Paris Cesvette is a multi-faceted artist known for her magnetic presence on the electronic music scene. Born in Britain with Jamaican & Cuban roots she is a DJ, musician, and music producer and her journey through the realm of sound is a captivating narrative of passion, innovation, and creativity.
From the moment Paris Cesvette’s fingers first touched the keys of a piano, her destiny as a musical explorer was set in motion. With a stellar catalogue of releases, and remixes Paris released her debut album “Celestial” in 2018, and is currently completing her new album “As Above, So Below” which features Kenny Bobien, Will Downing, Frank McComb, Tracy Hamlin, Rona Ray, Michelle Weeks, Hannah Khemoh, C Robert Walker, Sabrina Chyld, Scott Paynter, and Gershon Jackson. A complete definition of RNB House fusion loaded with solid grooves and lush musicality.
Paris Cesvette joins Househead LDN for their youth homeless charity fundraiser, The Long Good Friday Parts 1 & 2 on Good Friday March 29th where she’s joined by the Coughlan Brothers and Deli G to flank Luke Una at Night Tales. In the day catch her and Househead DJs Wez Whynt, Carlene, Martin Lodge and more at Hackney’s BBE record store hub from 2pm. Both events are Free with donations to Depaul UK being made here: https://www.justgiving.com/…/househead-london...
International Women’s Day March, how important do you think it is to celebrate this and why?
Celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) is of paramount importance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the significant contributions women make across various facets of society, while also highlighting the challenges they continue to face. By dedicating a day to acknowledge these triumphs and trials, we foster a culture of recognition and respect, underscoring the value of diversity and inclusion in driving societal progress.
IWD is not just about spreading love, flowers, and light; it’s a call to action for gender equality, an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still need to go. It encourages people from all walks of life to come together in support of women’s rights, advocating for policies and practices that promote gender parity.
Moreover, celebrating this day can have a profound impact on the visibility of women in various industries and roles, challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers. By showcasing the achievements of women and discussing the obstacles they face, we can inspire future generations, foster a sense of empowerment, and create a more equitable world.
In essence, International Women’s Day is a critical component of our collective journey towards a more inclusive and understanding society. It’s a day to amplify voices, share stories, and commit to actions that uplift and support women everywhere. 
You’re a female DJ and Producer, and can you tell us something about how you got into the business, first breaks, and your proudest achievement so far?
Embarking on my journey into the music industry was fueled by relentless determination, a willingness to break barriers, and a tireless work ethic that I’ve upheld from the outset. My initial foray into the world of music commenced at the tender age of 15, immersing myself in the dynamic environment of pirate radio. This experience not only honed my skills as a DJ but also instilled in me the foundational elements of DJ culture. Concurrently, during my secondary school years, I had the privilege of collaborating as a session musician with a myriad of talented producers throughout London. This period of my life was instrumental in trading my musical skills for invaluable production knowledge.
Upon completing my A Levels, I seized the opportunity to intern in the music business with MN2S, an organization renowned for representing industry legends such as Dennis Ferrer and Masters At Work, and for their expertise in international event planning. It was during my tenure as an intern that I encountered my inaugural songwriting opportunity. A serendipitous moment arose when Danism was in the studio with the iconic Kathy Brown, and they needed someone to bridge the gaps in a song. At just 18 years old, I stepped up and co-wrote a song for Kathy Brown, marking my first significant breakthrough in songwriting.
My venture into production was catapulted by a collaboration with South African DJ Vinny Da Vinci at the age of 20. He licensed my debut single to Sony South Africa, setting the stage for my ensuing career milestones.
As a DJ, my initial break was a marathon 10-hour set at a night called Ice Cream in Vauxhall, for which I earned £150. While the pay was modest, the experience was invaluable, significantly enhancing my mixing skills.
Reflecting on my journey, my proudest accomplishment is not a singular event but the resilience and dedication I’ve maintained throughout my career. Despite the challenges, politics, and skepticism I’ve faced, my unwavering commitment to my art and craft remains. Being a music producer, musician, and DJ is not just a profession for me; it’s a testament to my dedication to excellence and creativity every day. For this steadfastness and the ability to put my artistry at the forefront, I am immensely proud.
Who have been the key female influences/inspirations on your journey and why – what makes them so special?
Throughout my journey, I’ve been profoundly influenced and inspired by a remarkable cadre of women who have played pivotal roles in both my personal and professional life. At the heart of my support system are my mother and sisters, my initial circle of queens. Their unwavering support transcends mere artistic encouragement; they are the guardians of my spirit and resolve, especially in balancing the demands of motherhood with the rigors of my career. They ensure the safety and well-being of my son during my travels and gigs, embodying the essence of familial love and sacrifice.
Beyond the confines of my home, my journey has been enriched by the solidarity and camaraderie found within an extraordinary network of women in the music industry. This alliance includes trailblazers and luminaries such as Mikki Afflick, Tracy Hamlin, DJ Minx, Diviniti, Dawn Tallman, Lady Duracell, Leah, Mz. Nicky Dvine, FoxXxy, Celeste, Lori Branch, First Lady, Lev, Marcia Carr and Faro. These women, through their resilience, talent, and unwavering support, have created a formidable support system. We’ve collectively fostered an environment of mutual upliftment, standing in solidarity with one another, championing each other’s successes, and ensuring our voices echo in every space we navigate.
What sets these incredible women apart is not just their individual talents or achievements but their collective spirit of empowerment, support, and sisterhood. They exemplify the strength found in unity, demonstrating the profound impact of coming together to uplift one another in an industry often marked by competition. Their influence has been a beacon of light on my path, guiding me through challenges and celebrating triumphs alongside me. This network of inspirational women has been instrumental in shaping not only my career but my character, instilling a sense of purpose, resilience, and solidarity that fuels my journey every day.
Which Women DJs/Producers are you tipping right now?
The emergence of women within the DJing and production sphere has been a source of immense empowerment and inspiration for me. I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the works of the women I’ve previously mentioned, whose productions, podcasts, and sets embody the pinnacle of talent and creativity in our field.
In addition to celebrating these remarkable artists, I’m eager to forge collaborations with other trailblazing women in the industry. I believe that joining forces with talents like The Blessed Madonna and Hannah Wants could lead to groundbreaking projects, combining our unique styles and visions to create something truly exceptional.
Moreover, my journey has also illuminated the significant contributions of female sound engineers, a domain I am passionately expanding my expertise in every day. Figures such as Marcella Araica and Emily Lazar stand as colossal inspirations in this regard. Their mastery and innovative approach to sound engineering not only pave the way for future generations of women in music production but also remind me of the endless possibilities within the realm of sound creation. Their influence encourages me to continually evolve my skills and contribute to the diversification and enrichment of the music production landscape.
Women in music and clubbing, has anything got easier since the #MeToo movement put womens right front and centre? Do you think it’s harder for women to break into the business and why’s that?
Navigating the complexities of gender dynamics in the music and clubbing industry post-#MeToo reveals a landscape marked by heightened awareness yet plagued by enduring disparities. While the movement has spotlighted the lack of safe spaces for women across all facets of the music sector, the journey towards genuine equality remains arduous. The support for women, in my observation, often feels conditional and falls short of mirroring the experiences afforded to many of our male counterparts.
It’s commendable that businesses, entities, and corporations have emerged to champion female empowerment within the industry. However, these initiatives sometimes seem to segregate rather than integrate us into the broader narrative, leading to a diluted sense of authenticity. This shortfall in authenticity is a significant barrier to achieving widespread and enduring artistic success for women in music. The practice of employing ghost producers for women who fit a certain marketable image, under the pretext of supporting female talent, underscores a superficial commitment to gender equality.
The core issue lies in the insufficient investment in discovering, supporting, and developing women who have dedicated themselves to mastering their craft or those eager to expand their skills through genuine effort. This lack of authentic support undermines the potential for true artistic longevity and equitable representation within the industry.
Despite these challenges, the visibility and opportunities for women in music have indeed improved, but the path to achieving a balanced and fair industry landscape is long and fraught with obstacles. The phenomenon of promoting female artists who may not fully possess the requisite skills, resulting in subpar productions and performances, does little to advance the cause of genuine female empowerment. It raises questions about the sincerity of the purported change and the commitment of the music industry’s power brokers to effect meaningful progress.
In conclusion, while strides have been made since the #MeToo movement brought women’s rights into sharp focus, the journey toward true equality and respect in the music and clubbing industry is far from over. The need for authentic, sustained support and the dismantling of conditional backing are critical for fostering an environment where women can thrive on their talent and hard work. The goal remains a more inclusive, equitable, and authentic industry that celebrates and nurtures female talent across all levels and roles.
Paris Cesvette heads up an all star DJ line up for Househead LDN’s Long Good Friday Parts 1 & 2 events on Friday March 29th alongside Wez Whynt, Deli G, Coughlan Brothers, Martin Lodge, Carlene, Steve Parr and more. Kicking off at the BBE store, they then join Luke Una at Night Tales and get your Free ticket here: https://ra.co/events/1820323?p=A14-HH0s
These are fundraising events for homeless charity, DePaul UK, and please donate whatever you can at https://www.justgiving.com/…/househead-london...
