DJ Rubi quickly became a rising star in Texas’s drum and bass scene, captivating audiences with her high-energy blend of soulful melodies and hard-hitting bass lines. Her dynamic sound is engaging as it is powerful, making waves across DFW’s underground music venues. Whether performing in intimate venues or lighting up festival stages, her ability to fuse emotion with intensity sets her apart. DJ Rubi’s artistry is rising - and she is just getting started.
Origin, Influences & The Experience
DJ Rubi’s dive into the drum and bass scene began in high school, where her love for electronic music took a turn. The moment she heard her first drum and bass track, it was a sound unlike anything she’d ever encountered.
“The fast-paced beats, the deep basslines, and the genre’s energy just resonated with me on a whole new level,” Heather says. “Chase & Status, High Contrast, Hybrid Minds, Shy Fx, Hedex, Wilkinson, Netsky, Kanine, and King of Rollers were some of my early musical influences. I learned a lot from watching seasoned DJs perform. Their mixing skills, track selection, and how they read the crowd taught me the importance of creating a journey with my sets.”
DJ Rubi quickly honed her preferences, gravitating towards sub-genres that spoke to her-liquid drum and bass for its melody, Neurofunk, and intricate, aggressive beats. Experimenting with sounds and techniques in her mixes allowed her to sharpen and define her unique style.
“I focused on blending smooth transitions with unexpected drops, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the listeners, “ Heather explains. “Over time, I found a balance between technical precision and emotional expression, which became the hallmark of my signature style in drum and bass.”
DJ Rubi’s sets are renowned for their high-energy mixing, designed to take the crowd on an engaging journey from start to finish. Her approach blends thoughtful track selection, tension-building, dynamic flow, and a personal touch of emotional connection to create an unforgettable experience.
“I start by choosing tracks that have a strong energy and complement each other well,” Heather explains. I look for tracks with powerful basslines, catchy melodies, and dynamic drops. These tracks set the mood and gradually increase the energy. I use longer transitions and layering to create a seamless flow between songs. Music is a powerful emotional tool, and I strive to create moments in my set that evoke strong emotions. Whether it's a euphoric build-up, a nostalgic melody, or an unexpected drop, these moments help forge a deeper connection with the audience. I achieve this through unique mashups and live remixing. I mix tracks with different tempos and intensities to create peaks and valleys, ensuring the crowd stays engaged without feeling overwhelmed. It’s about infusing my personality and style into the performance, making each set unique and memorable.”
For DJ Rubi, creating an immersive experience involves engaging the senses and emotions. She crafts a journey that captivates from start to finish by focusing on atmosphere, storytelling, crowd interaction, energy flow, and a deep personal connection with the audience.
“These elements play a huge role in setting the mood and enhancing the overall experience,” Heather says. “I like to tell a story through my set. I carefully select tracks that flow together and create a narrative. Each track should feel like a chapter, building towards a climax and resolving. I also consider the venue’s atmosphere, lighting, visuals, and sound quality. Engaging with the crowd is crucial. Sharing my passion and story about how I first got involved in the EDM scene and what drew me to the drum and bass genre helps create a deeper connection with the audience.”
DJ Rubi’s Impact on the Texas EDM Scene
DJ Rubi has performed in various settings, from intimate bars to large-scale festivals. Standout shows include venues like Bodega and The Green Elephant, and her residency at Arlington’s Dirty Mule Bar. Recently, she took part in Not Alone at The Green Elephant, a non-profit event by Simbolizm and AFSP, with proceeds supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Whether at a small venue or a major festival, DJ Rubi seamlessly adapts her sets and maintains her signature sound by reading the vibe and energy of each space.
“This show was a reminder to let everyone know you are loved and that you matter,” Heather says. “There were resources available to help anyone in need. It was a beautiful experience to express my emotions through music and take the listeners on a journey with me.”
DJ Rubi’s presence in the DFW EDM scene has skyrocketed, earning her a solid reputation within the community. Her performances across various DFW venues have only strengthened her connection to the Texas EDM scene.
”The support from local venues has been incredible,” Heather says. “Each venue has its unique vibe and crowd, which has helped me understand and appreciate the diversity within the community. They’ve given me platforms to showcase my sound and connect with fans who are just as passionate about EDM as I am. Being active in the community, attending events, and collaborating with other local artists has strengthened my ties within the scene. It’s not just about performing, but also about being a part of the community and contributing to its growth.”
What’s Next for DJ Rubi
DJ Rubi has exciting plans as she prepares to dive into music production and create her original tracks in the coming months. She hopes to leave a lasting legacy that inspires the next generation of artists in the Texas EDM scene.
“I want to show that you can stay true to your unique style while pushing boundaries and experimenting with different sounds,” Heather says. “It’s all about creating a sense of community and supporting each other. I’d love to be remembered for my high-energy sets and for helping elevate the local scene, making it a vibrant place for everyone who loves drum & bass and EDM.”
DJ Rubi is undeniably a driving force in pushing drum and bass forward in Texas. Her dedication to crafting immersive, emotionally charged experiences has earned her a strong following in the DFW EDM community. As she ventures into music production and continues to build her presence, DJ Rubi is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the Texas EDM scene. Be sure to follow her journey and catch her at upcoming shows like Dallas Drum DJam at Green Elephant, Bass Station 3.0, and the Nova Fest.
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