’s portrait was painted on the side of Detroit’s Ruth Ellis Center by Philadelphia-based artist ggggrimes, and her single ‘Purse First’ was released, with proceeds benefiting REC. She also released an EP titled Queendom on London-based HE.SHE.THEY.[14][15]
In 2020 DJ Minx made her first appearance on BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix.[16] Her song "Do It All Night," previously featured on Carl Craig's 2019 mix Detroit Love, Vol. 2, was given a full release on Planet E, with remixes by Craig and Honey Dijon.[17]
Women on Wax
editIn 1996 Witcher founded the DJ collective 'Women on Wax'- a platform for female DJs from Detroit.[3][2]
In 2001 she established the record label ‘Women on Wax Recordings’.[3][4] Witcher went on to create a sub-imprint of the label called W.O.W. B.A.M. (Women On Wax Bangin’ Ass Music), and collaborates and produces on other labels.[8][18]
References
edit- ^ "Detroit club legend DJ Minx talks history, house and the spirit of Motor City". DJMag.com. 2019-04-02. Retrieved 2021-03-15.
- ^ a b c d "EX.520 DJ Minx ⟋ RA Exchange". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Detroit club legend DJ Minx talks history, house and the spirit of Motor City". DJMag.com. 2019-04-02. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ a b c McCollum, Brian. "Women turn the tables at Movement 2019, as new wave of electronic artists makes a mark". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ a b c d e Hylton, Ria (December 12, 2021). "DJ Minx: Detroit's First Lady of Wax". DJMag.com. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ Bain, Katie (29 June 2021). "Techno Legend DJ Minx On The Homophobia She Experienced in Detroit & Coming Out As Gay: 'I Was Stressed The Hell Out'". Billboard. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ^ a b c "20 women who shaped the history of dance music". Mixmag. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ a b c "DJ Minx · Biography · Artist ⟋ RA". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 2021-01-26.
- ^ "Rewind: DJ Minx - A Walk In The Park EP · Single Review ⟋ RA". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ "DJ Minx announces 'A Walk In The Park' vinyl reissue and remixes for 20th anniversary". DJMag.com. 2022-11-18. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- ^ "The best house music DJs of all time". Time Out New York. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ "DJ Minx, Stacey Hale receive Spirit Of Detroit awards from city council · News ⟋ RA". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ Baetens, Melody. "Grapevine: Women of Detroit techno honored by city". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ Bain, Katie (2021-06-29). "Techno Legend DJ Minx On The Homophobia She Experienced in Detroit & Coming Out As Gay: 'I Was Stressed The Hell Out'". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- ^ "DJ Minx Takes the 'Queendom' with her new HE.SHE.THEY. EP". Beatportal. 2021-09-17. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- ^ "BBC Radio 1 - Radio 1's Essential Mix, DJ Minx". BBC. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- ^ "DJ Minx - Do It All Night · Single Review ⟋ RA". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- ^ "Artists: DJ Minx". Women on Wax. Retrieved 2021-01-27.