Tigerbalm: Global Grooves, Cosmic Dancefloors & the Art of Sonic Travel

Tigerbalm doesn’t just make dance music; she builds entire worlds with it. Her tracks and DJ sets are kaleidoscopic journeys and blending Afro-Latin rhythms, Italo sparkle, cosmic disco, tropical funk and rare global gems that most DJs only dream of digging up. Whether she’s remixing legends like Nickodemus, lighting up parties in Sao Paolo or diving into the Cumbia scene on tour in Mexico, Tigerbalm moves with purpose and soul.

With a packed summer ahead, a new album, Bubblegum Discos, on the way via Ubiquity Records, and a fresh single due in September, we caught up with the London-based artist to talk vinyl raids, Hackney warehouses, making sober clubbing sexy, and the secret sauce behind her genre-blending productions.

Strap in. This one travels.

Q: Tigerbalm, how did you first get into producing and DJing – where did your journey start? 

I started Djing at university in my early 20s. I got myself some CDJS and a Pioneer mixer. I started to learn to DJ with USBs, and then later on, I progressed to selecting vinyl. My production didn’t start until I was about 24ish. I was dabbling with cosmic Nu Disco sounds initially and got really into Italo Disco and Nu Wave.

Q: Your sound has been described as “a vibrant tapestry of global influences.” Tell us about your early musical journey and what initially drew you into the world of dance music?

My family is very musical, so it’s in my roots. My grandmother was a German Opera singer, always playing vinyl at home and singing. My parents love dancing. They salsa and had a big record collection of funk, reggae, disco, Latin, and some rock. I actually kidnapped much of this when I first started to play vinyl to plump out my own collection; they had some great wax!  

I think what drew me is that I’ve always loved dancing. So, clubbing was a happy place for me. I studied psychology and neuroscience but spent most of my university on dancefloors across East and West London. I loved the warehouse scene in Hackney Wick and was a regular at Colors.

Q: How did you first come across all of these global sounds and flavours? 

I’d say my parents probably subconsciously influenced me but I’m just drawn to these grooves and rhythms with lots of percussion. Growing up in south London; they listened to a lot of pirate radio. I just love to be uplifted and find myself drawn to multi-cultural music; especially Afro-Latin. But I love all styles; from Indian dance to French boogie!

Q: Of all the genres that inspire you, are there any in particular that are most you? 

I really love Burger Highlife & Bubblegum sounds when it comes to my vinyl sets…anything with eccentric synth’s & 80’s bass lines.

Q: You’ve been described as someone who makes music that is “thoughtful and holistic, adding layers of meaning and depth”. What was it about house music, in particular, that truly captured you and became a significant part of your artistic expression?

Making dance music is really uplifting for me. Witnessing the energy in a room at the peak of the night when you play one of your songs feels really special, For example, my Nina track & Mama Tchipp Remix are very four to the floor. I never really describe myself music as a house music producer though. I’m making a lot of different styles of music..like Vem Ca featuring Joao Selva. This is samba disco…I just tell people I make dance music because you can dance to it, haha!

Q: Coming back to DJing, your sets are known for their global feel. How have your travels and experiences around the world influenced Tigerbalm’s unique sound?

When I travel, I discover new music in new contexts, which is always inspiring. My recent Mexico tour was amazing, including a trip to Guadalajara, where I really got into a genre called Cumbia. I met some great artists there who would be incredible to work with soon; these trips always inspire new music!

Q: We’ve got to ask…where are the best dancefloors in the world? And what makes them so? 

The best dance floors I’ve played for were in Brazil, at a Garage Disco carnival party in Sao Paolo, Mareh Boat Party in Rio & Discofobia party in Lima, where you’re in the middle of a 360 warehouse space.

Q: You’ve had some significant releases in the UK and beyond. Which would you say are your key releases and which labels have you been working with?

I’ve worked with UK labels Leng Records, 2020 Vision, and The Disco Express. Ello Koko was my debut single for Tigerbalm on Leng; the JKRIV and Flamingo Pier Remixes were ace, too.

In California, I’m signed to Ubiquity Records, which released my debut LP ’International Love Affair.’ My single, Kete, was really popular and I shot a fun music video in Berlin with Joy Tyson. The Mang Dynasty Remix of Kete has been popular, as well as my Tokyo Business track (both featuring Joy Tyson)

In NYC, I’ve been working with my Razor N Tape family! My Nina EP & Palante Remix of Mexican singer Pahua did well. Primarily, the Nina single is with Elado & Voilaaa Remixes. I have an exciting EP out with Razor in 2026 featuring Pat Kalla, which i can’t wait to DJ & share!

This year, I released two remixes: one for Wonderwheel Recordings (Nickodemus—Mama Tchipp) and one of Be.lanuit’s new Toma Chocolate track on Music For Dreams. This remix was a collaboration between me and my buddy, Ben Gomori.

Q: What was your most successful release, or what is the favourite track you’ve ever made?

I think the most successful track was Nina on Razor N Tape in terms of DJ plays globally, but Kete (Mang Dynasty) has the highest streams.

At the moment, I’m really proud and love playing my Mama Tchipp Remix because it’s fresh and uplifting! 

My new album is what I’m most proud of, though….

Q: Which specific artists and DJs have given you the most inspiration? 

I am inspired by many artists. In the early days, it was Metro Area, 40 Thieves, Faze Action, and Afro Disco pioneers Manu Dibango and Jasper Van Hof. I got huge inspiration for my album and new work after attending the Guts festival Pura Vida; it was pure tropical vibes and all the sounds I love!

Q: What’s on the horizon for you regarding new music? Are there any exciting new releases we should be looking out for?

My second album is about to come out with Ubiquity Records; the single is called Nayar. It’s a collaboration between myself & Italian producer Giorgio Lopez. It will be out later this year, around September. I’m singing on two of the album tracks & hope to develop a Live DJ Set! 

The new album’s sound is really tropical, it’s a mix of Afro & Brazilian Disco…2 years in the making and I’m really proud of it!

Two more Tigerbalm remixes will be released this year. One is an Afro House remix of Nu Guinu band Kora Koumakan on vinyl with Jambulance Records, another digital remix for Joao Selva’s Onda track on Underdog Records, and a new EP + remixes with Yuksek’s label, Partyfine, featuring Jimena Angel.

https://www.instagram.com/jambulancerecords

Q: Looking to this summer, where can readers catch Tigerbalm live? 

I’ve just posted my new tour flyer. I’ll be across London, France & Ibiza. Key parties will be Lovebirds Bank Holiday Weekend at Color Factory / Metropolis, Pikes Sept 7th & Campo Sancho, July 25th-27th.

I also started Ecstatic Dance Culture last year, a new conscious dance space at the baths in Hackney Wick, which I love. It’s freeform dance, and I get to work with all music and movement styles, so that’s been a fascinating project I’m running with Kata Armitage.

https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdanceculture.ldn/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Q: Any fascinating DJ sets or festivals planned?

I can’t wait to return to the Campo Sancho festival. It was such a blast last year; so many of my friends are playing, and it’s the perfect size festival with an intimate setup… I’ll be playing a club set this year, so get stretching, haha!

Other UK festivals I’m excited to play for the first time are We Are Love in Brighton & Tropical Pressure in Cornwall.

Q. How do you stay healthy in a demanding job that involves late nights and travel?

Self-care is essential to me. I am mainly sober these days with a rider of ginger shots, kombucha and zero alcohol beers. I travel with my Shakti Matt; it’s the perfect pre- and post-DJ set, calmer. Kundalini breathe work is a good friend of mine too, and I find regular saunas supportive to the body (I’m a regular at the community baths in Hackney Wick)

Q: What would your advice be to budding producers or DJs 

I think it’s essential to think about where and when you want to DJ. Make music for those moments and visualise yourself in that space dancing while you make the tune; visualisation is a big part of my creative process.

Try entering the studio with some tracks you love and spending time understanding and analysing them. Understand what is pulling you into the tune and seek inspiration from there…

Catch Tigerbalm back at Campo Sancho this summer, July 25–27, spinning a special club set among the trees.