Finding a needle in a haystack would seem like an easier task than attempting to label Kristin Schrot. A restless spirit, Kristin has accomplished much, more than most of us can say for ourselves, before the age of 30. She has managed to start her own label, release several chart-topping albums under her DJ alias, Miss Nine, and play alongside masters such as John Digweed, Dave Seaman, and Nick Warren. Not to mention, she has worked on numerous campaigns modeling for iconic brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel, Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana. Read on as Chasseur catches up with Kristin and learns more about her amazing global presence.
What’s the story behind ‘Miss Nine’? How it all started?
I started spinning in 2003 because of my boyfriend. He was deejaying for a few years and he had some equipment in his bedroom. So I started practicing and after a few weeks I was sold. We made a plan together and came up with the name Miss Nine. In time I was offered a residency at Motion, which was a club night running in Amsterdam. There were a lot of special guests, big stars who I could play alongside. So because of these Motion parties I was able to widen my horizon and gain some recognition and begin to play abroad. Deep Dish had seen me in club Panama and they were very enthusiastic to take me on their world tours, which was an honor to do so. It was the best start I could imagine.
Having seen how both the fashion and the music industries work, which one you find more intimidating and why?
I wouldn’t say either was more intimidating. I have some good experiences in both of the jobs. Of course in both worlds there is a lot of jealousy among the models / artists, and everyone wants to climb up on the same ladder. But I think most of the times things run quit smooth.
What would you say to those who believe that models can easily ‘succeed’ in everything, regardless of their skills, just because of their looks?
I would say that is not true. It can be true sometimes that some doors open more easily, but in the end, I mean long term, you have to be good at what you do. Otherwise you do not deserve a place in whatever you do.
What has been driving your ambition, throughout all these years?
I just want to achieve as much as possible. So the only way to do that is to work as hard as possible. I can say it does work when you do that.
You managed to fight your way to the top, in a quite male-dominated industry. What were the challenges you had to face? Any particular event?
Yes when I started there were not so many women deejaying, so you had to compete with the guys. But I never really had problems with that. In the end it’s just the same job for both men and women.
Was the fight worth it? If yes, in what ways?
It didn’t really feel like a fight between me and the guys, it was just that I wanted to be a good dj getting respect in the EDM.
How often do you find yourself, wishing you could just lay off the ‘Miss Nine’ persona and just be Kristin for a while?
Well, as soon as I leave the club I am Kristin again. For me it is kind of a natural thing to be myself everywhere I go, and when I am on stage I am Miss Nine. But I have to say Miss Nine is pretty close to Kristin.
You have been part of many great campaigns for word-famous labels such as Levis and Tommy Hilfiger while you have played for millions of people in some of the biggest venues. Someone could say you’ve done it all. What’s left on your list?
There still is a lot on my list I want to do and achieve. I want to work with loads of other artists and deejays. Playing some major festivals and keep on touring around the world. I just love to do this.
What’s next for Miss Nine?
Well I’ve just finished playing at Ultra Music Festival in Miami. I’ve been lucky to play there event several times over the past few years but I have to say this years was by far the best one yet! Amazing line ups and such a great energy to the festival this year. I am now about to launch the third installment of my compilation series ‘Around The World’ which is due out on the 9th April. It is the culmination of many months of work mainly spent sourcing the right tracks to fit with the concept of the series – this year it’s ‘Colours’. This is something which I am really proud of and hope people will like it. Coming up I have a world tour planned to promote the album and will be playing at some amazing places over the summer, I am particularly excited about playing in Amsterdam at the end of April because it will give me a chance to party with my friends and family; something I don’t often get the chance to do. As for my modeling, there are a number of projects on the table but nothing has been confirmed yet because I’ve been on the road recently and not had a chance to sit down with my management to discuss them in full.