India Case, aka ‘CASE,’ is a London-born artist and selector celebrated for delivering straight fire and electrifying energy at every set. In recent years, she has wowed crowds at Gottwood, Pickle Factory, El Dorado, and Outlook, with her tracks also earning spins on Rinse and BBC Radio 1.
We caught up and chatted about navigating the music industry, her Rinse FM debut, the importance of kindness, overcoming stage fright, sharing blunts with Snoop, approaching production, and the advice she holds dearest – “Fuck Em All!”
Broke Magazine: You’ve been growing so quickly and have hit some major festivals this year. How do you approach curating tunes for your sets?
Case: I love preparing my sets (when I have the time) as it makes me feel so much more comfortable up there. I also make sure to check out the venue first and, of course, the promoter or events company to see what previous events they’ve done. There’s nothing worse than showing up with a prepared set that’s wrong for the venue! I usually like to find new music for my sets, picking out my favourite tracks and the ones that have had a great crowd reaction before. It also depends on how much time I have, I love to build my sets, but you can’t do that too much in a one-hour slot.
Broke Magazine: Yeah, I think most DJs would agree that more than an hour is needed, is there a stand-out set you remember that you feel took off your career?
Case: I’m incredibly grateful for my sets at Gottwood in 2023 and this year. I feel like that’s when people started to take me seriously. I was so nervous before my set that I actually threw up three times (lol), but in both years, the crowd made me feel so welcome and like I truly belonged there.
Broke Magazine: I know your sets often feature heavier sounds, but what are some of your favourite genres outside of that?
Case: I do love love love the harder sounds I have to say, but, I equally adore hard groove and electro. If I’m out on the weekend I’d usually go somewhere playing electro.
Broke Magazine: Yep, electro never disappoints. Aside from going out, what is your favourite way of discovering new music and artists?
Case: Honestly, it’s mostly through social media, but this summer, I’ve discovered a lot of new music at festivals and events. Freakenstein’s set at Gottwood was phenomenal – I loved exploring the artists he played! I usually find new tracks through SoundCloud stations, Beatport, and, I know some people won’t like this, but TikTok too…
Broke Magazine: No shame in TikTok, babes – it’s an essential tool in today’s industry. You’ve got a strong social media presence yourself, how important do you think socials are when it comes to building your brand?
Case: Ooo okay okay, from my time in the industry, I’ve learned that it comes down to your in-person presence, style, and the kind of music you play out. Social media can either cover up or enhance the authentic version of an artist. It’s great for promoting your music and upcoming events, and while I’ve used it heavily to build my brand, I still believe there’s nothing like seeing an artist live instead of just through videos online.
Broke Magazine: What would be your top tips for someone wanting to get into the industry?
Case: It really depends on what they want to do, but my first piece of advice is to stop comparing yourself to others! You’re on your own path, and everyone’s journey is different – some quicker, some slower. There’s no rush, so take your time and explore different sounds. That’s the fun part! We all want to be somewhere ‘better,’ but don’t forget to give yourself a break and celebrate all wins!!
Broke Magazine: You are always so positive it’s fab, how do you stay motivated and inspired in a super competitive industry?
Case: I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing boyfriend who pushed me to set my nerves aside and pursue my career as an artist. Of course, we all have our down days, and some are tougher than others. But I find motivation in discovering new music and rewatching old event videos to remind myself that I’m good at what I do! I think I’ve rewatched my Gottwood set from this year almost every week, lol. Spending time around more established artists also really motivates me – it makes me want to get into the studio and keep learning.
Broke Magazine: Have you ever received a piece of advice that has really stuck with you? If so, what was it?
Case: Whenever I was worried about someone or something my dad, who sadly passed away in March, always used to say “Fuck em all!” which has helped me compartmentalise a lot of situations.
Broke Magazine: I am so sorry for your loss, it’s powerful how such a simple phrase can help keep things in perspective. If someone was walking down the street and they were asked ‘Who is CASE?’, what would you want to be known for?
Case: I love this question! I’d like to be known for my productions and my energy on stage. If I were walking down the street, I’d probably like someone to think I was dressing quite cool as well (hehe). Also, just a super welcoming and kind person who is easy to approach.
Broke Magazine: You definitely are, is there one thing about you that we would be surprised to learn about you?
Case: It’s not surprising, but when people ask what I do in music, they usually assume I’m a singer. The truth is, I’m completely tone-deaf – no matter how hard I try, I can’t hit the right notes. I even tried joining the choir when I was younger and once had my mic turned off during a duet in front of the whole school with a friend.
Broke Magazine: That’s jokes because I would assume you could sing as well! hahaha. Ok, so, now let’s talk about your production….
Case: Yes! This year, I dropped ‘My Wallet Has Been Spiked’ •••plug•••• (available on all platforms), and I’ve got a ton of stuff in the works that I’m refining. My first tracks were so different. My debut song, ‘Slow and Steady Wins the Rave,’ is very different from my usual sound, it has a slow and electronic sound, but I still love it. I also have a new track coming out soon called ‘YER RIGHT!’, which is the first track I have made that is the exact sound I intend to play out (catch it on my Rinse FM show). Also, my track ‘Godspeed’ is a hard house/ techno tune that’s got lots of radio love. Plus, I’m currently working on a collaboration with a superrr exciting artist so stay tuned for that.
Broke Magazine: Would you say you prefer producing or selecting?
Case: I love producing and want to get more advanced at it – I want to feel comfortable with it. In the future, I see myself focusing more on production, and I’d love to DJ my tracks as much as possible. Production is so rewarding, especially when you get to play those tracks out. For me, it all goes hand in hand.
Broke Magazine: For sure, talking about playing out, have you got any crazy set stories?
Case: Hahaha, well, I’ve had a few weird ones that I feel most DJs would have seen. Once, a girl raced to the back of the decks to throw up in my rider bucket (which I totally understand, girl). I also watched a guy being lifted in the air over a security guard’s shoulders – he got caught doing a little suttin suttin. The security guard picked him up, like it was nothing, and threw him over his shoulder. It was the one thing I could see from the decks – pretty wild.
Broke Magazine: If you could only end every set you do in the future with one song what song would it be and why?
Case: So I have had this track sitting in my Rekordbox called ‘Mind Games’ by Ravetrx. A super euphoric sound, it’s such a sick track and it fits so well with the end of the night. It’s on SoundCloud, so definitely go and listen.”
Broke Magazine: Dream B2B and where would it be?
Case: My first thought on this would be Ben U.F.O at Dekmantel Festival. I just think Dekmantel is one of the most insane festivals, and the crowd there looks wicked. I think this also comes from me watching loads of Boiler Room sets from there. Also, Young Marco would be amazing. When he played the ‘What You Say’ edit at the end of his Boiler Room, it was phenomenal. For the girls, it would always be my girl Amy O. We always have such good energy, and I love playing B2B with her. It feels so easy, and girl energy is always unmatched!
Broke Magazine: Dream blunt rotation, you have three people sharing a zoot, who would they be?
Case: Ok, so, this is simply from watching the Olympics, but my first would have to be Snoop Dogg. I find him so funny. And then, music-related, the second would be Marlon Hoffstadt – he is so cool (and I love his music). Finally, Sara Landry – I would love to know her; she is literally the coolest person.
Broke Magazine: Finally, let’s shout out other girls doing bits at the moment.
Case: Scarlett O’Malley! She’s a great friend and is crushing it with her productions right now. Her track ‘Cool Down Cowboy’ is a must-listen. Then there’s Emerald Rose Lewis. She’s incredible and has been a huge support in my journey. Shout out to Emerald – I adore you! And of course, my girl Larishka Lara is doing amazing things. She co-owns Ghosts of Garage and got me to play in Manchester. Her energy is just fantastic.
Photography – Jimi Herrtage