Misstress Barbara

Misstress Barbara's intense, driving tracks propelled her into prominence during the closing years of the 1990s, the stage name itself a linguistic twist that captured her driven temperament. Born in Italy, she relocated to Canada at the age of eight. Early ambition led her to earn glider and Cessna pilot licenses through the Air Cadets. At twelve, music took hold as she joined bands on drums and absorbed classic rock, punk, and every aggressive style available.

In 1994 her focus shifted to techno; the drum kit was sold for two turntables and a mixer. She chose the alias "Missstress Barbara" to echo her habit of overextending herself and remaining in constant motion. After sharpening her technique, she secured a first booking in 1996 and maintained a steady stream of live dates thereafter. Although she has noted that sex appeal is not a priority, her skills, striking appearance, and singular style advanced her DJ career, earning a place on the hard-hitting Swedish label Tronic Records. Founded by Christian Smith, the imprint earned respect for powerful, tribal-tinged techno from a roster that also featured Smith, Cari Lekebush, and Adam Beyer.

Once her performing schedule stabilized, she began producing but finished no tracks until completing school. Graduation freed her to devote full time to music. In addition to Tronic releases, she directs her own imprint, Relentless, and intends to launch a house label for projects issued under the name Barbara Brown, a handle friends gave her because of her clothing. Early in 2001 she delivered the album Relentless Beats on Moonshine. The label continued to thrive in tandem with her nonstop touring behind the decks.