01Profile
A Scarlett O'Malley Photo
Scarlett O'Malley
DJ / Presenter — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Scarlett O’Malley, West London.
Describe your style in three words?
Vintage cowgirl leisure.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The best gig I’ve ever been to has to be Good Charlotte at Brixton Academy in 2018. It had been years since they had played London and they were the first band I was truly OBSESSED with from about the age of nine; they helped form my whole (pre)teen identity, and you could tell everyone in there had been obsessed too. They opened with 'The Anthem' which is when the tears started and I am pretty sure I spent most of the gig singing my heart out and crying simultaneously, likewise with everyone else around me. There were lots of hugging strangers too, it was really magical.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
I would LOVE to go back to back, or b3b as I like to call it with Kerri Chandler and Louie Vega, or we could even make it a b4b and add Kenny Dope into the mix and have it be me, Kerri Chandler and Masters at Work all going tune-for-tune on the old skool house and '90s tip… I am putting it out into the universe now!
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I have been largely influenced by quite a few subcultures; the rockabilly revival scene I grew up on, the soul scene which has been an integral part of my young adult life, the alternative pop-punk/emo subculture which shaped my identity growing up. I get a lot of my style inspiration from the '60s and '70s skinhead/suedehead subculture and a lot of my DJing has come from the rave subculture, new and old.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history, who would you choose?
Elvis. Hands down.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
There is a special place in my heart for The Cause, which was based in Tottenham. Although no longer with us, I was lucky enough to be named a resident in 2022 and it was rare a weekend would go by without me being there. Not only was the venue an absolute dream, but the crowd was always my favourite and the people who were involved in running it made the club what it was. It was a family and definitely one for the history books.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I love Jackie Wilson. I have always connected with his music and there is something about his voice that I think is unmatched. He also has a wild story and really proved his talent and diversity over three decades from the '50s to the '70s. He wasn’t called Mr Excitement for nothing. 'Why Can’t You Be Mine' has always been a favourite of mine; I am a sucker for doo-wop and harmonies and this song has it all.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me' by George Michael and Elton John. For some reason, from about the age of thirteen/fourteen, I became obsessed with George Michael and this song was actively performed to my family by way of me singing it at least a couple of times a day. Yes I sang both parts.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Plastic Cup Politics' by Less Than Jake. I think I have seen Less Than Jake the most times out of any band ever, and most of those numbers were made up during my teenage years. This track perfectly sums up my identity and feels as a teen.
One record you would keep forever?
'I Think I’m Falling In Love' by Leroy Hutson. I tried to find this 45 for ages on the Athens of the North label and now I have it, it's not going anywhere. It never leaves my record box. It’s also my answer to 'For a million pounds what song could you sing word for word, no mistakes?'.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
The whole 'Frank' album by Amy Winehouse is a mainstay for me because of the way Amy writes so frankly about life and relationships, and of course, it’s 100% straight bangers. 'Know You Now', the line "my girl says I’m too sensitive to run with you, but I'm not listening to her mm hmm" hits deep because I am sensitive and half the time I’ll still do things I know will hurt my feelings; it inspired some self-reflection I suppose.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
You will never see me run faster to a dancefloor than you will at the 100 Club’s 6Ts Rhythm and Soul all-nighters. This was a tough one because there’s not just one tune that makes me dash to the floor but 'Someone Tell Her' by The Imperial Cs really does still blow my mind when I hear it out.
Best song to turn up loud?
'"Ah"' by Bellaire. Nothing goes off in the club like this. That vocal, that beat, the piano, on loud, solid speakers, this gets the crowd going each and every time!
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Through The Wire' by Kanye West. I have loved this song since the day it came out and I heard it on the radio and I still love it just as much today but I don’t think many would have me down as a Ye fan.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Emotions - 12” Club Mix' by Mariah Carey. Woiiii I love ending a set with this song. It was always 'Somebody Else’s Guy' by Jocelyn Brown for years and years and it still holds a deep place in my heart, but this Mariah edit with the slow piano start and gospel harmonies literally gives me goosebumps and is such a perfect end-of-night tune.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
The Harlem Gospel Travelers are a great new, young soulful gospel group from New York who I LOVE! They are the future of soul music and their album 'He’s On Time' never leaves my record player. Their song 'Nothing But His Love' written by Aaron Frazer is currently my most listened to song on Spotify.
Lady Wray’s newest album 'Piece of Me' is so good! 'Under The Sun' instantly gives me sunshine feels and is the perfect fusion of soul, R&B and hip-hop. If you don’t know who she is please get to know.
'XTC V' by X-COAST. This track was released as part of the 'XTC (The Lost Scrolls)' EP this year and it is my absolute favourite song to play out, insane production!
'Trade of Hearts' by Thee Sacred Souls. I am in love with Penrose Records and all this new sweet and deep lowrider soul that has been emerging from the States over the past couple of years and this is no exception.
'Moves (House Mix)' by Cody Currie and Eliza Rose. This song gets played in so many of my sets and I love seeing friends of mine making big tunes and doing well.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Scarlett O’Malley, West London.
Describe your style in three words?
Vintage cowgirl leisure.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The best gig I’ve ever been to has to be Good Charlotte at Brixton Academy in 2018. It had been years since they had played London and they were the first band I was truly OBSESSED with from about the age of nine; they helped form my whole (pre)teen identity, and you could tell everyone in there had been obsessed too. They opened with 'The Anthem' which is when the tears started and I am pretty sure I spent most of the gig singing my heart out and crying simultaneously, likewise with everyone else around me. There were lots of hugging strangers too, it was really magical.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
I would LOVE to go back to back, or b3b as I like to call it with Kerri Chandler and Louie Vega, or we could even make it a b4b and add Kenny Dope into the mix and have it be me, Kerri Chandler and Masters at Work all going tune-for-tune on the old skool house and '90s tip… I am putting it out into the universe now!
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I have been largely influenced by quite a few subcultures; the rockabilly revival scene I grew up on, the soul scene which has been an integral part of my young adult life, the alternative pop-punk/emo subculture which shaped my identity growing up. I get a lot of my style inspiration from the '60s and '70s skinhead/suedehead subculture and a lot of my DJing has come from the rave subculture, new and old.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history, who would you choose?
Elvis. Hands down.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
There is a special place in my heart for The Cause, which was based in Tottenham. Although no longer with us, I was lucky enough to be named a resident in 2022 and it was rare a weekend would go by without me being there. Not only was the venue an absolute dream, but the crowd was always my favourite and the people who were involved in running it made the club what it was. It was a family and definitely one for the history books.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I love Jackie Wilson. I have always connected with his music and there is something about his voice that I think is unmatched. He also has a wild story and really proved his talent and diversity over three decades from the '50s to the '70s. He wasn’t called Mr Excitement for nothing. 'Why Can’t You Be Mine' has always been a favourite of mine; I am a sucker for doo-wop and harmonies and this song has it all.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me' by George Michael and Elton John. For some reason, from about the age of thirteen/fourteen, I became obsessed with George Michael and this song was actively performed to my family by way of me singing it at least a couple of times a day. Yes I sang both parts.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Plastic Cup Politics' by Less Than Jake. I think I have seen Less Than Jake the most times out of any band ever, and most of those numbers were made up during my teenage years. This track perfectly sums up my identity and feels as a teen.
One record you would keep forever?
'I Think I’m Falling In Love' by Leroy Hutson. I tried to find this 45 for ages on the Athens of the North label and now I have it, it's not going anywhere. It never leaves my record box. It’s also my answer to 'For a million pounds what song could you sing word for word, no mistakes?'.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
The whole 'Frank' album by Amy Winehouse is a mainstay for me because of the way Amy writes so frankly about life and relationships, and of course, it’s 100% straight bangers. 'Know You Now', the line "my girl says I’m too sensitive to run with you, but I'm not listening to her mm hmm" hits deep because I am sensitive and half the time I’ll still do things I know will hurt my feelings; it inspired some self-reflection I suppose.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
You will never see me run faster to a dancefloor than you will at the 100 Club’s 6Ts Rhythm and Soul all-nighters. This was a tough one because there’s not just one tune that makes me dash to the floor but 'Someone Tell Her' by The Imperial Cs really does still blow my mind when I hear it out.
Best song to turn up loud?
'"Ah"' by Bellaire. Nothing goes off in the club like this. That vocal, that beat, the piano, on loud, solid speakers, this gets the crowd going each and every time!
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Through The Wire' by Kanye West. I have loved this song since the day it came out and I heard it on the radio and I still love it just as much today but I don’t think many would have me down as a Ye fan.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Emotions - 12” Club Mix' by Mariah Carey. Woiiii I love ending a set with this song. It was always 'Somebody Else’s Guy' by Jocelyn Brown for years and years and it still holds a deep place in my heart, but this Mariah edit with the slow piano start and gospel harmonies literally gives me goosebumps and is such a perfect end-of-night tune.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
The Harlem Gospel Travelers are a great new, young soulful gospel group from New York who I LOVE! They are the future of soul music and their album 'He’s On Time' never leaves my record player. Their song 'Nothing But His Love' written by Aaron Frazer is currently my most listened to song on Spotify.
Lady Wray’s newest album 'Piece of Me' is so good! 'Under The Sun' instantly gives me sunshine feels and is the perfect fusion of soul, R&B and hip-hop. If you don’t know who she is please get to know.
'XTC V' by X-COAST. This track was released as part of the 'XTC (The Lost Scrolls)' EP this year and it is my absolute favourite song to play out, insane production!
'Trade of Hearts' by Thee Sacred Souls. I am in love with Penrose Records and all this new sweet and deep lowrider soul that has been emerging from the States over the past couple of years and this is no exception.
'Moves (House Mix)' by Cody Currie and Eliza Rose. This song gets played in so many of my sets and I love seeing friends of mine making big tunes and doing well.