Up-and-coming DJ Peachy Keen, real name Christina Erb, grew up in the Phoenix festival scene and since her college years has been taking chances, proving why women belong on the main stage.
Getting her start after taking a chance on herself, Peachy Keen just played her first M3F Music Festival, a charity event that has helped define the Arizona music scene for years where she was able to give beats and give back at the same time.
EDM Maniac got the chance to sit down with Peachy Keen before her performance to discuss her story and how she is inspiring other women in the music industry.
EDM Maniac: What’s it like growing up in the AZ festival scene and playing your first M3F?
Peachy Keen: It feels super exciting. The first M3F I ever went to was in 2016. It’s awesome to see how much it has grown.
I grew up as a fan of electronic music and decided to DJ as a hobby. I entered a DJ contest for Gold Rush 2021 and ended up winning. And that has led to all of these bookings now.
So it has just had an escalated domino effect. It was my third ever performance in front of a crowd and here I am now.
EDM Maniac: What is your favorite song to play live and why?
Peachy Keen: So I know some artists will have specific songs that they always play in their sets, but I’m really big on always mixing it up. But, the first song that came to mind is “Latch” by Disclosure, the Cheyenne Giles Remix.
I played that in my Gold Rush competition set and it went off, and so I’ve played it in other sets since.
EDM Maniac: What is it like to perform for a festival that is 100% non-profit and for charity?
Peachy Keen: Honestly, it’s so great. The vibe is different, giving back to the community and a wide range of charities.
And it’s awesome, too, because everyone who buys a ticket is contributing because all that money goes to charity as well.
EDM Maniac: You’ve incorporated fashion into your DJing and live performances. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Peachy Keen: I do a lot of online shopping. I follow a lot of small businesses, local and from other countries.
I also try to support female-run businesses when I can. I try to get stuff not everybody has. I have a couple of pieces that are handmade and so special. I like being unique and wearing a lot of colors.
EDM Maniac: You often promote women’s empowerment and represent multiple aspects of femininity, can you expand on your vision as an artist?
Peachy Keen: I think everyone is aware that we need more female DJs.
This industry is super male-dominated, but there are a lot of great female artists like REZZ, Nostalgix, and Blossom, that have carved a path.
Blossom is one of my big inspirations. I love her music. I love her brand. I’m also part of a DJ collective called Horizon, which is an all-female DJ collective, and we all inspire and empower each other.
EDM Maniac: How do you balance going to shows every weekend worldwide and your overall physical and mental health?
Peachy Keen: You know what, it’s not easy. There’s always ups and downs. I like working out, getting some sunlight, and staying connected with my friends throughout the week.
And then I also do real estate full time and I’m a fitness instructor. Having different things really helps me because I don’t get burned out of making music because I have variety in my life.
I also love what I do. So I think just doing what you love and really chasing your dreams keeps me going.
EDM Maniac: Who is your dream collaboration to work with and why?
Peachy Keen: Oh, my God! Probably, Dr. Fresch. He’s been my number-one inspiration for a long time.
I love his energy on stage. I love the community that he’s built. I love his music and sound design.
I opened up for him when he was on tour here in Phoenix and it was one of the most fun shows I’ve ever been a part of.
EDM Maniac: What’s next for Peachy Keen?
Peachy Keen: I’m planning a spring tour. I have a couple of places that I’m traveling to so I’m trying to get booked.
In July, I’m starting Cosmic Academy, which is an artist development program, which I’m really excited about. It is going to elevate my production skills and teach me more about record labels and getting booked.
