Michael Jackson, Limewire and Dream Gigs with Mirã Bõru

Back in late 2015, Sydney-based DJ and producer Mirã Bõru—real name Tess Nicolaou—was announced as one of the participants of FBi's Dance Class workshops, where attendees learned everything from mixing and producing, to radio presenting. Since then, she's spun records all over Sydney and Melbourne, and collected the Thursday evening set on FBi radio, next to Kato and Ben Fester.

Ahead of this weekend's final Summer Dance for the season—where she joins Glenn Underground (US), Anthony Naples (US), and the Daydreams crew from Melbourne—we sat down with Mirã Bõru to talk Michael Jackson, Limewire, and dream gigs.

In other news, Thump has some double passes to give away for the last dance of the summer. Email 'Summer Dance' and your details to aucomps@vice.com for you chance to enter, and see more about Summer Dance here.

Can you explain the inspiration behind the name Mirã Bõru?

It literally translates to mirror ball in Japanese. I guess you could say it's like an alter ego. I was also planning my first trip to Japan when I had to come up with something and I loved that it sounded like it could be interpreted as an actual name. People who don't know me often call me Mira and I always secretly giggle on the inside cause that was exactly the purpose behind why I chose it. Plus, my name doesn't necessarily roll off the tongue, ha.

Were you interested in music from a young age?

I was obsessed. I distinctly recall receiving my first CD player at the age of 4 in '96. Mum and Dad also gave me their copy of Michael Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I and George Michael's Ladies and Gentlemen. I would dance in front of the mirror for hours on end.

How did that transition into becoming a DJ?

It was something that was always on my radar. I was going to my first house parties at 14/15 and at that point, the era of the iPod came around and I would always be asked to select the tunes. I remember spending hours on Limewire (bless you) downloading a tonne of stuff just and getting to share my discoveries with buddies was so exhilarating. It was just a matter of having the time/guts to learn and immerse myself. At the end of 2015, I finally did it with the help of a very good friend of mine, Jacqui Cunningham. I guess she could see I was eager to learn and was happy to dedicate some time to teaching me. She lent me her decks and away I went.

Would you say that being from Sydney has influenced your music?

The availability of music in Sydney certainly allowed various tastes of mine to unfold. I have to give a big shoutout to FBi Radio though. Listening to the station was my gateway to new music and gigs. It's the greatest music and arts constitution in existence in Sydney (in my opinion) and the support the station gives to upcoming DJs/producers/artists/party collectives is phenomenal. It's keeping Sydney music vibrant.

What is your experience of being a woman such a predominantly male profession?

It's been super fluid. I'm particularly lucky to be immersed in a scene where awareness is so present in making sure there is a gender balance on a bill. It's really wonderful.

Who are four female artists that you look up to?

Damn, it's really hard to pin point four. I'd have to say The Black Madonna is definitely my all time hero. Her tastes, her presence on stage—she is just doing in her thing and it's inspiring as hell. Not to mention she has one of my favourite songs of all time tattooed across her chest ("Transition" by Underground Resistance). And shouts to my ladies Andy Garvey, CC: DISCO & Nite Fleit. All three are doing such impeccable things with their careers and to watch it all unfold is a true honour.

Is there a moment in your musical career that you have been particularly proud of?

Getting flown down for my first interstate gig in Melbourne was a serious highlight. I was on from 2am 'til 4am and had never played to a packed club on a Saturday evening in my life. I was so damn nervous but once I got through those first few tracks, I found my groove and it was all uphill from that point. I was way too anxious to even look up. But when I did, witnessing a dance floor filled with people smiling back at you is like nothing else.

How did it feel to score a slot on Thursday Sunset alongside Kato and Ben Fester on FBi?

I was in awe. I remember receiving the email from my program director Caro at breakfast and nearly spilt my coffee. I looked up to the both of them as selectors so much and to be considered musically fitting was an honour. It was the hardest thing to leave in Sydney.

What would be your dream gig, and why?

I really would love to be slotted into the bill at Dark Mofo in Tasmania. The landscape, location, the identity and unique creativity of the festival is so fucking appealing to me. It would be a dream to play there.

Is there anyone in particular that you would credit as your mentor?

No one specifically, but I'm super blessed to be surrounded by various individuals who are doing amazing things that inspire me daily.

What can we expect from your set at Summer Dance?

I'm going to get real groovy. Tracks that'll make your hips sway. Really want to throw in some Glenn Underground but that might get a little awkward? :)

What does the future hold for Mirã Bõru?

I've just moved to Melbourne so trying to find my feet here. I have been chatting with a couple of individuals about collaborating and throwing some parties which would be real cool. There is such an abundance of music makers/DJs/sick bitches all willing to help one another out. Exciting times ahead.

Follow Mirã Bõru on Soundcloud. And if you miss out on scoring freebies for the coming weekend, you can buy tickets to Summer Dance here.