Brand Ambassador Q&A with Slapfunk resident dj DOUDOU MD
We had the pleasure of catching up with Slapfunk resident DJ and Earasers’ ambassador, Milena Doudou- better known as Doudou MD- right before her highly anticipated appearance at this year's Amsterdam Dance Event. At the top of her game, Doudou has become an extremely sought after artist in the underground electronic scene, renowned for her immersive sets and keen ear for sound design. In our conversation, Doudou MD reflects on her musical journal, discussing the importance of hearing protection and expanding on how she crafts the perfect auditory experience for her audience.
*photography by Indy Adarkwah
Q&A
"Can you share a moment when music significantly impacted your life, and how that experience shapes your performances today?"
A moment that truly shaped my life musically was an experience with my father, who is a professional percussionist and drummer. As both my parents are musicians, music has always been present in our home from a young age. When I was in first grade, my father visited my school, accompanied by a friend who was also a musician. They set up outside on the playground and began playing, drawing in students and teachers. It was a beautiful experience to witness as a child because I saw the power of music. It was mesmerizing to watch everyone dancing, smiling, and coming together. I will never forget the joy that my father’s music brought to others, with the memory certainly providing inspiration for my musical journey.
"What role does hearing protection play in your career, and how do you think it affects your long-term relationship with music?"
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with hearing protection. On one hand, you want to protect your ears, but on the other, you want to be fully immersed in the music. At this point in my career, I don’t have hearing issues yet, but I see many of my peers—people who’ve been in the industry for 20 or 30 years— constantly wearing hearing protection. Unfortunately, some of them already have hearing damage, which makes me realize that I have a choice to be proactive. It’s easy to overlook the problem of hearing loss, but I understand that if I want a long-term career and still want to hear when I get older, I have to take preventive measures now. That's why having comfortable, effective hearing protection is so important. My collaboration with Earasers reflects that- thanks to their perfect fit and excellent noise reduction, they’ve become my go-to choice for every performance.
"How do you prepare for a set to ensure that both you and your audience have the best auditory experience?"
When preparing for a set, I always take a moment to go into the crowd and get a feel for the room. I like to listen to how the sound comes together in different areas—how it sounds in one spot versus another. It gives me valuable information about the acoustics, which I use to adjust my set accordingly. That way, if the highs are sharp, I’ll avoid playing tracks with piercing hi-hats, or if the bass feels warm and inviting, I’ll lean into tracks with rich basslines. I’m also mindful of volume, as I personally prefer not to play too loud, so I try to strike a balance. While I’m playing, I pay close attention to the crowd’s reactions. Sometimes, when transitioning from one track to another, the next track might be louder, depending on how it was produced. If I notice someone in the crowd covering their ears or adjusting their earplugs, it’s a sign for me to lower the volume or reassess the sound. I never just rely on the sound in the DJ booth, since it’s often different from the sound on the floor. That’s why it’s so important for me to understand the room’s acoustics before I start playing.
As Doudou MD continues to push musical boundaries, it is clear that her passion for music and her attention to detail are what sets her apart from other artists. Her unique approach- blending personal connection, acoustic awareness, and her long term care for her hearing- ensures that she is always in tune with both the music and her audience. With a packed schedule and exciting projects in the near future, Doudou shows no signs of slowing down. Here at Earasers, we can't wait to see what’s next for this talented artist.
As a special thank you for being a loyal reader, we’re excited to offer an exclusive discount just for our fans and followers. Use the code #DOU10OFF at checkout for 10%-off your purchase! This offer is valid for a limited time, so don’t miss out. Thanks for being part of our community!
