Spotlight On: Grace Garcia
- West Yorkshire Music Network
- Nov 11, 2025
- 4 min read
West Yorkshire is home to an incredible array of talent - both on and off the stage! We wanted to shine a Spotlight On some of the amazing people working in our region. If you have someone you would like to feature (self-nominations welcome) please contact: westyorkshiremusicnetwork@gmail.com
Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Grace Garcia and I'm a 23-year-old DJ, producer, and aspiring radio presenter from Leeds. I host and co-produce a dance music focused podcast called 'Beyond The Booth - With Grace Garcia' at Academy94. If I'm not at Academy94 working on the podcast, presenting, or creating content, I'm probably in the studio making music or digging for new tunes. I'm basically a full-time music nerd!
How important are grassroots venues to your career, and what does their role mean to you in supporting emerging talent?
Grassroots venues are essential for emerging artists and for the whole music ecosystem to thrive. They’re the places where DJs (and singers and bands) develop their craft, grow in confidence, and build connections with audiences. The vast majority of your favourite big DJs will have learnt and grown so much in grassroots venues, not only at the start of their careers but still today, as many of these venues regularly see big names walk through their doors.
In Leeds, venues like Beaver Works and Sheaf St (which sadly closed in 2023), and in London venues like Corsica Studios and 100 Club, have been such important places for me and so many others. They’re the foundations of music culture and without them I don’t think the music scene could exist in the same way it does now.
I actually studied Human Geography at King's College London, where I focused on music in cities and how urban music strategies, like protecting and investing in grassroots venues, can have huge cultural, social, and economic benefits. It’s something I’m really passionate about, because the value of these spaces goes far beyond just our scene.
On barriers for women and minority-represented genders in dance music, what concrete changes would you like to see happen in the industry?
One thing I’ve noticed is that women and minority-represented genders often seem more hesitant to get behind the decks. Even though imposter syndrome and performance anxiety are things so many people experience, it often feels like men are more likely to just give it a go.
I’d love to see more initiatives that actively encourage women and underrepresented genders to take that first step. Things like beginner-friendly workshops, mentorship schemes, or safe, inclusive spaces where people can experiment and build confidence without pressure. I’d also personally love to host women’s and non-binary-only workshops and open deck events to help create that kind of supportive environment.
Representation makes such a difference, and the more diverse the lineups and spaces are, the more welcoming the scene becomes for everyone.
How do you see your artistic identity evolving over the next few years? Are there other genres or mediums you’d like to explore (producing, radio-hosting, labels etc.)?
My musical influences are so eclectic, so this is a tricky one to answer! I love everything from The Prodigy to Orbital, TSHA to 4am Kru, Nia Archives to Odd Mob... the list goes on forever! My musical and artistic identity has been shaped by so many different artists and experiences over the years.
Right now, I mainly mix and produce house music; my go-to style is quite bass-heavy tech house with plenty of uplifting synths and vocals. But as someone who’s completely obsessed with dance music radio, where you hear such a wide range of sounds and genres, I have a real appreciation for all corners of the dance music world. So who knows what the future holds, I’m excited to keep evolving and exploring new sounds as I grow as an artist and music broadcaster.
What upcoming gig, project or collaboration are you most excited about, and why?
There's lots in the pipeline that I'm excited about! Next month I'm playing in the Lake District for the first time which I'm buzzing about because I love that part of the world and I've heard the crowds are great fun.
How important, or how do you think we can, as a local community, get more involved with shaping the future of music?
Massively! I think in this digital age, a lot of us are craving real-life connections and a sense of community more than ever. Going out to gigs and events is a great way to do this as it not only supports artists but also organically grows and strengthens local scenes. I’m hoping we’re at a tipping point where more people start seeking real-life experiences over purely digital ones.
Finally, for someone who is reading this, and is just getting started as a DJ or music-maker: what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them that maybe no-one else is saying out loud?
I’m still super early in my career, so I’m learning every day. That said, something I really wish someone had told me at the start of my journey is that it’s completely okay to be a work-in-progress and the biggest growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. You’ll probably never feel fully ‘ready,’ so there’s no better time to go for it than right now.
You can find out more about Grace via her social media and her work with Academy94!
