MDLBeast Soundstorm: Meet Cosmicat

As MDLBeast Soundstorm returns, we met up with the DJs who will be rocking Riyadh. The festival is, quite simply, the biggest music event in Saudi Arabia, as it is unrivalled when it comes to its sheer scale and impressive line-ups.

While there are international superstar DJs, from David Guetta to Deadmau5, there is also homegrown talent taking to the stage. We chatted to the Saudi DJ, Cosmicat, about creativity, change and cats.

How did you get into music and where do you find your inspiration?

I started as a music lover and a collector. I grew up listening to pop, disco, R&B, and hip-hop, and the influence of all of these are very noticeable in my music selection. I bought my first set of gear online and began DJing in my bedroom, using my innate understanding of music flow and online resources to teach myself.

I decided to take up my passion up a level with learning how to mix records and one thing led to another, people started recognising my sound and I was lucky enough to pursue making music and being able to take my passion as a career. It is undeniable that a music festival like Soundstorm provides us with opportunities. So it’s onwards and upwards from here.

You label yourself as the crazy cat lady. Tell us more.

I’m just in love with cats. Combine that with my deep interest in cosmology and there you have it – Cosmicat.

How does it feel to be challenging the stereotype that all DJs are men?

It’s an honour to change that stereotype. It’s a very humbling yet huge responsibility to be under the spotlight and I wish to be an inspiration for other female artists and creatives to pursue their dreams.

I’m very grateful to be part of a circle of women who inspire and encourage each other. At the start of my journey, I’ve had the joy of getting support from my family and friends, but some people told me I was simply fooling around while others said that my work as a DJ wouldn’t make it far as a Saudi woman. I never let it affect me – and look how far we’ve come now.

Tell us about your music and what people can expect from your set.

I play and produce electronic music, more specifically deep house and techno. During my sets I love to play and listen to melodic house that is futuristic and emotional, and all types of things that make you move your feet – so get ready.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about Saudi Arabia’s live music scene?

Sadly, as anyone who hasn’t been to Saudi would expect it to be non-existent. But it’s very much alive. We’ve got a huge opportunity now and a lot of local talent rising to the surface and getting the recognition they truly deserve. MDLBeast is a gamechanger for the music industry in Saudi and the region and it’s all very exciting. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us artists.

What’s the best thing about being a performer in Saudi Arabia right now?

The enormous potential that exists for us as performers but also for the Saudi and regional music scene as a whole. But it also feels great to be able to write history and change the narrative for women in Saudi – especially in the creative industry.

I’m planning to work on releasing more music with empowering messages and do more live performances. I am also very keen on education and would love to share what I learned with everyone. I believe in women helping each other and will be joining MDLBeast in December to talk about this during the XP music conference.