Peggy Gou, the Superstar DJ, defies the dance bubble in BBC's Sound of 2024

Peggy Gou, a prominent DJ in the house music scene, experienced a mainstream breakthrough last summer with her hit song "It Goes Like (Nanana)." The success of the track led to numerous opportunities including appearing on the cover of Vogue magazine, being named the best house DJ in the world, and collaborating with Lenny Kravitz. Gou has now been voted into third place on BBC Radio 1's Sound Of 2024, a list that predicts the biggest crossover stars of the next year. Gou's inclusion on the list is surprising because it typically champions newcomers, but it reflects her potential to break out of the dance music scene. She credits her success to the fact that people started recognizing her music rather than just knowing about her. Gou aims to create music that provides good energy and leaves a lasting impression on listeners. Born in South Korea, Gou developed a love for K-pop before moving to London at a young age to study English. She immersed herself in the city's nightlife scene and discovered a passion for deep house music. Gou began DJing and gained a reputation for making people dance. In 2016, she became the first Korean woman to play at Berghain, a prestigious nightclub in Berlin. Gou released several EPs before finding her signature sound with songs like "It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)." She sings in Korean, drawing inspiration from the poetic nature of the language. The track became a huge hit, leading to international gigs and recognition, including a memorable performance at Glastonbury. Despite her success, the demanding lifestyle of a DJ took a toll on Gou. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed her to take a break and explore music from the 80s and 90s, which inspired her to create new songs. Gou is a perfectionist and will only release music when she is completely satisfied. She plans to release her debut album this year, featuring collaborations with artists like Lenny Kravitz. Gou hints that she may soon move beyond DJ sets and explore more traditional concert performances as well.