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Interviews
Interview with Donna Birt
By Lisa
Feb 9, 2005 - 9:07:00 AM

With the launch of Toxik still fresh in everyone’s minds, this next event seems to have even more hype. What do you think it was that made such an impression on clubland? I believe it was voted mixmags club of the month?

Well it’s obvious when promoters go that extra mile to put the finishing touches on an event, people recognise and appreciate the extra effort that is put in. When I went to the first party I was really impressed by the whole event, from the visuals to the dancers to the atmosphere… it was second to none!

I have to say, the list of "residents" is very impressive. How does it feel to be included in that list?

I’m chuffed!!! Everyone involved with Toxik has been great so I’m really looking forward to the future, this will be my first event playing for Toxik so I'm tres excited!

You already have tracks with Ali Wilson & Greg Brookman under your belt, and I believe you have some more studio time coming up. Is that something you can tell us about? Who will you be working with?

Yeah Ali and I have a track called ‘Ruthless’ which will be coming out on ProActive, and I have 2 tracks with Greg ‘Groove Junkie’ (to be released on Nukleuz) and ‘Rhythm Detox’… sorry, shameless plug he he. Nicki S and I are currently working on a little something as well niiiiice J I have other studio dates pencilled in over the next few months but with whom and when I cannot say so watch this space!

I’ve asked quite alot of DJs within the hard dance scene this, but there definitely seems to be more and more techno influences coming through in alot of DJs sets and productions also. Why do you think this is?

Well innovation is the key to keeping things interesting and in order for the scene to evolve and grow there needs to be change, or at least some fresh influences introduced. There is a lot of great techno (or at least techier basslines) around at the moment which I’m loving, I’ve personally been leaning towards techy basslines in my own production which have been getting some good response… Go the techno!!!

You moved to London from New Zealand where you then discovered the hard dance scene. Is there much of a hard dance scene back home now? And have you had any "homecoming" sets?

I’ve been going home every 6 months or so for the last couple of years; I have residencies in Sydney for Endorphin, Melbourne for Hard Kandy and tour regularly with Fevah in NZ so those are the main events I play at. The scene is great over there… I’ve gotten to know a lot of the punters so whenever I go back now I have a ball. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to spend some extra time with my family J

At the toxik event this month you will be playing back2back with Zana Mills. Are back2backs something you enjoy?

Well I guess that all depends on the b2b. If you get a good musical pairing then its great, you can bounce off each other and generally have a laugh… it also means there’s time to nip down on the dance floor occasionally. I have had a couple of interesting sets though where you have nothing in the bag that you would like to play next or just cant seem to gel with the other dj L

Now that the novelty of female DJs within the hard dance scene has worn off, do you feel happier playing within that scene? It seems as though the nu-breed of female DJs coming through are judged on their ability and music knowledge as apposed to how fit they are.........

I’ve always been happy within this scene… I love it! To be honest I don’t really think about it. People can choose to be jealous or judgemental, it’s whether you let that affect you that counts. There will always be those promoters or punters that are more interested in a Dj’s bra size but its all how you deal with it J You may get an initial set based on more than ability but you certainly wont get played twice if your not up to scratch.

Ok time for a bit of quick fire....................

Biggest Vice......... An addiction to chocolate

Biggest fear.......... Ummmmm.... would like to say I’m brave but… spiders yik!!!

Favourite clothing label of late........... Don’t really go shopping ha ha ;-)

Favourite record shop.............. Mad Records

Favourite swear word............... C**tface (sorry Mum!)

Favourite place................ The beach

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