Masters of the Underground Present DANA!

There are few artists to achieve international stardom within hardstyle like this lady. The first hardstyle DJ in fact, to play in over twenty countries, Dana has helped pave the way for the subsequent stream of DJ's and artists to enjoy similar success more recently within the same genre..

Headlining the forthcoming Masters of the Underground' event at Sankeys, Manchester for Kiddfectious...we bring you Mistress of the Underground -

Lady Dana.

Q-Dance and Platinum Superstar, Dana has a hectic schedule and rarely gives interviews. I was lucky enough to catch up with her and fire her a few questions in the name of Kiddfectious!

So Dana, first things first! What got you started in the scene?
I started in 1993, the beginning of the dividing of styles. I started out playing hardcore as I have always loved the energy in the harder styles.

Your style then has developed quite a lot over the years. How would you best describe your style today and how do you think it has developed?
I'd say my style would cover all the harder styles within house from 1993 till now. Ranging from hardcore to the hardstyle you know today.

In the 16 years since you started spinning you've achieved a huge amount! What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far and what is still on your to do' list?
I've had so many big achievements, it really is unbelievable! I loved my Exqlusive, 7000 people all for me, that was big!!
On my to do' list would be countries I haven't played yet.

You are one of only a small handful of female DJ's in the hard dance circuit, and probably the only internationally renowned female hardstyle DJ. Do you feel there should be more ladies standing up to rock the decks or do you prefer to be the exception?
There should definitely be more! We all know now that women can be as good and we that bring something different. And since there are more females playing it's nice for me to talk to some ladies in the same position!

Do you think it has been harder for you to make your mark on the scene being female?
It really has two sides. Because there were no ladies they wanted to book you but you had to prove yourself twice as much otherwise it could be your last booking.

After launching your record label Danamite' back in 2004, you have released a number of tracks including the no-holds-barred hardstyle smasher Don't Fake the Funk' to the jumpy and energetic Mental Breakdown' courtesy of the Playboyz. What it your personal favourite?
Back in time! I love this track!! :)

So, what is your vision for the future of Danamite?
I would think digital releases although I love the vinyl.

I've been hearing stories about you partying with a certain Mr Kidd on double-decker buses in Sydney! What's the story here??!

That was great! As a promotion for a Q-Dance party in Sydney they had this bus and pimped it up as a disco bus, playing hardstyle ofcourse. We drove around Sydney with I think 100db pumping out of the speakers. We were an attraction, so much fun!!

Is it true you've been working on developing your own clothing line? If so, what kind of creations can we expect to emerge from the House of Dana?

I was but luck hasn't been on my side. The company I developed with went bankrupt so I put it on hold to find another one with a nice developing team. It must be special or else I don't do it.

What five tunes would you say changed your life?
Alice D in Wonderland - Dimitri
Quazar - Seven stars
Mauro Picotto - Iguana
Jones & Stephenson - First Rebirth
Dr Macabre - Ghost stories

And now its time for...... THE KIDDFECTIOUS QUICK FIRE ROUND!!!

Girly girl or tomboy?
Tomgirl!! ;)

Favourite tune to work to?
I need silence to do homework.

Best film in the world?
The Godfather

Favourite tune to chill out to?
Something from Sade

Favourite quote?
Don't worry, be happy!

Do you have any pets?
A cat named Ashra

Heels or trainers?
Trainers to spin in, heels when I go out.

All time legend / idol?
Prince

Any pet hates?
No, but I don't like mosquito's in my house!!

If the world were to end in 24 hours, what three things would you have to do?
- Go to the Maldives if I could get there in a hour
- See the final of Wimbledon live
- Eat the perfect meal

Favourite ice cream flavour?
Yoghurt

Most embarrassing moment as a DJ?
Pulling off the wrong record!!

Favourite country in the world?
Italy

Describe yourself in three words..
Relaxed, fun and a perfectionist!