13 July,2011 07:28 AM IST | | Bharavi Jhaveri
London's popular female DJ Hayley Parsons will be playing in the country for the first time this Thursday. Here's what's in store for electronic music enthusiasts
Based in London, DJ, singer, songwriter and producer Hayley Parsons has been a House music DJ since 2008. The 25-year-old was a model and winner of the FHM High Street Honey competition in 2005 before she started DJing. Parsons has held residencies in some of the biggest clubs in the UK, including the most recent for Gatecrasher. Four of her tracks have played numerous times on BBC Radio 1. Her track 'Next Stop AU' hit the number six spot in the top 100 on the Beatport Progressive chart. She will be playing tomorrow atu00a0 Chinau00a0 House at an event organised by Submerge electronic music company. Excerpts from an interview.
Can you take us through your journey in the world of music from when you started DJing in 2008?
I first got into dance music when I was about 17. I would follow many DJs, mainly Trance DJs, up and down the country on gigs, loving every minute of it. Then I decided that I wanted to get behind the decks and borrowed my mate's 1210s (turntables) but he only had Hard House. So I got myself some CDs and locked myself away for about five months to master the art of DJing. I started with House and Electro, which I think is the reason why I now play a mixture of genres.
How would you describe your music style?
I normally start my set slightly more Tribal and upbeat to get everyone on the dance floor, and then I tend to take it more Progressive and harder.
Who are your influences?
I enjoy listening to DJs such as D-unity, Funk Agenda, Manuel De La Mare, Spektra, Christian Cambas, Paul Thomas, Weekend Heroes, Wally Lopez and Arno Cost.
How does it feel to travel so extensively and play for such a diverse crowd ufffd BCM Planet Dance Festival in Spain and Chamonix in France in the ski season, Sin Lounge in Shanghai, Nikki Beach Club in Miami, Club Pacha in Moscow and New Years' Eve at Gatecrasher?
Travelling to play is the best thing about my job. I get to play music I love and meet some really great people along the way. My favourite place to play has been Seoul (Korea), everything about my time there was unreal. The people, the club, the music, the hospitality...
Is there any club or festival you wish to play at someday?
I would love to be part of Creamfields and the Global Gathering festivals. I have been to both and they are of epic proportions.
Who would you like to work with next and why?
I would love to work with DJ Christian Cambas, one of Greece's most popular DJs, or Weekend Heroes for collaboration. My latest track has just been signed to Weekend Music so hopefully this might happen in the near future.
Tell us about your singing career.
I started singing at school and then went to continue singing in college. I left off for a few years. I started messing about once again when I got into DJing and producing. I sang on a track, which later became popular as Changing Lanes, which was aired by DJ Judge Jules on BBC Radio One in 2009. Since then, I have sung for artists such as Future Disciple, Existone, Vicky Devine and Alex Kidd.
What was it like to play with Judge Jules at the Miss Moneypenny's event, Chuff Chuff and with Funk Agenda at KOKO in Camden, London?
It was unbelievable, to be honest. I was so shocked to be playing next to them as I had not even been DJing that long when I played with them.
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What are the different projects/tracks you are working on?
I am currently finishing off two tracks, which are due for release in August 2011 and I am planning to get my album together.
What kind of a set have you planned for the India tour?
A mixture of all things House, Progressive and Driving Techno, but really uplifting and upbeat.
On Tomorrow, 9.30 pm
At China House, Hotel Grand Hyatt, Santacruz (E).
Call 66761234
Entry Rs 2,000 per couple
