Photography by Daniel Farò.
Between pulsating nights at the club and quiet hours on the playground: Maddi Bu is one of the most exciting DJs on the current scene, spinning at clubs worldwide and set to take the stage at the San Hejmo Festival in Berlin this August. Yet when she steps out of the spotlight, the artist is above all, a family person. Since the birth of her daughter, Ida, a year and a half ago, her life has fundamentally changed. In her sunlit apartment overlooking the Spree that she shares with her partner, artist Cevin Parker, and their greyhound, Frankie, she makes balancing career and family look easy. During a photoshoot with CYBEX, the couple invites SLEEK into their home, offering a rare glimpse into their family life. As Ida flips through her sound book with rapt attention and Frankie lies curled up on the sofa, Maddi opens up about the profound changes and challenges that motherhood held in store for her.
Photography by Daniel Farò.
SLEEK Hi, Maddi, is this your first photoshoot with Ida?
MADDI BU: Yes, but also no. We previously worked with CYBEX when she was a baby and it was easier, now she wants to decide a lot herself.
S You’re a DJ and a mum. How do you juggle these two roles?
MB When I accepted my first job eight weeks after Ida was born, I remember crying so much. I was still breastfeeding and completely in ‘mum mode’. I just wasn’t ready for it. These days, though, it works really well because Cevin is also an artist and therefore quite flexible with his time. We share all responsibilities – and my mum helps out wherever she can.
S Has Ida’s birth changed your relationship as a couple?
MB Absolutely! The first year was intense – it felt like we were starting from scratch as a couple. Suddenly, this tiny human had absolute priority. I breastfed for a year and felt so tethered to her that I could barely allow any other intimacy. It was a tough time, and we often clashed. But now, we’ve found our rhythm. Ida has grounded us in a way we didn’t expect – she’s given us a new focus and brought us even closer together.
S What’s the most important thing motherhood has taught you about yourself?
MB That so many things just don’t matter all that much. Material things used to occupy my mind a lot more, but now, family comes first. I never thought becoming a mum would be a top priority for me, but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to us. I’m trying to live more consciously in the moment and enjoy this time instead of constantly worrying about the future.
S How important are high-quality baby products for Ida to you?
MB: Super important! I believe in quality over quantity. That’s why CYBEX is just right for us. One of my favourite accessories in the beginning was the CYBEX Coÿa Carrier because it is so comfortable, has head protection and is still stylish and cool. Now that Ida is older, we use the Coÿa buggy a lot. I love that it folds up easily and is super lightweight. A good highchair is also very important, especially for us. Before we became parents, we furnished our home with modern designer pieces and of course Cevin’s artwork. The CYBEX Lemo Platinum high-chair looks so beautiful and fits perfectly into our home. And Ida finds it so comfortable too!
S What advice would you give to expecting mums?
MB Don’t let others tell you what to do. I’ve found that my intuition was often right. Every child is different – what works for one might not work for another. That’s why it’s so important to trust your gut feeling.
CREDITS
Photography Daniel Farò
Styling LEA ISABELL UHLE
Creative Direction ANTONIA DIPNER, CLAUDE GERBER
Talents MADDI BU, IDA & CEVIN PARKER
Creative Production LINA KISRA, SOPHIE GÜNTHER
Hair And Makeup Artist KATJA MAASSEN
Photography Assistant FREDERICK HERRMANN
Featured in SLEEK 84 – CHANGE. Available in print and digital here.
Photography by Daniel Farò.