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Features
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| Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! | | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna | | A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | 'The Maestro that is Tristan talks barn owls, Shazamming and keeping it Psychedelic ahead of his upcoming performance at the Tribal Village 4 Day Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | DJ talk with Psyrenzo ahead of his debut set at Tribal Village, the Steelyard this Friday 14th January 2022! | | TENZO aka Overdrive talks freely about launching his new act which will be showcased at Tribal Village, Steelyard on 14 January 2022! | | A long overdue catch up with JourneyOM ahead of his next Tribal Village party this Friday 14th January 2022 at the Steelyard, London! |
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Interview with Jana
Reported by Tom Allen
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Submitted 17-03-04 10:39
Sunday morning afterparty Rush's resident Jana has been there from the very start, energising clubbers at London's (in)famous Club 414 with her hard, driving, energetic style providing the backdrop to many a weekend morning's afterparty. Her first release 'Sound of Music' was remixed by Alex Calver and has found a place in many Djs record box.
Tom Allen: First off, tell us about how, when and where you first got into DJing? Was it something you were always interested in?
Jana: First time I had a go on decks was about 5-6 years ago. Friend of ours used to dj drum&bass. But it all happened few years later when I used to go to Freedom @ Bagleys. That’s where I got to know Lisa Pin-Up & her boyfriend Pete. We used to see her nearly every week, chatted, I used to dance on stage whilst she was playing. Then one day she brought a bag full of records with her and gave it to me and told me to get myself some decks and have a go. Few days later one of our friends asked us if we knew anyone whom wanted to buy some decks and the rest is history…
TA: When did you play out for the first time? Had you been playing out for long when you played at Rush for the first time?
J: First time I ever played out was for Plasma Competition held in Brixton. This was a trance competition and at the time I played hard trance. We all had half an hour to show off our mixing abilities. I was really nervous, but as soon as I got on the decks the crowd started to cheer and dance. It was something I haven’t experienced before to get such a reaction from crowd, I was really buzzing and it was great feeling. To make things even better I won the 2nd place out of 11 contestants. After that I though nothing can stop me now.
TA: There's been a lot of female DJs coming through and breaking into the big time recently - what do you think is the cause of this?
J: I think the scene has changed slightly and we have more and more wicked female dj’s, which of course is good! It just proves that hard work and determination pays off. However there have been a lot of programmes on TV and media coverage in the last couple of years so maybe that has contributed to the rise of new female stars.
TA: With more female DJs on the scene as a whole have you found it tougher to differentiate yourself as a whole?
J: No not really. I always try to play new records and those which I haven’t heard being played in the clubs. Especially playing a lot of after parties I think it’s important to be different as people whom went out the night before don’t really want to listen to the same tunes all over again. Competition is always good keeps you on your toes and pushes you just that one step further. It’s important to stay unique, keep re-inventing yourself and bring fresh new music to clubbers.
TA: You're well known for your pretty banging hard style of playing. Do you play any other styles, perhaps harbouring a secret love of trance maybe?!
J: When I first started to play out I played hard trance, then I got into harder more banging hard house side, but at the same time still keeping it uplifting and driving. I had a go and played out funky house few times. It certainly makes a refreshing change. I have though about it and it will be something I might get into, definitely.
TA: Outside of dance music what sort of music are you into?
J: I love funky house. Got into it about a year ago and since then I am hooked. It’s nice to listen to something else than hard house. Currently listening to Cheshire Cats cd in my car and its’ wicked. I also love Darkness, I think they just the best new thing that happened in British glam rock for a long time. And my old favourites are Lenny Kravitz, George Michael, Bjork, Madonna.
TA: Which DJs do you currently look up to in the scene as someone who's success you'd like to emulate?
J: I admire all female dj’s like Anne Savage, Lisa Lashes, Lisa Pin Up, Tara Reynolds. They all very talented and dedicated to their fans. If I have to choose it would be Lisa Pin Up & Tara Reynolds. Lisa is well know for her bouncy uplifting hard house, she always has a smile on her face and is there for the crowd. Tara is just going from strength to strength, I remember when she used to play for Endorphin and look at her now, signed to Tidy and she still makes time to have a chat when I see her. To get to their level, would be a dream come true.
TA: You've recently delved into the world of production, what was the incentive for you to make a tune?
J: It’s something I always wanted to have a go at from day one. It’s great to be a dj, but even better when you produce your own stuff and people like it.
TA: How did you approach getting the tune produced and engineered - did you just book time in a studio or write the basics and engineer it yourself at home?
J: Because this was my first tune, I decide to book a studio with engineer. As well as producing my tune, I got to learn what it takes to work in a studio and how to implement your ideas into something people will listen to. I am very proud of my first tune, everything you get is my work, just used an engineer to put all together.
TA: What were your reasons for picking Alex Calver to do the remix?
J: We have had few people lined up to do the remix, but then Dan Madams has suggested that we use Alex Calver. I wanted the remix to be dark and dirty and Alex was a perfect choice. That man is bloody good!
TA: Any plans for a follow up to this tune?
J: As we speak! This was just a little taster and I am more than eager to get back to studio and work on some new stuff. However this time will be bit darker, harder with some techy elements and hoovers! Well that’s the plan anyway.
TA: You've played all over the UK and even popped out to Ibiza for a few gigs, so what's been the highlight of your DJ sets to date?
J: The highlight for me was definitely Ibiza last year. Was like a dream come true. Going on holiday and plus getting to play at Eden and Play2 in San Antonio for all mad clubbers. The scene is different its more funky, progressive house and trance, but still managed to play some proper hard house. Actually it went down really well, as it was one of their busiest nights that season! In few words mental atmosphere, loads of people taking videos and pictures, asking me for autograph etc.
TA: Your Rush residency has obviously formed the core of your DJing career to date. Tell us about your involvement with the promotion and what plans you and co-promoter Gareth have for the future.
J: I guess it has and I am really happy to be part of it. From day one we have tried to create an afterparty where you can finish your long weekend with in style. With residents like Matt Mara, Lady Bianca & Banga Matt we are creating a unique afterparty sound, which you won’t find anywhere else. Rush has been around for nearly two years and we are thinking about taking this whole thing to next level, maybe a night event, maybe daytime event, but watch the space…
TA: Rush will celebrate it's 2nd Birthday this June - how did the party come about in the first place? Did you ever expect it to get this far?
J: To be honest, no! But I am really proud of what we have achieved and I am thankful to all the people whom helped us to make Rush what it is today! There are a lot of people on HF whom have become good friends and whom helped us in enormous way to get this of the ground. You are all Stars!
TA: When it's last thing on a sunday morning at Rush and the crowd's been on their feet for 12 hours straight, what tune would you play to guarantee you'd get them reaching for the lasers just one more time?
J: Has to be I get a Rush by Steve Blake, this has been our theme tune since day one. Funnily it came out at the same time as Rush started. I remember meeting Steve Blake for the first time at Heat and telling him all about it I was that excited! But it works every time, crowd goes mental and wanting more!
TA: What advice would you have for any female (or otherwise) DJs looking to get into the scene at the moment?
J: Never give up and always believe in yourself! There aren’t words to describe the feeling when a clubber comes up to you and thanks you for the music and that he enjoyed your set.
TA: What do you hope to achieve this year? Do you have any long term goals?
J: Hopefully will be spending more time in studio, would like to bring few tunes out this year. I have few gigs lined up outside London in Manchester & Birmingham and few others. Would love to go back to Ibiza this year, so fingers crossed. Of course there are still loads of events and places I haven’t played before in London and I would love to.
TA: Anything you are particularly looking forward to?
J: Looking forward to working on new stuff in studio. Got few gigs lined up North in Birmingham & Manchester again, so should be fun.
TA: What are your top 3 tracks at the moment which are welded to your decks?
J: Generation – Casper
Go Bezerk – Daley & A. Calver
Charlatan – M. Kavanagh
With thanks to Jana for her time
Next event where Jana will be playing:
Rush
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On:
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Sunday 28th March 2004
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At:
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CLUB 414 [map]
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From:
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6.30am-2.00pm
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Cost:
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£6 / £5 with flyer
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Website:
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www.rushuk.net
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Welcome to sunday maddness of Rush. This Sunday we have teamed up with DropZone residents from Birmingham. Dropzone is well know sunday afternoon party at Sofa Sofa Walsall created by no other than Miss Charlotte Birch. Two of their residents one of them is brother James Birch & Stu Exall are travelling all the way down to London to bring their hard beats to Club 414. You won't be dissapointed!
Plus we have no other than our new Rush resident Banga Matt (Arktik Records, Sketcha Traxx) playing a 2 hour set. Another 2 hour set from Rush resident Jana is one not to be missed. After launching her debut track called Style of Music on Feersum 15, Jana is back in studio working on some new stuff. Don't forget this girl is hard! Are you tough enough???
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Flyer:
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 - 
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Hi NRG. Hard House.
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DJ's:
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Jana (2 1/2 hour set)
Banga Matt (2 hour set)
James Birch (Dropzone)
Stu Exall (Dropzone)
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Other Features By Tom Allen:
Hardhouse Academy Preview: Interview with Nuw Idol
The Thirsty DJs Interview with DJChewy
Lashed Preview 2: Interview with Charlotte Birch
Interview with Nick Rafferty
PhilTime Preview: Interview with Phil Reynolds
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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