Where It All Began
Emma 2000 is a UK-based DJ and producer whose relationship with music began long before she ever stepped into a club. Raised near Liverpool, she grew up playing piano and violin, developing an early connection to melody and musical structure. While she loved music, classical instruments eventually began to feel limiting, pushing her toward something more expressive and modern.
“I started off having lessons in piano and violin from a young age. Even though I’ve always loved music, I remember feeling limited by what I could do on these instruments and wanting something more creative and modern.”
At thirteen, Emma took her first production lesson at Wirral Music Tuition. Sitting in front of a DAW for the first time changed everything.
“When I had my first production lesson at 13 at Wirral Music Tuition I instantly fell in love with the software and how limitless it felt.”
Early exposure to dance music came through the charts, where energy and emotion left a lasting impression.
“One of my earliest memories from this time was trying to recreate my favourite Calvin Harris track at home; the charts were really where I first came across dance music and I just loved the energy it brought.”
Built on Melody and Movement
Emma carried that passion into higher education, earning a First Class degree in Music Production. Her classical background and formal training continue to shape her sound, particularly in her use of chords and melody.
“Learning piano and music theory early on definitely helped with my production. I love using chords and this shapes a lot of the music that I create.”
Piano remains a key tool in her creative process, often serving as the foundation for new ideas in the studio.
“I often use the piano in the studio to build fresh ideas and to write melodies.”
Her sound has evolved over time, becoming tougher and more groove focused, while still holding onto its emotional core.
“My production has evolved recently and is now more influenced by Garage than before. My sound is definitely heavier and less ‘rolling’.”
From Leeds to Larger Rooms
Leeds became a defining chapter in Emma’s journey. While originally from the Wirral, the city’s underground scene quickly became home. It offered space to grow, experiment, and build confidence behind the decks through real club experience.
“Despite being from the Wirral, the Leeds scene feels like my home and has played a huge part in shaping who I am as an artist.”
Early moments DJing open deck nights and later performances at venues like MiNT Warehouse helped sharpen her understanding of crowd energy and musical flow. One milestone stands out clearly.
“The most unforgettable moment has to be Leeds Festival in 2023. Playing a big set on the LS23 stage in front of such a huge crowd, with my whole family there supporting me, was an absolutely insane experience.”
Turning Points in the Studio
While DJing sharpened Emma’s instincts, it was production that unlocked wider recognition. Her remix of Hot Since 82’s Buggin’ became a defining moment, not only because of the release itself, but because of what it represented in her development as an artist.
When Hot Since 82 announced the remix competition, Emma immediately felt compelled to enter. At the time, she was still finding her footing as a producer, experimenting with sound design and searching for her own voice in the studio.
“As soon as Hot Since 82 posted about the competition, I knew I had to enter — I’ve always loved his music.”
Her submission stood out among more than a thousand entries, eventually earning an official release. For Emma, the moment went far beyond external validation. It reshaped how she saw her own potential and solidified her belief that production could become more than a side pursuit.
“This track means a lot to me, as it was the first time an artist I admired gave me real recognition, showing me that I could genuinely pursue a career as a professional producer.”
The remix also marked a turning point in her technical approach. For the first time, Emma incorporated her hardware synths into a finished release, pushing herself beyond in the box production and opening new creative possibilities that continue to influence her sound today.
Owning the Process
In 2024, Emma explored greater creative independence through her Bandcamp edits, using the platform as a space to release music more freely and without rigid timelines. It allowed her to experiment, share ideas organically, and connect more directly with listeners outside of traditional release cycles.
“I really enjoy releasing on Bandcamp, where I have more control over my music. I can add or remove tracks whenever I want, and it feels more personal.”
Alongside this, label releases continue to play an important role in Emma’s journey. Working with labels has been central to her growth, offering structure, exposure, and a wider sense of community that supports her development as an artist.
“Working with labels is a great experience, offering benefits like promotion, DJ events, and networking.”
Together, these approaches reflect how Emma approaches her career today, using different release paths for different ideas, while continuing to build with intention across all of them.
Staying Grounded While Moving Forward
Despite growing momentum and international bookings, Emma remains rooted in why she started making music in the first place.
“I make music because I genuinely love it, and anything else that comes from it is a bonus.”
With her Malta debut at ABODE on the Rock in 2026 and plans for future releases already in motion, Emma 2000 continues to build with patience and intention. Looking further ahead, she’s already thinking about the bigger picture and what she wants to create beyond her own releases.
“Starting my own independent label. When the time feels right, I want to build a label into a strong brand and create a platform that not only showcases my music but also supports and inspires other artists.”
Her journey is defined by emotion, discipline, and a deep respect for both the dance floor and the craft behind it.