Heléna Star
DJ | Foundation FM
‘Eclectic, energetic & electronic.’ This is Heléna Star’s description of her bi-weekly show on Foundation FM but it’s much more than that. Between soaking up selections of house in all its mutations — acid, deep, soulful — right through to classic techno and 4/4 pumpers, you can listen to Heléna talk about anything from the roots of rave to interviewing DJ Paulette about her first stroke-of-luck booking at Manchester's Hacienda. Complimented by the plethora of special guests she invites onto the platform, ‘the specialists + hélena star’ is a two-hour treat for the ears on a Thursday evening.
An abundance of pre-Covid gigs, connections and friendships in London’s dance music community have helped shape Heléna’s trajectory in music and broadcasting. Foundation FM has amplified the people in Heléna’s circle and pushed their voices above the slew of mixes and streams on the internet right now, and when listening to her show, you can tell Heléna puts a lot of love and thought into every slot.
A broadcaster as well as a DJ, Heléna warmly engages with her guests on a personal level, discovering more about their lives and why they’re continuing to stay in music in the era of Covid-19. Shows with Black Bandcamp Founder NIKS and BBC Radio 1 resident Saoirse are particularly illuminating, each of whom share their story about how they got into DJing and what they’re working on during these challenging times, followed by their own one-hour mix curated for the show.
At home in east London — where she is currently broadcasting until UK restrictions are lifted — Heléna shares a memory from Peckham’s beloved record shop-come-club, Rye Wax. She also talks about the most rewarding aspects of working with Foundation FM, the support bubble keeping her grounded and more…
Creatures 💜 Photo: @knownastoy
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time?
This was taken at the Boiler Room festival in October 2019, Foundation FM hosted a stage in Rye Wax. I was playing from 2-4am and it was a pretty heavy techno set. It's one of my favourite photos ever, not only because it's a snap from my favourite gig to date but also because of the energy coming through. Look at those faces! Fully in the zone and vibing out. I miss it so much. This photo gets me excited to feel like that again.
How are you right now and what's life currently like in London?
I'm okay, I think this is a common answer among most people ATM. Just trying to keep my head above water, eat good food, listen to good music and stay cosy. It's hard to say what London is like now because I haven't moved around too much recently. What I will say is that I know those of us who are still in the smoke are gunna cause such a ruckus when we are allowed out lol.
Foundation FM is a female-led online station. As a DJ, it must be quite cool to be involved in a community like this. What’s the most rewarding part of being a Foundation FM resident?
Finding Foundation and growing with the station has been the most rewarding thing. Being a part of a community that's sole purpose is to uplift and support those who need it is a real blessing. My career would look so different without their support and I'm eternally grateful for them.
Who are the women in your own community keeping you grounded during these weird times?
I have a list as long as my arm! but special shoutout to my Mum, Effy, Frankie—my guiding lights and best listening ears. 💜
How do you feel about the future?
This time continues to be extremely challenging (lol that's an understatement) for the music/arts industry but I do feel hopeful for when we emerge from this. I envision the scene going back to its hay-days, grassroots, community-led events happening all over. Going back to what really matters and why we do it; the music. I'm calling it the Third Summer of Love.
Back to the present moment. Tell us how the photo below is something that brings happiness in your day-to-day life right now? Coming around a table and sharing food with friends has always been a real joy of mine. In lockdown that has continued to be a way that I share love, through a fucking good plate!
Wholesomeness 🍽 Photo: Heléna