Lee Ann Roberts: Sexism in the Techno Scene and How She Started as a DJ
- Filip
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
South African-born producer, DJ, and label owner Lee Ann Roberts has carved her own space in the global techno scene, now calling Amsterdam home. Inspired by the raw energy of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Nirvana, she blends past, present, and futuristic influences into high-intensity sets. But her journey hasn’t been without challenges—she’s had to navigate a male-dominated industry, fight against sexist expectations, and make bold choices to stay true to herself.
"Taking the Leap into Music"
Lee Ann’s journey into music wasn’t an overnight success. It was a slow burn, a process of refining her craft, taking risks, and embracing her instincts.
“There was a moment when I realized, this is it—I have to give it everything,” she says. “I packed my bags, moved to Europe, and just went all in.”
She started producing her own tracks and soon launched her own label, NowNow Records, as a way to take full creative control over her sound and support underground artists.
"Going Sober and Finding Clarity"
The party scene and DJ culture are often intertwined, but Lee Ann made a decision that set her apart—she went sober.
“It was a personal choice, but also a professional one,” she says. “I wanted to be clear-headed, focused, and truly present in my sets. The industry can be intense, and I realized I didn’t need substances to fuel my creativity.”
For her, sobriety has been an empowering shift. “It’s given me more energy, more drive, and honestly, I just feel better,” she says.
"Why I Don't Talk About My Past Modeling Career"
Before music, Lee Ann had a successful career in modeling—but she rarely discusses it. And there’s a reason for that.
“When people bring it up, it’s usually in a way that undermines my work as a DJ,” she says. “Like, ‘Oh, she was a model first, so she must not be a real artist.’ It’s sexist, plain and simple.”
The techno scene, like much of the music industry, still struggles with gender bias. Women DJs are often scrutinized more harshly, expected to prove their credibility in ways their male counterparts aren’t.
“I don’t want my past career to define me,” she says. “I’ve put in the work, and my music speaks for itself.”
"Carving Out Space in a Male-Dominated Industry"
Lee Ann is vocal about the sexism in techno, but she’s also focused on solutions—on building spaces where women and marginalized artists are given the respect they deserve.
“The best way to fight it is to succeed,” she says. “To take up space, to create platforms, to uplift each other. The more women behind the decks, the more the scene will shift.”
Through her label and collaborations, she’s committed to making techno a space where everyone has a voice.
"The Future of Techno"
For Lee Ann, techno isn’t just music—it’s movement, expression, and rebellion. As she continues to push boundaries, she’s focused on growing her sound, her community, and her vision.
“I want to keep evolving,” she says. “Music is freedom, and I want people to feel that when they hear my sets.”
With her relentless energy and uncompromising approach, Lee Ann Roberts is proving that the future of techno is as bold and boundary-breaking as she is.