Sampling Life: A Conversation with Ladymonix
Ladymonix
If you’re part of the UltraMaroon crowd, you’ve probably heard Ladymonix on the floor—even if her name doesn’t immediately ring a bell. Baltimore-born and Detroit-based, she’s been shaped by a rich musical journey that spans Baltimore Club grooves, LA’s soulful house underground, and Detroit’s techno and house legacy. Her tracks are constantly finding their way into our sets, showing up in moments that just click.
In fact, Ladymonix’s way with rhythm, layering, and perfectly chosen vocal samples has quietly shaped the approach to music of her fans. When the UltraMaroon team was plotting Season 7, Ladymonix’s name resoundingly came up as someone who could set the tone for the year. Ahead of the show, Sainte Francis talked to her about her year, her creative process, her musical roots, and what it means to step into queer-centered spaces. Ladymonix will be opening Season 7 at Eden New York, a brand-new space for UltraMaroon, bringing her energy to a room that’s as fresh and high-energy as her music.
Sainte Francis:
First and foremost, thank you so much for doing this. The UltraMaroon crew is super excited to have you in New York. When I heard you were going to be our first show of the year, I was beyond excited because I’m a huge fan.
Ladymonix:
Thank you!
Sainte Francis:
We also have a mutual friend.
Ladymonix:
Oh, is it Rimarkable? When she saw I posted the flyer, she was like, “Those are my boys—they’re going to love you.”
Sainte Francis:
It is! I got to open for Rimarkable last year at UltraMaroon, and I actually opened with your track, “Big Beat.” I thought, “Ri’s going to like this one,” and when I saw her walk in the room, I wanted to give her a little piece of Detroit.
And that’s actually a good segue to my introduction to you as a producer—I first heard your track “Big Beat” when Ri played it on a Defected Radio Show, and I thought, “I need to hear more from her.”
Ladymonix:
I love that. She’s my girl.
Sainte Francis:
Yes, we love to keep it in the Detroit family! Speaking of which, what’s your year been like? I know you played Movement. We’re coming to the end of 2025—any highlights from gigs, production, or even just personal moments?
Ladymonix:
Gosh, what a big question. Movement Detroit was definitely a highlight. It was my third year playing there, and I got to do it with my husband as part of our production duo, House of Hits. That weekend was just wild—the energy, the people, the sheer scale. We didn’t go in with a planned set, just fed off each other’s energy, and it was magical. I also did the closing set at Panorama Bar a few months ago, which was intense.
Sainte Francis:
Congratulations! Was that your first time there?
Ladymonix:
No, maybe my third or fourth time playing in different spaces of the building, but it was my first time in that slot—seven or eight hours, for some serious partiers. I felt honored just to be considered for that role.
Sainte Francis:
Wow. How did you prep for a marathon set like that?
Ladymonix:
Honestly, I try to organize my records, but I never stick to a rigid plan. I go through songs, rifling through all my records, thinking about what might work. By the time I get there, it’s all instinct, reading the room hour by hour. Eight hours flies by in what feels like five minutes.
Sainte Francis:
Was that part of a label showcase?
Ladymonix:
Yes it was for Ostgut Ton's label relaunch, celebrating the compilation they released this past summer. I had a track on there, and everyone who played had contributed to that release. It was nice to be part of that collective energy.
Sainte Francis:
Being Detroit-based, do you consciously bring that energy into gigs like Berlin? There’s always that friendly rivalry over techno between the two cities.
Ladymonix:
Not really. I grew up in Baltimore, then lived in LA for 12 years, and I’ve been in Detroit for 10. My sound is kind of a mix of everything: Baltimore Club, soulful house, Detroit techno and house. I just bring what feels right for the crowd and the moment. And being here in Detroit, which is such a musically rich city, I’ve experienced so much more than just house and techno. It’s really a blend now.
Sainte Francis:
When and how did you first get into DJing and production?
Ladymonix:
When I moved to LA, I interned at a music management company but realized following orders wasn’t my thing. I bought some cheap DJ equipment from someone selling it and started practicing. That was around 2008 or 2009. Production came later on around 2013, when people encouraged me to try it. I wasn’t sure that was something I was ready for, but once I started it just clicked.
Sainte Francis:
And that eventually led to your label?
Ladymonix:
Yes, Frizner Electric, named after my dad’s electrical business. He was an electrician.
My partner actually encouraged me to start it. I already knew I wasn’t one to answer to authority, so the idea of submitting tracks to labels and having them critique them was not in my plan. He said, “Why not just start your own label and release your music on there?” That advice really stuck, and now it’s a platform not only for my own releases but also for collaborating with others down the line.
Sainte Francis:
I think your productions have such a distinct style. Your use of vocal samples—like Rashida on “Track 39” or the Paris Is Burning samples on “Moments in Paris”—is incredible. How would you define your style, and what’s your creative process like?
Ladymonix:
It varies. I usually start with drums, sometimes with a sample in mind, and riff from there. I’m sample-heavy because that’s what I grew up loving: Deee-Lite, Lady Miss Kier, early ’90s house that use a mish-mosh of vocal samples. I want my tracks to feel funky, a little moody, a little cunty, and always made with dancers in mind.
Sainte Francis:
And your sound has evolved?
Ladymonix:
Absolutely. It’s definitely grown as my confidence has grown. I certainly have a flow and am much more comfortable in my process from when I first began. It’s easy to get sick of your own work after listening to it over and over in the process - but when it goes out into the world and people love it, that’s all I could ask for. And from there you just keep creating.
Sainte Francis:
I feel that, even as just a novice producer! I also read you also have an interesting origin story for your DJ name.
Ladymonix:
But of course, “Ladymonix” comes from an AOL username I had in middle school, inspired by Deee-Lite. That name evolved into many email address names from that point. So when I started DJing and got my first gig, I needed a name for the flyer. A friend suggested using Ladymonix as my DJ name. I thought I was going to change it but never did.
Sainte Francis:
It’s a great name.
Ladymonix:
It works. I embrace it now.
Sainte Francis:
We’re very excited to have you at the Season 7 opener of UltraMaroon. What does it mean to be part of a queer-centered party series, and are you excited to play at this new space, Eden?
Ladymonix:
I’m so honored. I’ve always been in a queer world—the music, the culture. Playing parties like this means a lot. To be part of UltraMaroon, it’s about feeling the energy of the room, seeing people express themselves freely, and knowing that the music supports that space. These are the dance floors I love to be apart of, and in service to.
Sainte Francis:
And for Eden, the new space?
Ladymonix:
Can’t wait. I haven’t seen it yet, but it sounds amazing. The idea of opening Season 7 there is exciting. It’s brand-new, fresh, and the energy will be electric. I’ll definitely feel out the vibe moment to moment, always a little moody, always thinking about the dancers and the room.
Sainte Francis:
Any creative milestones or plans for 2026?
Ladymonix:
Just releasing more records and staying grateful that people want to hear them. Also continuing my monthly Motor City Wine party ‘Maybe Tonight’ and the quarterly “Judy” party with Rimarkable at Spotlite in Detroit. The first one will be in February.
Sainte Francis:
Finally, a self-serving question for me (and any other producers who may be reading), any advice for novice producers?
Ladymonix:
My advice would be to just do it and tell yourself to shut up if you're doubting anything. It's a constant practice in editing your own thoughts. Just get into it. Overthinking is the enemy.
Sainte Francis:
That’s perfect advice. And it’s great to see the impact of your approach reflected in so many UltraMaroon sets—your tracks always hit.
Ladymonix:
Thank you. It’s always about the music and the dancers!
Sainte Francis:
Can’t wait to see you at Eden for Season 7!
Catch Ladymonix at the UltraMaroon Season 7 Opener on Friday, January 9 at Eden NYC.
