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Author: Queen Josephine

DJ Profile: Josh Sharp

Posted on by Queen Josephine

A very happy 2019 one and all. And what better way to start the new year is there than by having a resolution that you’ll not break?

SO forget about the giving up of chocolate or only having the one sherry on a Friday – simply aim to listen to some more radio! And why not start by tuning in to hear the glorious Josh Sharp as he co-hosts the HIV Hour on Radio Reverb?

You’re now presenting the HIV Hour on Radio Reverb. How did this come about and how does it feel to be a star of the airwaves?

“Well, fairly recently I started a course called Work Positive organised by the Terrence Higgins Trust. As part of the course you’re offered a work placement and I chose the HIV Hour as the placement I’d like to do.

“It’s still early days, but I’m loving co-hosting the show. I’m also learning to produce the show and getting to play some jingles I’ve been working on. I think being a DJ has helped with that. I would eventually love to do my own solo show.

“If you’d like to check out the HIV Hour show tune into Radio Reverb 97.2fm at 7pm every second Thursday of the month with a repeat the following Tuesday at 12pm. Or have a look at the Reverb website – radioreverb.com – for further details!”

Where else are you playing? 

“I’m not playing any residencies at the moment but I’m DJing for private parties which is great. The crowd is ALWAYS up for a party.

Any other exciting projects lined up for 2019? 

“I’ve been producing my own music for quite a while but have never really pushed myself. I find networking and marketing myself quite difficult! It’s a shame, because they’re both important aspects in getting your music out there and played. Luckily, the Work Positive programme is really helping with this. Who knows, 2019 could really be my year! To that aim I’ve put a couple of my own tracks into my current Top 5 below! Please check them out on SoundCloud/JoshSharp.”

What music rocks your world these days? 

“I’ve an eclectic taste in music and like the deeper and funkier side of house, but also I’m loving Justin Timberlake’s first album Justified at the moment.”

Favourite tune of all time? 

“Oh my goodness, I’ve got far too many fave tracks! But at this precise time, Take It From Here by the aforementioned Justin Timberlake is getting the most rewinds!”

Describe yourself in three words! 

“Resilient, Imperfect and Kind…”   

Josh Sharp’s current top five 

♦ Josh Sharp Get To Know Ya (promo) unreleased
♦ Modento Without You (Vertigini remix) Juiced Tracks
♦ Josh Sharp You Missed The Love (promo) unreleased
♦ David Leatherman/Hp Vince Right Here (House mix) WhoreHouse
♦ Sneaky Sound System Can’t Help The Way I Feel (D Penn remix) Cr2

DJ Profile: DJ Dazwell

Posted on by Queen Josephine

Want to get yourself wiggling through autumn? Queenie meets the man who’ll cater to your every dancefloor need – DJ Dazwell!

Hello – how are you? 
Hi, I’m absolutely fantastic thanks! 

Where can we hear you playing?
You will find me playing everything house, dance and EDM most weeks in Brighton. Fridays I’m at B&G in Burgess Hill and Saturdays at Savannah’s in Haywards Heath. Also on Mixcloud.com every week with a new mix of whatever takes my fancy.

What are you playing these days? 
I’m an ‘open format DJ’, so I’ll play whatever the crowd want. Chart, house, R&B, D&B, anthems and cheese, whatever’s needed to keep the party going. I’m a massive mash-up fan, so expect to hear things you wouldn’t anywhere else.

Any other projects going on? 
I’m always on the look out for moments of brilliance for my Mixcloud mixes and I’ve just done the opening set on the Arch Stage at this year’s Boundary Festival at Stanmer Park which was amazing!

Fave song ever? 
For me it has to be Gadjo So Many Times. It’s just the perfect summer feel good song.

Best ever gig and dream gig? 
My best gig to date was actually this year. I had an hour slot at the Sunday afternoon of the Brighton Pride Street Party. It was by far the biggest and best set of my life so far. Seeing thousands of people dancing along to tunes I’d selected, on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon with the iconic Brighton Pier in the background. Simply amazing! The atmosphere was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. Normally when you’re DJing, it’s in a dark booth, late at night and no one can really see you or what you’re doing. But being centre stage on such a glorious day was a whole new experience I’ll never forget.

Tune you wish you’d never played? 
So many to choose from… To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever regretted playing a particular song. I’ve had many dodgy requests from customers which are always a challenge to work into a set, but then that’s the fun in DJing. I guess I shouldn’t be dropping Baby Shark over club classics, but hey, the crowd love it.

Guilty pleasure? 
Technology and gadgets. I have to have the latest gizmo, even if I don’t need it.

Describe yourself in three words!
Chilled out guy!   

DJ Dazwell’s current top five 
♦ Ryan Blyth ft BB Diamond Raise A Glass (Original Mix) Sony
♦ Fisher v Oliver Heldons Losing Gecko Friends (Stickmen edit) DTD
♦ PBH & Jack Shizzle Ayla (Club Mix) 3Beat
♦ Weiss (UK) Feel My Needs (Purple Disco Machine mix) Toolroom
♦ One Direction v OMI What Makes A Beautiful Cheerleader (Dazwell Mashup) themashup.co.uP

DJ Profile: Jumeau

Posted on by Queen Josephine

Still tingling from her fabulous sets at Brighton Pride, Queenie catches up with the marvellous Jumeau…

Hello – how are you? I’m great, still riding the high from a fantastic Pride weekend with some really fun sets and already thinking about how to make it even bigger and better next year.

What does your name mean?! It’s French for twin and pronounced joo-moe. I’m a non-identical twin, and not French, but I love French house and electro, so I always try to incorporate or reference it in my sets.

Where can we hear you playing? At Gal Pals (galpals.club) alternating between Brighton and London almost every month, and on mixcloud (mixcloud.com/jumeaudj) for live sets and teaser mixes.

What are you playing these days? I oscillate between summery sets with a lot of Brockhampton, Chloe x Halle and Doja Cat, and heavier electronic sets with some TEPR and Brenmar thrown in the mix.

Any other projects going on? I recently started a radio show with my girlfriend called 1-800GALPALS on Platform B (platformb.org), we chat about queer pop culture and play our favourite songs by women and non-binary musicians on the 3rd Friday of every month. I also run pop-up video game events (healthbarbrighton.com), we curate our nights around different themes and create spaces for people who don’t traditionally consider themselves as ‘gamers’.

Fave song ever? Way too hard to choose! Fave at the moment is Americans by Janelle Monae. My mornings for the last month have begun by listening to Dirty Computer in its entirety – by the time I get to Americans, I’m feeling euphoric and ready to take on the day.

Best ever gig and dream gig? I’ve been supporting Mykki Blanco on his UK shows recently and every gig has been AMAZING. It’s really great warming up the crowd for such a high energy show. I love to play anywhere the audience has no requests and are just happy to come along for the ride.

Tune you wish you’d never played! Mind is blanking here, probably because I’ve erased the memory out of sheer embarrassment and tried to move on with my life after probably clearing the dancefloor(!).

Guilty pleasure?  I don’t believe in them! If I love a song, I’ll love it (and play it) loud. 

Describe yourself in three words! I asked the internet because I got way too introspective with this, they came up with: Nerdy, extroverted, cutie; Queer, here, needabeer; The biggest babe; Squirrel, Ipswich, kettle; You contain multitudes.   

Jumeau’s current top five 
♦ Disclosure feat Fatoumata Diawara Ultimatum Universal-Island
♦ Boston Bun feat DVNO Spread Love (Paddington) Atlantic UK
♦ First Choice The Player (Mousse T & Boris Dlugosch) Defected
♦ Janet Jackson Alright (Kaytranada Remix) Daytripper
♦ Sade Nothing Can Come Between Us (original) RCA

DJ Profile: Affy Wajid

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It’s August, it’s Pride, and this is the amazing Mr Affy Wajid.

Where can we hear you over Brighton Pride? This year’s been about organising something really big so I’m split between organising and DJ modes! You can catch me doing the latter at the Queer Takeover at the Pride Pleasure Gardens on Pride Saturday and the Love Disco tent at the LoveBN1Festival on the Pride Sunday. 

What tune will you definitely HAVE to play? Whitney Houston’s Love Will Save the Day (Jellybean Benitez Mix). 

What are you looking forward to most about Pride? With the support of Pride, Calabash is joining forces with Traumfrau and the Marlborough Pub to bring you the Queer Takeover – it’s going to be HUGE! We have a roster of amazing live artists and DJs performing over Pride weekend, culminating in us taking over the whole of the Old Steine Pride Pleasure Gardens on Saturday. Our music policy is very eclectic with a focus on music of Black and Asian origin. We have some really big names performing at the Marlborough and the Pleasure Gardens. The Queer Takeover aims to provide an inclusive space for people who don’t want to go to the park and want to celebrate Pride with other LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Details on the Pride website.  

Favourite past Pride moment? I’ve been working with Pride since 2003. As a person of colour, in the early days we have had to fight for our Pride festival place. In 2005, I remember after a stressful time organising, fighting for representation and funding we managed to agree a smallish space. I played Don’t Leave Me this Way by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes at the end of my set and looked out over the decks and saw a sea of people filling our modest tent spilling out of our enclosure and surrounding areas, all singing every single word at the top of their voices. It made it all worth it. 

Other DJ/music projects? I’m really busy with my regular club night, House of Go Bang at the Green Door Store, which is bi-monthly and attracts some big name DJ guests from the house and disco scene. I’m really chuffed to be involved with Bristol queer club outfit Bitch.Please, which will be starting in Brighton on August 17. I’ve recently paused my regular radio show with my husband on 1BTN.FM to focus on other stuff, including a community project with the station. I’m also planning to start vogue dance workshops in the autumn.

Guilty pleasure? Sylvester – everything that he has done particularly You Make Me Feel… Also I’m addicted to EastEnders!

Describe yourself in three words! Dancing. Disco. Diva.   

Affy Wajid’s current top five 
♦ Sophie Lloyd Calling Out (Mr K Edit) Classic
♦ Andromeda Orchestra Get Up & Dance (Nick The Record Mix) Faze Action
♦ Womack & Womack Missing Persons Bureau (Knuckles mix) Island
♦ Change Hit Or Miss Nova 017 Ltd
♦ Roisin Murphy Plaything (Maurice Fulton mix) Vinyl Factory

DJ Profile: Nick Hirst

Posted on by Queen Josephine

As the jubilant month of July continues to shine down on us, it’s most definitely time to get your boogie shoes down to Doctor Brighton’s when it re-opens next week.

Nick Hirst
Nick Hirst
THE pub is a wonder and the DJs sublime, including the lovely Nick Hirst whom Queenie caught up with to chat about his favourite tunes, fabulous times behind the decks, and why he’s grateful to be a DJ. With the future of one of our favourite watering holes now secure, it’s guaranteed that we’ll still be hearing a lot from the marvellous Mr Hirst…
How are you? I’m fine and dandy, thanks. 
Where can we hear you? You can see me at Doctor Brighton’s on the 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday of the month and you can find my mixes at www.mixcloud.com/nickhirst3/
What are you playing these days? Where to start? I’m passionate about lots of different styles of music. At the moment I play loads of classic house at my night House Rules (Doctor Brighton’s on 1st Friday of the month) and more modern house with big piano riffs and vocals (Doctor Brighton’s on 3rd Saturday of the month). Recently I played a trance set at Deerstock, a small festival in the Midlands, which went down a storm.
Fave song of all time? Without a doubt, Massive Attack’s Unfinished Sympathy. It gives me goosebumps every time.
Best ever gig and dream gig? I remember playing the Paul Van Dyke and Rachael McFarlane mash-up of For an Angel and Lover at Birmingham Pride one year. It was outside and there were so many happy people dancing and having the best time! Things really don’t get much better than that! As for my dream gig, I know it’s really cheesy to say, but every gig is a bit of a dream for me. I’m always grateful to have been given the opportunities I have because really I’m just a guy that loves to play tunes and have a dance.
Tune you wish you’d never played! Got nothing for this one, sorry!
Guilty pleasure? Madonna: Like A Prayer and Vogue!
Describe yourself in three words… Hot Daddy DJ (haha).   
 
Nick Hirst’s current top five:
♦    Au-Ra & Camelphat Panic Room (Camelphat club mix) RCA
♦   Phunk Investigation Your Love (vocal club mix) Cr2 Records
♦   Mark Knight The Return of Wolfy (original) Toolroom
♦   Ryan Blyth featuringt BB Diamond Raise a Glass (single mix) Columbia
♦   Etherwood Light My Way Home (album mix) Hospital Records

DJ Profile: Lizzie Curious

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You want international, multi-talented and gorgeous? Look no further than Doctor Brighton’s very own sweetheart of the decks, the amazing Lizzie Curious….who talks to Queen Josephine.

How are you? “Hi QJ, I’m great thanks – just woken up after an amazing DJ gig last night in LA!”

Where can we hear you DJ? “I run my Curiosity Club party at Doctor Brighton’s on the last Saturday of every month. I’m also resident with Brighton’s Trickstar Radio every Wednesday at 12-2pm, and I stream the live show on Facebook so you can see me in action (there’s LOTS of jumping around!). I’m very lucky to have just finished a mini-tour of the US where I sang my upcoming single with Scotty Boy live and also DJ’d. I performed in San Jose and LA and it was so much fun, with brilliant crowds!”

What are you playing these days? “House music to put a smile on your face and groove in your heart, with a sprinkling of delicious disco!”

Any other projects going on? “Alongside my singing, songwriting and music production I teach at the Point Blank Music School, London, which I love. I have lots of new music coming out, so please keep an ear out on Soundcloud for the previews: www.soundcloud.com/lizziecuriousmusic.”

Fave song of all time? “Groove Is In The Heart by Dee-Lite. I even have a prized copy on vinyl. Scotty Boy and I have just covered it for a single. I re-sang the vocals and we’ve been getting such great feedback… that means so much to me!”

Best ever gig? “I played on the terrace at Space in Ibiza the year before they closed. It is such a legendary venue, and the vibe on the terrace was absolutely electric. I’m so glad I got to perform there before they closed their doors!”

Dream gig? “Well I feel very fortunate to be DJing in places I had always dreamed about when I first started playing vinyl all those years ago. From amazing boat parties in the Caribbean, London, Brighton, Washington DC and also the Groove Cruise (a three-day floating festival on a Cruise Ship for 4,000 people), plus so many amazing clubs around the world – every year it seems more of my dreams come true, so I’ll just happily wait and see what the future holds for me next.”

Guilty pleasure? “I absolutely love my 80s music… but then doesn’t everybody really love the 80s!?”

Describe yourself in three words… “Curious, energetic, smiley.”  

Lizzie curious’ current top five: 
♦ Scotty Boy & Lizzie Curious – Groove Is In The Heart – Kaisen
♦ Fatboy Slim – Right Here Right Now (Camelphat Remix) – Toolroom
♦ Lizzie Curious – Falling (original) – No Definition
♦ Yuga ft Candi Staton – You Got The Love – Kaisen Records
♦ Block & Crown – Four Letter Word (original) – PornoStar

DJ Profile: Lee Harris

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Queenie catches up with a lovely fella who’ll definitely have you dancing and prancing throughout 2018.

Whether it’s in London, Dublin, Southampton, Portsmouth or Sydney blooming Australia, Lee Harris is the man to put a definite spring in your step. Or should that be Steps?

Hello – how are you? “I’m great, thanks! Work’s very busy and life’s very good and exciting for 2018, plus last year was good for productions including my own Get Together and Freaky People on Queen House Music.”

Where can we hear you DJing in 2018? “NYE is all about Beyond at Fire, I’ll be playing alongside the fab Steve Pitron and Tony English amongst the Fire faithful! I have a great new residency with Daddi in Dublin along with London hotspots, Village and Comptons. Down South Mondays at Hampshire Boulevard in Portsmouth and Wednesdays at The Edge in Southampton are going very well and I’ll be going to Mardi Gras in Sydney in 2018 too! I also produce my own podcast, HouseNation UK, Lee Harris, available to you lovely people on iTunes and Spotify…”

What are you playing these days? “As I always say I don’t have a type – one party I could be playing disco, the next full on 130bpm tribal house. I’m very flexible, as many will know, ha ha ha!”

Fave song of all time? “The Animals House Of The Rising Sun, I could listen to it again and again. I’ve only just learnt it’s about a brothel!”

Ultimate NYE gig and best ever gig? “I really enjoying my gigs with Orange Nation playing for We, Beyond and Matinee so Circuit Festival in Barcelona or Madrid Pride would be my ideal. Hopefully I’ll be ticking off Sydney in 2018 too!”

Tune you wish you’d never played? “So, so many, but they’re usually ones that aren’t mastered and always sound great when you buy them from Beatport. When drunk usually.”

Guilty pleasure? “I love my 90s’ pop groups: S Club, Steps, I could go on. Yep, sorry.
New Year’s resolution? To maybe calm down a bit and spend more time indoors with my boyfriend.”

Describe yourself in three words… “Crazy, honest and Aquarius.”

Lee Harris’ Current Top Five:
♦ Lee Harris – Freaky People – Queen House
♦ Xpansions – Move Your Body (Freejak Remix) – Resurgence Music
♦ Pagano – Music Is Moving – Kism
♦ Esteban Lopez & Pedro Pons – Children – White
♦ MK – 17 – Area 10

DJ PROFILE: Claire Fuller

Posted on by Queen Josephine

We’ve survived January and are still coping with all the rubbish this crazy world seems determined to chuck at us. So it must be time for a bit of healing, particularly when Cupid’s set to twang that arrow.

Yes – it’s the month of St Valentine, so who could be better to hear from than the legendary award-winning DJ Claire Fuller.

How are you and are you in the mood for love this Valentine’s?  “Hi, I’m good thanks – things are all moving in the right direction and I’m the happiest I’ve been for years! For Valentine’s I have a gorgeous lady in my life so I intend to make it very special. Plus, we are off to Thailand and Australia in a few weeks so it’s going to be an amazing month!”

Where can we see you playing this month and are you involved in any particular Valentine’s events?  “On Wednesdays I’m at Ice at Legends playing chart/house/r&b. We recently started a new night at Legends playing 70s/80s/90s every Thursday called NOW! That’s What I Call Legends and it’s been a massive success so far! Fridays I DJ in Uckfield at The Broadway club and Saturdays you can usually find me in Southampton at either the London Hotel or The Edge. On Sundays it’s back to Legends DJing at Pop!Candy playing all things pop, cheese and a bit of Disney!”

Tune you’ll definitely be playing this Valentine’s and fave ‘love’ tune of all time? “I’m not sure love tunes will go down well at Legends on Valentine’s Day, haha, but if I had to choose one I would probably play Christina Perry’s Thousand Years.”

Your dream gig and best gig during this month d’amour? “I think I ticked my dream gig box last year at Brighton Pride, having a massive tent full of people partying with me for hours on the Friday night in the Old Steine. Now I just dream of DJing abroad – that’d make me a very happy DJ!”

Tune you wish you’d never played? “Yeah anything grime, the clubs I work in just don’t like it and it totally kills my dancefloor!”

Guilty pleasure? “DISNEY naturally!!”

Describe yourself in three words… “Honest, Friendly, Loyal.”   

Claire Fuller’s current top five: 
♦ Raye – Decline (Wideboys remix) – Universal Music Operations Ltd
♦ Charli XCX – Dirty, Sexy, Money (J Stone remix) – Parlophone /Warner
♦ Armand Van Helden – I Need A Painkiller – All Around The World Ltd
♦ One Bit & Noah Cyrus – My Way (Joe Reece Mylo remix) – MOS
♦ James Hype ft Kelli-Leigh – More Than Friends – Warner Music UK

DJ PROFILE: Sami Kubu

Posted on by Queen Josephine

September is upon us and whilst the prospect of a glorious spell of late summer sunshine is extremely likely (I’m ever the optimist), there’s no getting away from the fact that the evenings are getting darker earlier.

Yep the nights are drawing in! But that’s not a time for dismay, dear reader. It’s time to dust off the dancing clogs and get out for a wiggle. And there’s no one finer to shake that booty to than Nightshift Records’ gorgeous Sami Kubu…

Hello, have you recovered from Brighton Pride?
Hi! I’ve just about returned to the land of the living! Not without those post-Pride blues however.

Pride standout moments?
Brighton Pride just gets bigger and better with every year. This year was nothing short of incredible. My favourite moment was playing the Girls’ Dance Tent and having 3,000+ people sing along. Absolutely mind-blowing!

Where do you DJ?
I’ve had a busy few months but nearing the end of the summer is a bit more chilled. I played alongside some of my favourite Brighton DJs at the Tempest Inn in August and am looking forward to playing MONO on September 2. Then… watch this space!

What music do you play/make?
I play and make a mixture of deep tech house and techno. Though recently I’ve started to swerve toward making some disco-inspired sounds too, so it’s all very exciting.

Fave tune ever?
Definitely a tricky one, but it’s really got to be Kings of Tomorrow’s Finally. Such a fabulous and timeless track.

Ultimate place to DJ?
Goes without saying that playing Berghain in Berlin would be an absolute dream. Other than that DC-10 in Ibiza is pretty high on the list.

Tune you wish you’d never played?
A few years ago I played a remix of Waiting For Tonight by Jennifer Lopez – I think a bit of my soul died that day.

Guilty pleasure?
I do love a bit of Vogue by Madonna. Who doesn’t?!

Describe yourself in three words!
Passionate, creative, introverted (sometimes!)

Sami Kubu’s current top five:
♦ Fusion Groove Orchestra – If Only I Could, Strictly Rhythm
♦ Angelo Ferreri – Jackin Anthem, Nervous Records
♦ Hog, The Groovelines – Got To Dance Disco Paul’s Boutique
♦ Landmark – Just A Minute, Glasgow Underground
♦ Martin Badder – Shake Down (Disobey Remix), Nightshift Records

DJ PROFILE: Summer Ghemati

Posted on by Queen Josephine

Just in case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a little event happening in Brighton & Hove this month… As the sun no doubt shines beautiful rays down on our fabulous city, the UK’s finest Pride weekend is only moments away!

This month, Queenie catches up with the gorgeous DJ Summer Ghemati to hear about her plans for the joyous celebrations.

Hello, how are you? “Hey, I’m really good thank you. Excited for Pride!”

Where do you DJ?  “Well… at Pride you can catch me playing the Girls’ Dance Tent in the Park, which is gonna be super fun! I’m playing twice, firstly 12-1pm and then again from 7-8pm which are wicked slots. Also, I’m at Lovebeat Pride special at Coalition with Maze and Masters, Sami Kubu and Ellie Cocks. Apart from Pride you can hear me in Sankey’s in Ibiza, for Care3, New London plus at the legendary Beyond and A:M.”

What music rocks your world these days?  “All sorts, but I’m a groover at heart so I love anything with a good bassline and a fair bit of percussion. I love me a good bongo roll, haha! I’m liking the sounds of artists like Marco Corola, Joey Daniel, George Smeddles and Jader Ag.”

What’s so good about Brighton Pride? “Pride is special because of course it’s about equality for the LGBT+ community – but also it’s such fun! I get to party with all my favourite people in one place and I get to take my auntie to Pride as well, so it really is a day for all to celebrate!”

Standout tune you’ll be playing at Pride?  “YES – Homeless by Ralo, Strada & Jay De Lys. I’ve been banging this out for a month or so. It always gets an amazing reaction and bridges the gap between classic and tech house.”

Any amazing Pride memories? “Every Pride has been special to me, but my first one was the best! Seeing Verity Maze play the Wild Fruit Tent before she became part of a duo was unreal…”

Fave tune ever?  “Impossible! Okay, it’s got to be Just Sing by Distant People featuring Patrick Chappell, Muthafunkers remix. Soulful vibes.”

Guilty pleasure? “Joss Stone and 2am trips to McDonalds!”

Describe yourself in three words! “Passionate, energetic and sarcastic (in a nice way!).”

Summer Ghemati’s current top five: 

♦ Mirco Caruso Moover Nervous Inc.

♦ Jader Ag Ooga Booga Habla Records

♦ Bassel Darwish My Groove Habla Music

♦ Joey Daniel Crossing Borders Noexcuse Records

♦ Roberto Surace Sunrise In Ibz Proper Musique

 

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