Sound & Style reflects a global shift in how music and fashion move together, shaping identity, influence, and cultural expression across cities and scenes. From London to Africa to Atlanta and beyond, DJs are at the center of that exchange, translating sound into style and presence in real time. As Sound & Style continues, we take a closer look at the DJs defining how music and style intersect across scenes and cities.
As we continue in the series, today, we spotlight Harleighblu, a UK-based singer, DJ, and creative whose work spans DJ sets, live vocals, and hybrid performance. Drawing from neo-soul, R&B, and hip hop, her approach brings together sound, image, and self-expression in a way that reflects both range and presence. With a growing international audience and recent performances across the UK and beyond, Harleighblu continues to expand her reach while maintaining a clear connection to culture and identity through both music and style.
A: When people experience you DJing, what do you think they learn about you before you ever speak?
H: “My love of soulful music. You’ll get different flavours for sure but that soulful sound is going to run through my set from start to finish. If it makes you feel something I’m gonna love it and likely buy it and play it! I’m collecting records at the moment, I’m loving physicals, having the art to see and touch again is beautiful.”
A: How do you think sound and style work together in shaping your presence?
H: “I’ve always been told I’m “peacocking” ha ha but I just love clothes, I love style, and I love putting outfits together. I’m an artist, DJ and musician, so I love creating and playing music. I feel like they’re two of the same thing really. Another way to express ourselves exactly how we want to!”
A: What separates a technically good DJ from someone people remember?
H: “I honestly think your energy is what separates you! I always think that if I see someone having an amazing time and loving the music then, I’m gonna have an amazing time loving the music and watching.”
A: What outside of music currently influences how you present yourself creatively?
H: “I am always changing my style between femme and more masculine looks to a certain extent, one minute I’m a 90’s throwback oversized everything and timbs kinda girl and the next I’m in a mini skirt, fluffy cowboy hat and baby tee, 2000’s a bit more flesh and a bit more glam. Get you a girl that can do both ay? Why not. I really like that the oversized look is having a moment again though! It’s effort- lessly stylish.”
A: What’s a common expectation placed on DJs that you personally push back against?
H: “That you have to have the perfect gear to be taken seriously! Just start with what you have, honestly. It’s not that deep. I started with what I regard as baby decks and worked my way up the more confident I got.”
A: Right now, what feels most important for people to understand about your work?
H: “That I play and make the music that I love. Jill Scott mentioned making music again for the first time in ten years because the culture was starving for some soul food! I agree. If more people just played or made what they actually love... instead of wor- rying about algorithms and popularity. I think more of us need to be unapologetically authentic. DJ’s and artists, we are starving for your originality - so please stop watering it down! I make sure I stay true to myself and make and play what I want.”
Explore the full Sound & Style feature in Issue 008, now available in print and digital, and spend time with the DJs shaping culture across sound and style. Follow and support HarleighBlu as she continues to build her presence, and tap into the Spotify soundtrack to experience the artists and sounds moving through each DJ’s world.
