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Music

Is Jack Novak the Answer to EDM's Dearth of Female DJs?

The Calvin Harris and Pharrell-approved DJ and producer is ready for big things.

Jack Novak (real name: Jacqueline) is off to a promising start. The Chicago-born DJ and producer's credits include opening spots for Calvin Harris, a stint as Pharrell's touring DJ, and a contract with the esteemed agency Last Gang Management. The coming months will see her take her talents back to New York City in June, for a set alongside Jay Hardway at Webster Hall.

Novak started her sprint towards stardom after abandoning the gritty, unforgiving streets of New York City—and make a pilgrimage to Los Angeles. After briefly dabbling in LA's industries of choice (modeling and acting, duh) Novak decided to turn her attention to dance music.

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"I first started producing about four years ago, but I've been playing piano, guitar, and the flute since I was a kid. I wanted to fast track my learning, so I hired a tutor to learn the basics and worked literally day and night," Novak tells THUMP. She's not too proud to admit that "YouTube tutorials helped a lot."

After working for over two years to build up her skills in a studio she built in her home, Novak finally got signed to industry mega-agent Joel Zimmerman. Earlier this month, Novak released her debut single, "Driving Blind," a collaboration with vocalist Bright Lights."I had been wanting to work with Bright Lights every since I first heard her voice on Zedd's 'Stars Come Out,'" Novak says. "We were working on another track for her upcoming album and I showed her the chord progression for 'Driving Blind.' She asked me to send it to me and the next day she sent me the vocals for the song."

Watch "Zeds Dead Meet Up for Coffee with Zedd in New Orleans"

In addition to her new tune, Novak is flexing her skills through the kickoff of her Power & Light mix series, the first edition of which is streaming exclusively below.

Novak is also sharing a video of how she produced her debut single. The video is a full-circle showcase of sorts, giving Novak the chance to sit in the teacher's chair, imparting her skills to the next generation. "It felt right to start to share a little bit about what I do in the studio. I also love the idea of seeing more and more girls in the studio, so I hope that video reaches lots of awesome, aspiring female producers around the world," Novak says.

Read "Venus X and Industry Women Speak Out Against Sexism in Dance Music"

Novak's guest mix run towards the pop and EDM ends of the spectrum, spanning future-bass and big-room cuts from the likes of Jack Ü, ODESZA, and Sweater Beats. "I have mixes coming out that are a more straightforward, but with Power & Light 1, I just wanted to have fun. I find inspiration in every type of music, and this mix touches on that," she says.

POWER & LIGHT 1 TRACKLIST
Wiwek, Mightyfools, Jay Colin - Move feat. Jay Colin vs Wiwek - Bollydome
Tony Junior & Baggi Begovic - Plur Warriors
ODESZA - All We Need feat. Shy Girls (Dzeko & Torres Remix)
Tommy Trash, Burns - About U
Suspect 44 ft. Soar - I Feel It
Halsey - Hurricane (Arty Remix)
Jack Novak - Driving Blind feat. Bright Lights
Wretch 32 - 6 Words (Nora En Pure Remix)
Sam Feldt - Show Me Love
Tegan & Sara, Sultan + Shepard - Make Things Right feat. Tegan & Sara (Extended Mix)
Sander Van Doorn, R3hab - Phoenix
Katy Tiz - Whistle (While You Work It) (Wiwek Remix)
Bot - Monky Man (Original Mix) vs Parachute Youth - Awake Now (What So Not Remix)
Tony Montana - Bala
Mr. Collipark & Meaux Green - No Discrimination (feat. Cupid)
Skrillex & Diplo - Where Are Ü Now (feat. Justin Bieber)
Diplo & Alvaro - 6th Gear (GTA Remix) [feat. Kstylis]
Dotcom - Harder
Annabel Jones - Magnetic (Barrett Marshall & Larry BRRD Remix) [ft. Rome Fortune]
Sweater Beats - Young in Love
Strife II - Morning Chorus
Blu Mar Ten - Starting Over
Rameses B - We Love
Rootkit - Isolate (feat. Joe Erickson)

Jack Novak is on Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter