Detroit spark-plug Queen Under Radiant Light, better known by her stage name QURL, is a very present and continuously rising female DJ and producer from Detroit, Michigan. Bringing a unique flavor to the city’s music scene that knows no limitations, QURL aims to bring a fresh, multi-genre perspective to the world of electronic dance music. She has an arsenal chock-full of genres such as house, techno, tech-house, bass-house, and much more. QURL‘s adaptability as an artist leads her to score bookings including but not limited to: Detroit’s own Movement Festival, Summer Bliss Music & Arts Festival, direct support for artists such as Tchami, Mija, Dillon Francis b2b Good Times Ahead, and general support for artists like Wuki, Acraze, WhatSoNot, and many more.
QURL actively engages in Detroit’s culture and community. She is setting a goal to branch out into as many genres as possible, driven by her deep inspiration from the city’s rich music and dance history. “You can go to five different places and find five entirely different types of DJs playing, which is something you don’t really get in other cities…specifically Ghetto Tech and Jit,” she says. As an artist, QURL aims to foster a safe and inclusive space for all ravers, especially as the scene evolves and core community values risk being overlooked. She continues to expand her impact with a range of recent and upcoming releases, featured at the end of this interview.
Stick around to read more about her story below.
Inspired by industry OGs such as AC Slater and Skrillex. She saw Skrillex at Movement in 2011, and it changed her life forever. She asked herself: “How does one create this?” QURL mentions that Mija specifically is a huge inspiration because she can blend so many genres seamlessly in the span of just one set. QURL‘s mission is to create an inclusive space by interweaving multiple genres per set. To encapsulate house party vibes and curate a social space where people can go to create community. In an industry that can be exclusive and limiting, she strives to create a safe space for both attendees and artists to feel welcomed and comfortable.
“We can slowly get back to respectful rave culture if we hold people to a higher standard regarding what we want to see in our community.” – QURL
When asked about the difficulties of being a woman in the industry, QURL says that the difficulties are fluid, changing daily. She notes that there is some potential for underlying intentions, such as tokenism. QURL feels she’s broken the mold for herself in an industry that often underestimates women. With ongoing chatter suggesting that female DJs get booked based on their appearance, QURL makes a conscious choice to dress more modestly to challenge that notion. Even still, she often faces assumptions, such as the recurring claim that she has a ghost producer behind her music. She’d mentioned that such assumptions are hurtful and exhausting, as she’s committed her time, heart, and soul to her craft.
Despite the challenges, QURL is committed to carving out space not just for herself, but for others. “I do want to lead the way for other women in the industry. Being able to take charge in a male-dominated industry sets a great example for other women.”
“Being able to stand on your own as a woman in this industry is huge to me, because I don’t want anyone to take anything from me. I do want to lead the way for and support other women in the industry – being able to take charge in a male-dominated industry sets a great example for other women.” – QURL
In Conversation with QURL
Leigh, Electric Hawk: What is the driving mission behind your work as a DJ / producer?
QURL: I strive for everyone to leave my sets feeling as if they had found their new family in dance music; new peers, & connections to continue to go to new shows with & experience new things with. There’s always a strong sense of community in my crowds, and that is my main mission – bringing a dance floor together. Often throughout life, I’ve felt like an outcast, and dance music is where I found my home…so I want to replicate that same safe space for as many people as I can.
Leigh: What gaps do you see in the scene, and how do you feel your style helps to fill them?
QURL: I do feel a HUGE divide with the age gap in the scene right now. Especially here in Detroit currently, a bit clique-y, for a lack of better word.
Certain venues catering more towards the older crowd vice versa with younger “new wave EDM” crowd and then there’s me – whom often feels like I’m stuck in the middle trying to decide which way to lean. Do I earn the respect of my elders? Do I cater to the thriving next generation of dance music? Why not both? With being a multi-genre artist, I aim to curate a set that takes the crowd on a journey with the vast catalog of music I play, in hopes to unite crowds of all ages.
I typically include a throwback staple or throwback remix the ‘OG generation’ of dance music enthusiasts might enjoy and appreciate while intriguing interest of the younger crowd. A trick of the trade I’ve learned along the way.
Leigh: What would your advice be to women who are looking to break into the music industry?
QURL: Do something no one else is doing. Be bold. Be fearless. Find a mentor. Go to open decks. Shake the hands of the owner and / or promoter whenever you go anywhere. I advise anyone I mentor to record a 30 minute mix & send it to promoters in your city. Be patient; it takes a lot of time to get established, but I urge people not to take shortcuts to reach their goals. You’ll find your vibe & your tribe along the way. Make sure your tribe has the same drive you have. Go out and support your peers as often as you can. Most of all; be kind and stay humble.
Leigh: Any new releases that you’re particularly excited about?
QURL: I am currently sitting on a ton of new music…edits, remixes, & some mash ups. I’m most excited about a few originals that I’ve been cooking up. It took me a while to finally found my sound, which I’ve learned – is NOT one sound. I am currently focused on building a catalog of music to send to labels I feel would suit both best in hopes to take my projects to next level. With being only a year into producing, I am eager and still have so much to learn regarding production, getting music signed, the logistics behind those two, and much more. So yes, expect lots of new QURL releases in near future – mainly G-house & bass house tracks, coming soon from your girl QURL… so stay tuned!
Leigh: What are you most excited about for what’s to come with your career?
QURL: Briefly touched on this a bit in a previous question, but I am very excited to start showing people what I’ve been working diligently towards. All of the new music to come, new opportunities and / or shows, festivals, tours (fingers crossed!), making new connections and friends along the way, and being one step closer to living out my dreams.
Also, something I’m very passionate about is helping other emerging females in the dance music industry and to be able to have a bigger platform for growth and exposure to all the women out here making moves.
This is definitely is something I’m really looking forward to give & share as well. It’s our duty to support each other as women, not just in this scene but always pushing us forward in all areas of this “tough on girls” industry, just to be able to lend a hand to those when others wouldn’t for us.
QURL’s work speaks for itself. With deep roots in Detroit’s music culture and a clear vision for the future, she’s steadily building a name as an artist who values versatility, authenticity, and community. As she expands her reach across genres and stages, she remains focused on creating spaces where everyone feels welcome – and the music always comes first. Keep up with QURL at the links below to witness her expansion in the world of EDM.
Fresh Releases from QURL:
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Looking for new music? Keep up with our weekly Spotify Playlist, Fresh Hunts. Updated every Friday with all the latest releases. Whether it’s the newest drops from QURL, all your favorite artists, some old-school, or underground…we just want you to hear it
