‘A scene which reflects all voices’ – In Conversation with Romy White

This conversation is available in French on Le Type and in English on Ransom Note, as part of a partnership between the two media outlets to promote the Bordeaux music scene.

Ransom Note: You’ve just launched STOER. What motivated you to create this platform?

Romy White: I’ve only been DJing for about a year and a half — I’m still in this phase of taking off, of emerging. I’ve always been driven by a hunger for work, whether it’s as a DJ or through my other projects. I’m also pursuing my studies at the same time, so it’s a lot of organization.

I started learning to mix with friends. A few months ago, I organized some casual meet-ups and DJing workshops with other women involved in culture. These were moments of shared learning and connection; we were starting to build a network. We’d call each other to collaborate on other projects, and at some point, I realized it needed more structure. That’s how STOER was born—from a desire to create something bigger and more solid. A hybrid format, both a media outlet and an event platform.

In Dutch, stoer means “bold.” I envisioned this media platform as a space where I can highlight artists who move me, across all disciplines, with a focus on music. There’s also an event side to it—workshops, club nights. I want to create a new dynamic between artists and cultural players. We use Instagram and social media a lot. It’s a powerful tool to showcase projects properly. The goal is to have a direct exchange with the audience.

What is STOER’s editorial stance?

STOER isn’t an exclusively female-led platform, but it does predominantly spotlight women, without excluding anyone. The idea is to support a more equal scene. The interface is meant to be accessible, inspiring, and straightforward: you’ll find artist profiles, interviews, and presentations of their projects. It features all kinds of artists—both emerging and established.

Every artist highlighted is someone who has been involved in an event or project curated by STOER. The tone is caring and genuine, and sometimes it even takes on a mentorship vibe. In terms of format, STOER mainly lives on social media — Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud. There’s also an event component with workshops and club nights that combine artistic curation and community sharing. I manage everything from A to Z—there are no journalists involved.

How did you build the community around this project?

It’s a solo project, even though I’m strongly supported by the people around me. My boyfriend, for example, helps with the visual side. STOER couldn’t exist in a closed bubble—it’s not collaborative in the traditional sense, but it’s built on a network of people I work with who share the same values. The community formed naturally around ideas of solidarity, kindness, and inspiration. Many artists find a sense of transmission here — access to learning, and a sense of recognition.

What connection do you see between your experience as a DJ and the creation of this media platform?

STOER is a direct extension of my artistic practice. The common thread is creation. I love being a DJ, but I also wanted to offer a broader framework where artists could make a living from their work. With the platform, I’m creating links between different disciplines—music, dance, visual arts—and trying to bring people together through all of that.

You’re also active on the Bordeaux scene as an artist. How did your musical journey take shape?

I’m Franco-Kabyle and Dutch. At home, we didn’t really listen to much French pop. I grew up with sounds from Seu Jorge, Mayra Andrade, Sade, the Fugees, Jamiroquai… So I was immersed in very diverse genres, and that really comes through in my sets—I always mix at least ten different styles. Whether it’s baile funk, afro beats, bass music, jersey club, or dancehall.

Dance has also played an important role. I practiced it for a long time, and my selections are very much driven by the body, by movement and rhythm. I want to take people on a journey through rich musical worlds.

You’re also involved in socially engaged events like Super Bamboum and workshops at IBOAT. How do you choose the projects and events you take part in?

I work based on human connection. I collaborate with people where there’s a real vibe. If the energy doesn’t align, I don’t go forward. I refuse to work with people who aren’t kind or professional.

As for IBOAT, I’ve only been working with them since January, after they changed their booker. I already knew Alexis Modine personally, and we had a connection that led us to work together—especially since he wanted to support my artistic project. That led to the launch of the Abrasive nights: a club and apéroboat series with DJing workshops. I’m really happy to see projects like mine being supported.

As a woman DJ in a still male-dominated scene, how did you find your place?

I was lucky to be well surrounded. I learned with guys, and overall, things went pretty smoothly. But of course, I’ve dealt with the usual challenges — men going over their set times, not always being respectful… I had to learn to stand my ground and assert my place. Today, I see a new wave of female artists stepping up with strength. We’re moving toward a more equal scene, and it’s beautiful to witness.

You seem deeply committed to showcasing artists and their projects. How does that show up in your programming or collaborations?

I choose the artists I work with based on one thing: their work. Regardless of gender. Their universe has to resonate with me, their creative approach has to move me. My goal is to uplift the scene as a whole, to build bridges, and to foster real artistic diversity.

What advice would you give to young artists who want to break into this scene or start their own media platform?

Two things. First: stay true to what you love. Don’t bend to please an organizer or an audience — keep your artistic identity strong. And second: stay humble, but firm — especially as a woman in this industry. Another important point: if you want to professionalize your artistic project, you need to understand what you’re getting into. The nightlife world is intense — the pace, the fatigue, people under the influence, the physical exposure… You need to realize that you become your own product. And above all: never be afraid to ask questions, to have conversations, to take the time to understand the codes.