The music of DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ sounds like the sublime midpoint between Negativland and “So Much Love to Give” by Together. Or maybe it sounds like a vaporwave version of Girl Talk. It’s a pop-plunderphonics roller coaster ride that tugs at the heartstrings and the sneakers. Since her debut in 2017, she has released a fairly massive body of work, spread across albums, compilations, EPs, and box sets. It's a pacing that befits the music itself, which crams a million ideas into a condensed package.

DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ’s tunes are nostalgic but still tethered to the present; we were curious about some of her formative musical experiences, and how they have influenced and shaped the work she has been making over the past decade. We sent over some questions—read the newest edition of Web of Influences below.

Can you remember the first song that really impacted you emotionally?

DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ: Cat Stevens “Where Do The Children Play” would have been a very early song I heard in the car, growing up. That really made me feel extremely musically emotional.

What was your relationship with dance and electronic music growing up?

I always listened to electronic pop compilations from the 80s, mostly pop music that happened to have entirely or almost entirely electronic production and instrumentation, then a little later on I started listening to music that was produced entirely with electronic equipment (samplers, computer sequencers) but was essentially pop-rock music. I think these two kinds of genres and their construction has been a huge influence on how I go about making music, which I basically think of as pop music.

How did you get into making tracks? Can you recall the first track that you made?

I was inspired by seeing Mr Oizo’s “Flat Beat” on the TV at number one in the charts—the whole country watching TOTP and seeing that minimalistic genius piece of music at the same time as each other. That feeling took over my soul and I desperately wanted to feel that way for the rest of my life.

Sampling is obviously such a major part of what you do. Was that always how you made music? How do you choose what kind of sample sources work for the Sabrina project?

I've made music in many ways. Organically played and written songs are fun to do but most people probably just think, Huh, I could also play and sing and write a song, who cares if you can do it. With electronic music, it's pretty obvious that anyone could do this, but the audience just doesn't really think about it. Samples are a wonderful way of bringing dozens and dozens of other souls and human experiences into a three minute or six minute or 14 minute song—if it sounds cool, it goes in.

Did you play video games growing up? Are video games a source of inspiration for you as a musician?

I think pixel art is very influential to my graphic style, and playing video games is one of my few hobbies besides making music! I've played them for as long as I can remember remembering.

How has the city of London influenced you as a producer? Do you feel like you are a part of a bigger community in the city?

I'm not really locked into "the scene,” I couldn't really tell you what genres are emerging or fresh, I never have been able to. I kinda just work slowly on my songs and see what sounds emerge for me.

Are there any scenes that inspire you, but you are not a part of?

I am not a part of any scene, so every scene that inspires me! But I'd love to write and direct movies in another lifetime...

Any dream collaborations?

Jai Paul, Haim ... or anyone that's interested in lil' old me...

Are there any non-musical influences that are inspiring you right now?

Candace Bushnell inspires my novel writing, maybe the follow-up novel to Charmed will come one day!