ARIA DJ Of The Week: Nina Las Vegas

Each week, ARIA highlights one of the DJs that contributes to the Top 50 Club Tracks Chart.

Label head, producer & DJ Nina Las Vegas is one of the most powerful female voices on the dance music scene, both in Australia and internationally.

Nina’s passion for music has remained front & centre throughout all of her work.

Beginning her career as a host & programmer on triple j, she gained a strong reputation for discovering & promoting new music. From there, she launched her label NLV Records in 2015, since releasing work by long-time friends & collaborators such as Swick, Lewis CanCut, Strict Face, Kota Banks, Ninajirachi, UniiQU3, Hi Tom and more. 

She’s also released two solo EP and a handful of singles. She’s collaborated with a massive range of acts including Swick, Anna Lunoe, Vera Blue, Ecca Vandal, Snappy Jit, Ninajirachi & MC Bin Laden.

As a DJ, Nina’s hit the stage of every major festival in Australia including Big Day Out, Stereosonic, Splendour In The Grass, Groovin’ The Moo, Parklife and FOMO. She’s also played a slew of festivals overseas including Coachella, HARD, Holy Ship!, Porter Robinson’s Second Sky, Iglooghost’s Igloofest, Friendship, The Greatest Day Ever and SXSW.

Get to know Nina a little more:

1. Tell us about your style of music...

I like to describe what I play as Club Music, sitting in between left-field bass, electronic and techno. It also is a nice way to describe my set broadly, because I'm not afraid to blur the genres. 

2. What makes a set by you unique?

Given I've been working behind the scenes running my label NLV Records, I get access to a lot of unreleased and forthcoming label releases by both artists on the roster and friends who DJ / make music. I'm a sharer, so I get a lot of goodies in return. 

3. What's your guaranteed floor-filler?

At the moment, Ninajirachi's 'Dracodraco' goes wild. Everyone loves a 4x4 drop atm!

4. You have to step away from the booth for a break, what's your go-to long song?

Four Tet - 'KHLHI'. It's not even that long, it's just a beautiful moment that I like to play out at full length.  

5. What would be your ultimate music collaboration?

I would love to work with Shygirl.  

6. What is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?

Being able to make people dance and have a break from the wildly surreal world right now. 

7. Can you share any tips for people who want to become a DJ?

Find your own songs and play what you want to hear loud, enjoying every moment. It's a privilege to be a DJ, make sure you enjoy every moment and not waste a second!

Click here to apply to become an ARIA Club Chart contributor.