Michelle Manetti
DJ | Producer | Promoter
Michelle Manetti is a London-based DJ, producer, promoter and co-founder of the event series Fèmmme Fraîche with Sandra Le. Michelle is primarily known on the London scene for her distinct skills as a DJ and the dedication and utmost care she pours into every Fèmmme Fraîche event at Dalston Superstore.
The monthly party is described by Michelle and Sandra as a ‘debaucherous, frolickingly-fun, forward-thinking clubnight, safespace and community support platform’ and aims to showcase to ‘cutting-edge house, techno and art to queer girls, fèmmmes, butch, trans, NB & EVRy1 in between.’ Since January this year, Michelle also helped to curate and set up the Femme room at Adonis at The Cause. The room had a program of exclusively wmxn DJs to encourage more femme energy, and create a more inviting and safe space for wmxn in what was previously a queer male-dominated party. The event hopes to continue post-corona.
Since Fèmmme Fraîche launched five years ago, Michelle’s sound has bounced between jackin’ house, spirited disco and moody techno, making her a thoroughly versatile artist who is not afraid to experiment and throw her audience off-kilter if she senses the time is right. Keen to share her knowledge to those looking to learn about DJing in a comfortable, non-intimidating environment, she hosts DJ workshops in the basement of Dalston Superstore and reserves the first slot of Fèmmme Fraîche for new DJs looking to build their tenacity in a live situation.
Michelle also hosts a radio show ‘A Little Left Of The Centre’ on Threads Radio to explore more unconventional sounds which are less likely to appear in her club sets, with the result leaning towards an hour of leftfield house, oddball techno, acid and breaks.
Having played countless warm up sets for the likes of Honey Dijon, Nick Höppner, Radio Slave, Paramida and Louisahhh at both her own party and other events like Koodeta, He.She.They., Night Tales and La Discothèque at Printworks, Michelle is the epitome of a highly skilled artist who has given her heart and soul to her craft. She holds a confidence behind the decks that only comes after years of playing out at a variety of events and knowing what and when works for certain audiences.
The below image shows a blissfully unaware Lucy Fizz at a time when clubs were open and hoppin’. It’s a particularly poignant shot for Michelle and she explains why…
Photo: Egle Trezzi
Where was this photo taken and why did you pick it?
This fabulous photo of Lucy Fizz was taken by Egle Trezzi at one of my Fèmmme Fraîche parties at Dalston Superstore. It was 14th January 2017 - we had Honey Dijon headlining, it was just as she was on the climb to hitting the huge status she has now and to have her at such an intimate queer venue, was the biggest honour. The whole night was electric, the people, the vibes, the music - it was all perfect.
Warming up for Honey that night was magical and kickstarted quite a snowball of incredible gigs for me. Dalston Superstore is like my second home, especially since launching my clubnight Fèmmme Fraîche there back in October 2015. Lucy Fizz, pictured in this photo, is also such a seminal figure on the queer scene and this picture for me, just sums up the night and all the amazing things I love about Dalston Superstore, Fèmmme Fraîche, the queer scene and nightlife. Letting go, having fun and being your authentic self.
What are you listening to at the moment if you’re working from home?
As a full time DJ / Promoter, work has naturally ceased for me right now. I love my job, so it's super upsetting and creatively frustrating and there's no way of knowing how we'll come out of this and what things will look like on the other side, but I'm keeping optimistic.
I'm still listening to promos daily, checking out new music and sifting through old stuff, I've actually had some time to wade through some of my vinyl collection too and it's been a while. Right now I'm really into old warehouse ravey stuff and it's keeping me chirpy.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
Aciiiiiiiiiiiid, I get my daily dose every day, but also nothing beats a bit of hands-in-the-air disco for lifting the spirits.
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side?
ONE MASSIVE MOTHERFUCKING RAVE UP!!!!!!!
Any tips on how to look after your mind and body during this slightly stressful time?
Listen to your mind, body and soul and what it needs. For me, I've been walking or running almost daily, something I never really did much of before (because being a nocturnal vampire!) and it's keeping me healthy in both my body and mind.
I've also taken to baking banana bread, because why not. I find that being productive, whether that's musically or just doing a massive spring clean really keeps my mind healthy and in good spirits. I'm not one for sitting and binge-watching TV, I'd rather be working on music projects, but I think there's an enormous pressure to 'be productive' in this time and I think whatever works for you hun! Stay in your PJs, eat that popcorn and fill yer boots babe...see you on the other side.
Listen to Michelle’s latest show on Threads Radio here and follow her below: