Interview With Hannah Holland!

Are you looking forward to performing alongside DeepGroove and Finger Lickin Records at the forthcoming Hat club event on 1st August?

I’m very much looking forward to playing again at Egg, which is a great venue and lovely line up, Deepgroove are the bomb. 

What can the crowds expect from you on the night?

I love getting techy at Egg, as it has such a nice system to work with, so bass tech meets warm housey flavors with a lil off dirt beats thrown in. 

What’s 2009 been like for you so far? 

This year has been a wild ride with no stops and I’ve loved every minute. My label Batty Bass Records was launched, we have two EPs out and working on the label has been a dream, making videos, recording artists, making remixes -love it. Also this year has seen the end to Trailer Trash, my five year residency, in the form that we know it, the last date at On The Rocks was an absolutely amazing party I will never forget. Plus I just came back from Fusion Festival in Berlin and Exit Festival in Serbia, which was mind blowing, playing to 20,000 people going mental in a medieval fortress, and of course the intimately frenzied Batty Bass events. 

How’s thing’s going with Batty Bass? 

It’s going very well, building building building the force in a very organic way. The monthly parties at the Star have been off the hook, with the best, most diverse crowd you could dream off. We’ve just hosted a room at Fabric and have a one off all niter planned in Sept with The Martinez Bros. Plus of course the label, hearing our tunes on Kiss, Radio One 1Xtra etc has been so exciting! 

Where did it all begin for you – why did you become a DJ?

Ever since I was 10 and I heard ‘I’m Raving I’m Raving’ and ‘On A Ragga Tip’ in my mate’s brother’s bedroom, I was hooked; collecting and obsessing over music. I played bass in a band when I was a teenager too! When I got enough money together I bought decks so I could literally touch the music and learnt the art of mixing with the help of some good DJ buddies. Also from raving for many years and experiencing the feeling you get when you hear an amazing set made me want to do it. 

What do you enjoy most about being a DJ?

My favorite thing firstly is mixing, it feels like your surfing pulling off a nice mix and just being able to change the way a record sounds with different tunes really excites me. Then of course the spiritual feeling of having a room full of people go off and the whole connection between you, the music and the crowd. ENERGY!! I sound like such a hippy! 

What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?
 
I have some very fond memories of quite a few but one that springs to mind is the first time I played for Bugged Out at The End. The whole crowd literally went mental from start to finish and the records just flew out of my bag. It was all very natural, it kicked started my lovely relationship with Bugged Out, who have massively supported me all the way. 

Which DJ’s / musicians / artists inspire you?
 
DJ wise, Green Velvet, as he is just out there, crazy and plays so well. Erol Alkan for his amazing ability to control a crowd. I love Benga for his brilliant eclectic take on dubstep and Jamie Jones for his gorgeous sexy techno grooves. Some musicians that inspire me are Rick James, David Bowie, Afrika Bambaataa, Grace Jones - all very individual creative geniuses.   What do you like to do in your down time   Hunt for more music!! Swim; party with friends. Eat nice meals and hang out in my area :) 

Are you into fashion at all / if so how would you describe your style and who are your favourite clothing labels? 

I love clothes but I hate shopping. I like to buy stuff from boutiques and vintage places, so a lot of my clothes are from quite random labels. I often just do jeans and t-shirt vibes, but occasionally i can get all girlie :) 

Female DJ’s seem to be more promenient now in the music world, do you think there’s more respect for female DJ’s now – have we finally broken into the golden circle of DJ’ing? 

Most definitely with artists like Smokin Jo, Magda, Ellien Allen, Jojo De Freq, Dinky etc., etc. These women are driving forces in the game and can only command respect, allowing people to change their closed minds about female DJs.  You’re very proud of you’re London roots – what is it that you love about the city  I am a very proud Londoner, there is simply no where else in the world that is more culturally rich and diverse, from music to food to art. Everything is here and that is what inspires me. 

Is being a DJ really as glamorous as it looks?  

Of course darling :) 

What is the most decadent / glamourous / outrageous experience you’ve had as a DJ?  

Being flown around Australia on tour was mind blowing, hanging out with superstars in 5 star hotels, having stage side seats at the Sydney Opera House watching Goldfrapp, and of course getting on it with the heads in Sydney was unforgettable. 

Have you got any exciting projects coming up in the future? 

Yes indeed! More future releases on Batty Bass, my third release on Playtime and just getting my head down in the studio. Plus our Batty Bass Warehouse Party with The Martinez Bros and plenty of fab gigs in between. I’m hoping to tour the label next year fingers crossed. I have some big ideas so watch this space!  If you had to describe yourself in 5 words what would they be  Curly, bassy, determined, friendly, happy

Catch Hannah Holland at Hat Club at Egg on 1st August