PHIA: The DJ Duo That Flew From Uni House Parties To Boomtown and beyond

Feb 5

3 min read

Phoebe and Mia, Geography and Psychology graduates, grew their DJ name across the UK after previously house party hopping with their decks. They successfully managed to balance their boogies with that dreaded dissertation - and all else life throws at them. Heres how:

From strangers to inseparable: The beginning of PHIA

Liverpool ladies Phoebe and Mia met during a 6 week DJ course which opened for underrepresented genders, run by RumRiddimzRun and Melodic Distraction. Before they knew it, a duo was formed through their instant bond and love of multi-genre music. Once combining their creativity together, their confidence rocketed and the boogies began.

Surprisingly, it took the girls months to discover their duo name. They would sit on the sofa for hours spiralling between “Pheeme or Phoebmia” until eventually Phoebe’s mum pulled through. Straight away she said PHIA had a ring to it, which stuck ever since. Queen.

“We thought it would be a good idea to form a duo, and we've been inseparable ever since”

In March 2022, PHIA’s crowd consisted mainly of their friends and family. Two years later they’re “incredibly proud” to have DJ’d across numerous UK festivals including Boomtown, Reading, Gottwood and Baltic Weekender. Their 2022 selves are still absolutely gobsmacked with their growth.

Even after a year apart whilst Phoebe was abroad in Australia, PHIA was still showcased from across the globe. If that doesn’t show the power of their bond and passion for DJ’ing, I don’t know what does.

“For us the growth has felt unbelievable, and we’re so proud of how far we've come”

Harsh realities faced, Favourite events & Female stereotypes

For PHIA, every event is different and filled with the love of their crowd. But their favourite so far is ‘The Last Dance’ - this was a final event for those leaving university. A bittersweet time for many.

The sun beamed down on their beats and they even added a live saxophonist, Ollie Madeira, to spruce things up. This innovative addition made their day, and Ollie absolutely smashed it. PHIA stated how they still refer back this set almost every day as “everything went perfectly”.

And who doesn’t love a bit of male allyship? Go Ollie.

“It was probably the most fun we've ever had during a set, we were truly mesmerised because it was all improvised”

But that doesn’t mean PHIA haven’t had their moments of imperfectness. During dissertation season the girls had to put their decks on the back burner whilst they had other dedications. There had also been times where they’d taken on more than was manageable - including a week with five events alongside uni commitments.

After balancing both their love for DJ’ing and dissertation deadlines, they managed to incorporate the two together in the end.

Stereotypes against female DJs have also exposed some interesting interactions for the duo. This includes female mixing being underestimated and not as acclaimed, as well female DJs being hidden behind lineups loaded with men.

“There has been a few instances where we haven’t been paid or we have been the only women on a lineup packed with men”

PHIA are determined to address any of these inconsistencies, especially lack of payments for non charitable events. However, they have definitely seen improvements over the past two years and have witnessed more lineups featuring women and unrepresented genders.

Utilise your uni experience!

The growth of PHIA has been heavily influenced through their university experience. The girls found that this was the most supportive and successful environment for them to have started in.

DJ’ing at house parties boosted their name, as well as their utilisation of library space for advertising their events. They reinforce how it’s the perfect place to meet like-minded individuals with shared interests - and heavily encourage bedroom

DJs to get out there!

“Without university PHIA wouldn’t exist. It’s the best place to network, and let's be honest, who at university isn’t a DJ?”

PHIA advocates students to join DJ societies, play at open deck nights, attend events and talk to others. Opportunities open up for those who put themselves out there.