UK garage has always had a way of making people move. It’s a sound that carries energy, nostalgia, and a raw underground spirit. For EMBARK, a DJ making waves in North Kent, it’s more than just a genre… it’s a passion that’s shaped her musical identity.
Since first discovering dance music at university, she’s gone from bedroom selector to club regular, curating a must-follow playlist, launching her own mix series, and playing alongside some of her biggest influences. But her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating imposter syndrome to calling out the industry’s gender imbalance, EMBARK is carving out her place – and doing it on her own terms.
From Northamptonshire to North Kent
Growing up just outside Kettering, EMBARK’s early exposure to live music was shaped by necessity. “Rural Northamptonshire isn’t exactly known for its exceptional transport links,” she laughs. “If I wanted to see a band, my parents would drive me to Birmingham, because that was basically the only place artists would stop.”
University in Northampton was her first real introduction to dance music culture. “My first-ever rave was at Hospitality Northampton, and the SU always booked some seriously good DJs,” she recalls. That’s where her love for the scene started.
After graduation, she made the move to North Kent, and suddenly, everything changed. “Being a 40-minute train ride from London’s club scene was a game-changer. I don’t think I’ll ever take it for granted – especially after growing up in a town where there were two buses, if you were lucky.”
Finding UKG: The Sound That Stuck
EMBARK’s love for dance music started early – though she jokingly credits her dad for some questionable first influences. “He put the Crazy Frog Best Hits album on my iPod shuffle,” she admits. “Honestly, though – some heaters in there.”
As a teenager, she was drawn to deep house and future house, but lockdown was when she found her true sound. “I stumbled across Conducta’s Rinse FM residency and became obsessed. I knew every mix and transition off by heart. It was like serotonin on tap.”
At first, she didn’t even realise UK garage was its own distinct genre. “I just thought, ‘Wow, this fast house is really good.’” When she started learning to DJ, she mixed drum and bass, but the more she played, the more garage took over. “I realised that the best music to play is the music that gets you the most excited. And for me, that’s always been garage.”
Right now, her style leans into bumpy, old-school sounds – the kind that brings energy to the dancefloor.
(Side note: “Shoutout to my mum, who will be grumpy I didn’t mention her as my biggest musical influence – but Take That isn’t as cool as Kraftwerk, okay? Love you.”)
Zak Buckland Photography
Building a Garage Archive: EMBARK’s Spotify Playlist
A self-confessed playlist obsessive, EMBARK has been curating music for years. “For most genres, I’ll listen to full albums start to finish, but that’s just not how dance music works,” she says.
Her EMBARK’s Garage playlist started as a personal collection, but it quickly grew into something bigger. “I wanted all my favourite garage tracks in one place, almost like a library. I didn’t really plan to share it, but one day I posted a few tracks I’d added, and suddenly, 400+ people were following it.”
At over 723 tracks, it’s far from a short mix – but for her, that’s the point. “I just can’t whittle it down. Every track in there is something I’d happily play at full volume.” For those looking to get involved, she’s open to submissions. “If you’ve got a UKG, garage, or speed garage track you think deserves a spot, DM me on Instagram or send me an email.”
Embark & Friends: A New Mix Series
Curating music is one thing, but creating spaces for other DJs to showcase their skills is another. This year, EMBARK is launching her own mix series, Embark & Friends. “I think it was a natural progression from making playlists,” she says. “I wanted to get some of my favourite smaller DJs involved and give them a platform.”
The idea is simple but effective. Twice a month, she’ll release a 30-45 minute guest mix from a handpicked selection of DJs – people she believes deserve more attention. “DJing can get too serious, so this series is all about having fun and playing what you love.”
With a focus on underground sounds and fresh talent, the series is set to be one to watch.
Navigating the Industry as a Female DJ
Despite her rising success, EMBARK is no stranger to imposter syndrome. “It’s really hard to put something you love out there, knowing that people are going to judge it,” she admits. “If you asked me, I’d probably say I’m a rubbish DJ – but I know that’s just my imposter syndrome talking. At least, I hope so.”
Beyond self-doubt, she’s also dealt with outright sexism in the industry. “I’ve been in rooms where male DJs have blatantly ignored me. I’ve had horrible comments left on my videos and been in group chats where my messages just got aired.”
She’s vocal about the lack of representation in lineups, calling on major event organisers to step up. “If you’re booking 70+ acts and they’re all men, that’s just lazy. It’s not hard to find female DJs… you just have to actually look.”
Inspirations: Who Drives EMBARK Forward?
For EMBARK, inspiration starts close to home. “My younger brother is a house DJ… maybe I started DJing just to stop him from being the cooler sibling,” she jokes. “We live two hours apart, but music has always been our thing. If he sends me a track, I know it’s actual GOLD.”
Beyond family, she’s hugely influenced by the Australian and Kiwi garage scene. “They’ve got something special down under – AUKG artists like Wax Thief, Prizefight, EMILIE, Osmosis Jones & IsGwan can’t miss.”
She also finds daily motivation in the underground DJ community. “I’m in a group chat with other UKG DJs and producers, and seeing them land bookings, drop fire tracks, and smash their sets is so inspiring.”
Career Highlights & What’s Next
Despite the challenges, EMBARK’s career is on the rise. In October, she landed a dream booking; opening for Osmosis Jones in Leeds. “I’d gone from playing my first-ever set in March to being on a lineup with one of my favourite UKG producers. It was surreal.”For her, though, the real joy comes from simply getting to play. “Every single time I step behind the decks, I feel so lucky. I don’t care how many people are there or how big the venue is… this is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
As for what’s next? 2025 is shaping up to be her biggest year yet:
Festival debut: She’ll be playing Music Barn in June.
Subtle Radio residency: A monthly mix slot showcasing her sound.
City debuts: She’s set to play in Sheffield, Leicester, and Skegness for the first time.
Production goals: “This year, I’m finally learning to produce. I’d love to release something of my own by the end of the year.”
She’s also keen for more festival bookings. “If you’re a promoter looking for a garage DJ, hit me up – let’s make it happen.”
From mixing in her bedroom to securing festival slots, EMBARK is proving that dedication, passion, and an ear for a killer tune can take you far. With a growing platform, a clear vision, and a love for the scene, she’s an artist you’ll want to keep on your radar.
Follow EMBARK on Instagram and Spotify to stay up to date with her latest mixes and projects.
