Hannah Wants: ''Music literally takes over my life''

One of the fastest rising stars in the world of dance music over the last two years has been Hannah Wants. Her irrepressible and intoxicating take on house and bass music has been destroying dance floors around the country, leading to her increased notoriety as both a DJ and producer to watch.

Recent times have seen her star alongside the likes of Annie Mac, Justin Martin, SBTRKT, Roska, Oneman, Magnetic Man and XXXY. The Birmingham based self taught DJ has also been gaining regular play on Radio One, and from industry heavyweights such as Claude Vonstroke and Justin Martin.

We caught up with Hannah ahead of her appearance for Great Friday at Manchester’s Sound Control venue on Friday May 31st, to find out more behind the name, what her influences are, how she has been adjusting to her new found worldwide acclaim, and what lies in store for one of the country’s leading ladies of dance music.

You came from a pretty musical background, what do you think in particular contributed to your current sound and style?

 I'd say it came from when I first started DJing around 2002. I started playing (and still do play) Speed Garage, UK Garage and Bassline House and I think my current sound and style is massively emulated by those genres.
 

What DJs/producers/artists made you think: ‘Yeah, I want to do what they do’?

There weren't any people in particular y'know... One memory that i'll never forget though was standing in a club when I'd first started going out (around 10 years ago), looking up at the DJ (the DJ booth was the above the dance-floor) and thinking "I want to be that person, playing the music to the people".
 

How did you feel once you started getting support from the likes of radio one, and DJs such as Claude Vonstroke, Justin Martin and Ben UFO?

It felt amazing. You work hard for years trying to build a profile and reputation, then when you finally start getting recognised by the big artists and radio stations (that you yourself listen to) it makes you feel ridiculously happy knowing that they're feeling your work.

How have you found being a female DJ in a male dominated scene?

I don't really think too much into it and i'm definitely not bothered by it... I guess being female has both it's advantages and disadvantages but at the end of the day you should be judged or rated by your DJ'ing abilities rather than your gender.

You toured last year in South Africa, how was that?

Touring South Africa was one of the best experiences of my life. I played at some great parties and met some great people - their hospitality was amazing. I was also lucky enough to visit some really amazing places.

‪Where have you enjoyed playing the most?

There'd be too many clubs / cities to single out just one y'know. I've been DJ'ing for around ten years and for the last three years I've been fortunate enough to play all over the UK, Ibiza, Germany and South Africa so I've played at some great parties.
One venue I'll always love playing at though is The Rainbow Venues in Birmingham… It's my home city, where I played my first 'big' set, hosts amazing events and always has the best crowds. 

Which do you prefer, DJing or producing?

 I prefer DJ'ing. Making music helps me in many ways such as putting my own stamp on my sets and building my sound / style / name and is probably something I will focus on more so in the future.

What are your top 5 favourite tracks at the moment?

1. Hannah Wants feat. Jamie George - Butterflies
2. Justin Jay - Static
3. Pete Graham & Chris Lorenzo - Dorothy's Forest
4. Hot Natured - Reverse Skydiving (Remix)
5. Kill Frenzy - Make That Booty Clap (Plastician Remix)

What can we look forward to with your set at Sound Control?

I'll be playing a two hour house & bass style set at Sound Control which will include my favourite tracks at the moment, exclusives as well as some classics thrown in.

What do you enjoy outside of music?

Music literally takes over my whole life but Im also a bit obsessed with going to the gym - it keeps me focused and I enjoy keeping a healthy body and a healthy mind.

‪What does the rest of 2013 hold for you?

I have a really busy and exciting summer is shaping up which includes a three week stint in Ibiza, a few festivals as well as gigging around the UK. Other than that i'll be working in the studio and also on my weekly radio show for Kiss FM every Friday night 1am-2am. 

Thank you Hannah!

Be sure to catch Hannah Wants at Sound Control on May 31st, and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about!

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