Insight Production/Universe

If the world of popular music is male-dominated, then club culture with its alarming lack of female DJs is even worse. Tokyo house party Protocol is aiming to do something about this dire situation, by inviting leading British DJ Madame Friction to headline a night coinciding with Hina Matsuri, the Doll Festival for girls.

In 1996 Madame Friction was a responsible business manager for Peugot, spinning tunes in her spare time, when her skill on the decks happened to catch the ears of the Prodigy. She describes the occasion on her website: "It was their manager' birthday party and the Prodigy were there. They noticed me and asked me to play at some of their London gigs so I played at the Brixton Academy to a crowd of 7000."

Madame Friction was soon signed to Unlimited DJs and quit her day job to devote herself full-time to music. In addition to touring the world to locations as far flung as South Africa, Croatia and Alaska, she hosts a monthly residency at Fahrenhite/Fevah in London.

Signed to Media Records in 1996, she released her first hard house tracks on Nukleuz Records under names such as Sister Suck and Women Wank Too. A classically trained pianist, she has also turned her musical skills towards production work, forming the Friction Burns label with partner Robert Burns.

Notorious for her all-rubber attire, Madame Friction will be touring the world this spring as part of the Friction Burns Girly Tour, featuring female DJs only. Commenting on working in a male-dominated industry, she says, "I personally find it easier. It's easier to get noticed as there are so many men."

The Protocol lineup will feature resident DJs Taka, James and KJ, as well as special guest, Japanese female turntablist DJ Hana.

Protocol: Fura, 3/3, 10pm (check), women JY2500, JY2000 (w/flyer); men JY4000, JY3500 (w/flyer), w/1d. Info: 03-3770-9339.