#ESPspotlight Review: StreetFest, Shoreditch, 5th May

If there was one thing that Radio 1's Hackney Weekend taught me, it's that I, unequivocally, do not do mud. Also, that you should never engage in any mass travel plans organised by the BBC - but that's a whole other saga. On the plus side, I do love me some Music, Fashion and Live Art; so if someone could just take those, keep them outdoors, but switch out the hideous 'underfoot goo', for some good old, filthy concrete (and indoor plumbing - I mean come on, PortaPotties? Why would anyone be a fan); then I'd just be as happy as a pig in...well, their favourite natural exfoliant. That's why when I learned about 'StreetFest', the literal abbreviation of a festive affair on the streets of East, from the one and only DJ Nikki Beatnik, I made it my life's mission to attend.

Sunday, 5th May found me Shoreditch-bound, with my lovely photog-friend Allie Suwanrumpha (regular readers may recall, she was responsible for the amazing visuals in Part 2 of February's London Fashion Week special). Both newbies to the Radiator PR event; neither of us were prepared for the staggering generic, and cultural mix in the unfamiliar backstreets of East London's creative mecca. Greeted by live street art on entry, the huge murals created in front of our very eyes certainly put paid to any critic who would dare question the true artistry in graffiti. Eventually enticed away by the cheers and anxious gasps of the BMX Demo stage, it was impossible not to raise your heart rate and blood pressure, in the face of wheel trickery performed by people who clearly enjoyed the allure of near-death behaviour.

Having never witnessed a show of this kind in the flesh before, I can tell you that these gents were either very brave, or very mad for even attempting the daredevil stunts that defied gravity and gave new meaning to the term 'raising the bar'...

The nearby Unsigned Stage drew it's own respectable amount of foot traffic. I arrived just in time to catch a mix of live music and spoken word from the talented likes of singer Kayla Layton and conscious poet Chozen. Both delivered raw performances that revived my love of acoustic sets, and my annoyance at those who cannot respect them, or the dying art of common courtesy, by remaining quiet for the short duration of a set or, at the very least, removing yourself from the environment if the task of shutting up while artists perform, proves too taxing.

With thanks to @UrbanRevivalLDN for the
Blue Wooden Bead Bracelet!

To the markets next, and the majority of stalls offered what you might expect from the event; the latest in 'Hoody Chic'; with sweatshirts, tees and skateboards, etc. A few that stood out from the rest though, included wooden accessories label, Urban Revival London, where the cheekily charming Jey Flash talked a very good game about a label I'm sure you'll be seeing and hearing more from shortly - before treating me to a little bit of beaded schwag in the favourite colour of Yours Truly...

From the accessory ambassadors of the event to fashion; apparel label LabSolja Clothing were a fascinating find. The class, intelligence and positivity in their motivation-inspired designs set out to make forward-thinking 'fashionable'; changing the implied connotations of 'hoody' and tee-shirt fashionistas, by changing the message that they promote. VERY interesting approach!

Speaking of messages, the most important of the day had to come from what I mistook for an odd pun in the first. With 'Save The Male!' emblazoned on tees and signage, I had visions of some kind of 'Y-chromosome rebellion' against the championed female empowerment of the post-Spice Girls / Sex & The City eras. My pleasure at being mistaken, was quickly replaced with a sombre sadness, as two lovely gents from CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) told me of the latest disturbing stats collated on Male Depression, and the rising suicide figures in the UK. EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. is a BIG supporter and advocate of Charity works; so expect to hear more about this and many other deserving causes in the coming months.

Back to my shenanigans, as my stomach followed my nose, out of the warehouse space housing the stalls, to a literal global cuisine wonderland. Slap bang in the middle of 'The Food Zone'; tastes of The Orient stood next to West Indian, Asian and African hot food, with every stand as busy as the last. With my edible call of nature answered, I became quite the comedy sketch to passers by. Trying my hardest to enjoy my Oriental mixed box which, I at first took to be overpriced at £7.50, until I actually tried to finish the thing - Woman vs. Food style - while capturing more of the amazing live street art and trying to get a good look at some seriously talented beatboxers; all without dropping a single thing...(I'm proud to say I succeeded).

Determined to get a good spot for the line up on the Adidas Main Stage, I made my way through other activity set ups, which made brilliant use of the indoor and outdoor spaces. From a Kids Area for trainer designs on interactive screens to what I can only describe as an extremely cool 'Nail Lair', housing a collective of four talented artists whom I would gladly let loose on me - the variety of styles and talent were just another example of the eclectic offerings made available on the day.

DJ Collective Livin Proof were deep into their old skool Hip Hop set by the time we took up position in front of the stage; entertaining everyone from actual Breakers, to the most unlikely of participants...

Supported by BBC 1Xtra's DJ Cameo, Dot Rotten delivered a setlist that left his audience on Overload. Popular tracks 'Keep It On The Low', 'Armageddon' and many more from his impressive back catalogue, the Grime MC was clearly a crowd favourite.

A Supa Dupa Set from the Supa DupaFly duo that is DJ Emily Rawson and the hilarious 'Big Teddy Ted' followed; with what was easily the best set I've ever heard from the Rock The Belles Head Honcho. Not a still foot in the place, Ms. Rawson's old skool Hip Hop, RnB, and Garage mix was directly responsible for making this Blogger dance til her curls dropped. Guilty. As. Charged.

The biggest surprise of the line-up came courtesy of Washington DC-native, Oddisee. Currently touring off the back of his brilliant début album 'People Hear What They See'; I'm ashamed to admit that I had never heard of the half-Sudanese, half-American Rapper, prior to the event's press release. I've most definitely been missing out and, if you haven't heard of him yet, so have you. Mention also has to be made of his guitarist / backing vocalist, Olivier Daysoul, who had one of the most beautiful, literal God-given gift tones that this here music lover has heard in awhile. Sounding like a modern-day Marvin Gaye (quite the achievement coming from my audio-snobbish self); my next bloodhound mission is to find more of his works because my friends, that is a Man with a Voice! We unfamiliars were definitely in the minority if the entire rapalong crowd was anything to go by. Rectify your error quickly, with a few choice snippets from his headline set...

DJ Vadim changed the pace to one that kept the Junglists happy, before the Don Diva DJ that IS Ms. Nikki Beatnik took the 'Wheels of Steel' worldwide. Now if you're unfamiliar with the world's most stylish DJ, here are 5 crucial facts that you can always bank on in any of her sets:

1. Her global tastes are reflected in her track selections

2. You'll rack up Musical Air Miles following her 'decksploits'

3. You WILL be SCHOOLED on your music knowledge, no matter how much you think you know about what's really, really hot (yes, you may read that last line in a Missy Elliot voice)

4. You WILL dance until your own feet beg for sweet freedom from your weight and finally...

5. She'll do it all in iconic custom couture and a smile!

With my favourite Writing / Production / Sound System Duo, DJs Nikki and Statis, aka 'Beatnik'

Where the Supa DupaFly set got everyone overheated; by the time Nikki Beatnik closed the show, the contagious energy in the hidden streets of Shoreditch sent the packed crowd at the Adidas stage dancing onto Hysteria Lane. Don't believe me? Have a looksee at the whole day's event, courtesy of the other half of the writing / producing Superteam that is 'Beatnik' - Nikki's brother, Statis:

Definitely my contender for Event of the Year so far, in the 2013 Yearbook and Blog Awards; those other muddy festivals will need to pull something awesome out of the bag to top this one (some customised Wellies for Yours Truly might be a good start)...

Were you one of the revellers? What was your favourite part of the day? Sharing is caring don't forget; so leave your thoughts in the Comments Box below, and this page link on the statuses and timelines of your nearest and dearest, as their honest proof of your undying devotion.

For more photos from the day (courtesy of the amazing Allie Suwanrumpha), head over to the ESP Facebook Page or, visit ESP on YouTube - don't forget to Subscribe to both!

Read ya later!

ES ;)

#ESPpotlight Review: Rock The Belles, Bedroom Bar, 26th Jan

The snow did me the kind courtesy of doing one Saturday night, enabling me to go and enjoy myself at a club night that I haven't been to since the event's early days back in 2011.

Arriving just in the nick of time to be thoroughly soothed by beautiful tones; Miss Ava Leigh made a fan out of me by the third line of her first song - around the exact time that the Sound Fairies raised her mic levels, so that we could fully enjoy her amazing talents. Listening to her I got that same, 'hair on the back of my neck' electric chill I experienced the first time I saw Amy Winehouse live (in the beginning, when it was just her and her guitar on an HMV stage); the only thing wrong with this superb lady's 5-song set, was that there was no volume dial for the unappreciative crowd, too remiss to realise this was a moment that live music fans would value, just for the nostalgia.

Ava Leigh opened the Live portion of Saturday night's show...

The abrupt start to DJ Lisa T's Dance set seemed to be just what the crowd had been waiting for. Replacing the acoustic guitar that DJ / Organiser Emily Rawson and Ava herself later told me she barely knew how to play, with some bass-thumping beats from the decks; the house started rocking, in keeping with the monthly night's theme.

Live Indie Band The Cry Baby

The Cry Baby were an Indie band well-received in part, I'm sure, due to the adorable, pixie-like demeanour of lead singer Anna Waldmann, who couldn't help but be endearing even if she tried. Picture The Cardigans during their 'Gran Turismo' period, only with a brunette upfront and you've got an idea of what the band are all about.

Emily's turn on the decks was next, when Hip-Hop classics from  Missy, Q-Tip and Lauryn through to some of RnB's finest moments from Justin, De La Soul featuring the Queen that is Ms. Chaka and Sunshine Anderson, had so many on their feet that the tables had to be cleared.

One of MTV's 'Brand New for 2013' and Rizzle Kicks support Act,
Little Nikki

Disgruntled annoyance met the lowered levels, until the cause was established - headliner Little Nikki was ready to take the stage.

A stark contrast to the acoustic serenity of Ava Leigh and the sombre calm of The Cry Baby; Little Nikki, her dancers and their high-energy set made it clear why this 16-year-old, with harmonies and vocals that belied her years, is an MTV 'Brand New for 2013' favourite. Fresh off a stint supporting Rizzle Kicks on tour, something about her freshness, vitality and 'can't tell me nothin' confidence reminded me of Ms. Dynamite when she exploded onto the scene, with a little touch of Mz Bratt about her for added hot sauce. There's no doubt that this little teen rebel is destined for chart domination-remember I told you so (I mean MTV may have done first, but consider this me concurring)...

Emily kept Little Nikki's vibe going, returning for the Dance portion of her DJ set and please believe that no-one, especially not Yours Truly, kept still.

I wasn't the only one enjoying myself I learned, as I got chatting to a lovely Bostonian Finance Manager down from Oxford for the night, who "Just wanted to come have fun in London and dance to some female DJs". Keen to learn more about the brand's event calendar before she flies home in a week, the night made quite the impression, as she told me how much she loved the completely "different atmosphere" of the British club night in comparison to what she's used to.

Proving the ladies can get just as 'technical' as the
fellas - Emily Rawson and Lisa T handle business...

I had to imagine those were the kind of moments that make the job worthwhile, after watching the decks get bumped for the 507th time in under 30 minutes, I flashed back to cult film classic 'House Party' and chuckled to myself. I'm pretty sure that not a one of those moments were worthwhile...Instead I couldn't help but wonder if we weren't hearing every DJ's anthem when Emily pressed play on Ludacris' 'Move B*tch (Get Out The Way)'...Combined with surviving the near-death experience that was the venue's air-con unit giving up the ghost (and several liquid volumes), right next to the plug points in use for the whole DJ set up without skipping a single beat in the mix, I developed a completely new-found respect for what these Ladies deal with in a night - they truly are SOLDIERS (Never fear, Management got right on the case and rescued the gang before any danger actually befell them)!

(l-r) Emily Rawson, Lisa T and DJ Fearney

There was no way I was heading home without catching the lovely DJ Fearney on the 1s and 2s though. A long-time fan of her set style; it's no wonder one of dejavufm's favourites is a veteran across the club night's brands. From House, to the best of Old Skool Garage, to Bashment classics and beyond;  Fearney raised the roof and I neither confirm nor deny whether it's been lowered yet as alas, the talents of the lady in question sent me on my merry way on a high - with the Bell on this Belle, well and truly Rocked.

Rock The Belles takes place on the last Friday of every month. Visit the website for full event details.

View photos from the night on the ESP Ltd. Facebook Page.

See you next time!
ES ;)

#UPCOMING EVENT: ROCK THE BELLES, 26TH JAN

Rock The Belles X Underground Shoes

Little Nikki // Ava Leigh // Cry Baby

+ Secret Very Special Guests

Emily Rawson & Fearney

@ Bedroom Bar, Shoreditch Saturday 26th January

(Last Saturday of every month)

Rock the Belles brings together the hottest female DJs, bands & creatives for a genre-defying celebration of the girls who are making their mark in music. Now a monthly collaboration with on-trend Underground Shoes, the brand behind Creepers.

After an incredible few months, including hosting events at The Box New York and a show at Shoreditch House for Arlissa, Rock The Belles are back in East London to launch 2013 with an incredible line-up…

Acts…

Ava Leigh - After a busy 2012 recording her new album & working with the likes of Robin Thicke and The Black Seeds, 2013 will see the long awaited return of AVA LEIGH to the live music scene. After being championed by the likes of Jools Holland, David Rodgian and the legendary Sly & Robbie (who produced Ava’s debut album) you can expect to hear the sultry sounds of Old Skool Jazz & Ska with a modern twist. www.avaleighofficial.com 

Little Nikki is the West Londoner signed to Mercury Records aged only 13 as one third of girl act Soundgirl. After touring with Pixie Lott and Justin Beiber, the band dis-banded and Little Nikki went solo. Completely obsessed with music, she is a major songwriter (co-writing all her songs) and performer – immersed in all genres, eras and sounds of music.

Best described as ‘Rihanna-meets-Azealia’ (Popjustice), Little Nikki is currently in the studio writing and recording with K-Gee (Jessie J). And at only 16 years old, this is only the beginning for Little Nikki. www.littlenikkiofficial.tumblr.com 

The Cry Baby are Anna Waldmann, Sam Campbell and Chris Tsui. Musically The Cry Baby don’t fit any particular category; there’s a hint of folk, echoes of trip-hop, the escapism of dreampop and occasionally a stripped-back baroque sound. It’s all carefully considered without being so perfect that it becomes sterile. As such, this combination of subtle experimentalism and almost lullaby-like sounds is quite beguiling. www.thecrybaby.co.uk

DJ Emily Rawson is one of the UK’s most in demand Djs and promoters. She has recently dj’d and curated stages at festivals including BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, The Camden Crawl and Lovebox. 2012 has seen guest mixes for BBC Radio 1Xtra, a feature in Time Out as ‘Meet The Resident’ and playing in New York alongside legend Rich Medina as well curating and dj-ing an event at The Box NYC with Underground shoes. She was recently invited onto a the BBC World Service to speak about Women in Hiphop. www.mixcloud.com/djemilyrawson

DJ Fearney has her own show on Deja Vu FM where she has interviewed everyone from Wiz Kalifa to Example. She regularly DJs at a whole host of high profile events and festivals including Lovebox. She is genuinely one of the hottest female dj’s in the country. djfearney.podomatic.com 

Lisa T 

Keep your eyes on this upcoming female DJ - already bagging herself a weekly residency at Fabric (Mondays), a regular at Rock The Belles (Notting Hill Arts Club) and Not Another resident - her sets have the ears of the underground - known for debuting the freshest new talent blended with old school vibes that will take you back to THAT place http://www.mixcloud.com/lisatelfer12/

Other…

Underground are the brand behind the phenomenon that are Creepers. Inspired by the ferocity of punk and founded in its febrile aftermath, Underground’s original creepers were first worn by new romantics, goths and new wavers in Camden, North London, during the late 1980s. More recently Underground has been adopted by designers at the bleeding edge of couture fashion, whose collections have been inspired by the company’s uncompromising style. Underground are giving away 2x pairs of Creepers & 2x Pairs Of Tickets to Rock The Belles, simply like their facebook page & watch out for the competition! www.facebook.com/Undergroundengland 

Time: 8pm-3am

Entry: £5 in advance from www.rockthebelles.com / £5 concessions list before 10pm / £7 after via hello@rockthebelles.com // Door £ 8 all night Tables: FREE to book hello@rockthebelles.com 

Info: hello@rockthebelles.com // rockthebelles.com // facebook.com/rockthebelles // twitter.com/irockthebelles 

'Not Another' #UPCOMINGEVENT...7TH FEB

'Not Another'

@ Queen Of Hoxton, Shoreditch

Luke Bingham // Charlie Brown // Rufio Summers // Jody Brock

Hosted by 1Xtra’s CJ Beatz + VERY special guest  

DJs Emily Rawson & Lisa T  

Thursday 7th February (1st Thursday of the month)

£5 concessions www.rockthebelles.com 

Not Another is a live music sound clash featuring the most current, fresh and exciting UK acts and musicians as you have never seen them before live on stage at Queen Of Hoxton. Dubstep to Hip-Hop MC’s, jazz musicians, turntablists, vocalists and many more explosive one-off performances! Be blown away by the hybrid of genres on stage that you won’t see at any other live music night.

Hosted by CJ Beatz BBC Radio 1Xtra www.cjbeatz.net 

Charlie Brown www.facebook.com/charliebrownLDN Newly signed to Universal, Charlie Brown is a singer, song-writer with an already affluent catalogue of collaborations. Having started his career as a writer, Charlie Brown’s soulful melodies and pop-sensibilities quickly provided him with an exciting reputation, and a highly sought-after name. Already a well-established face and name within the industry, he’s collaborated with several UK artists including Tinchy Stryder, Professor Green, Alphabeat, Dionne Bromfield, Wiley and Jay Sean. Charlie’s new single ‘On My Way’ is already getting airplay on 1Xtra with the video not even released yet – watch out for this one! 

Luke Bingham www.facebook.com/lukebingham.co.uk This incredible singer/songwriter is signed 2 Universal Publishing and 3Beat Records. The 23 year old from Leicester has worked with the likes of Sway on his track Gemini. Basically think all the members of JLS moulded into one man!

Rufio Summers www.facebook.com/OfficialRufioSummers Passionate and alluring, Rufio Summers is a New School Blues artist with a difference. He captures audiences with his soulful vocals and sexual live energy, luring them back again and again. His writing style is reminiscent of Musical legends such as Paul Rodgers and D’Angelo but it his soulful, husky voice that gives him the edge so present in his music 

Jody Brock www.facebook.com/jodybrockmusic Jody Brock is a quirky 20 year old singer/songwriter from South West London. As a child Jody was mesmerised by the soulful sounds and voices from artists such as Donny Hathaway, Etta James, James Brown, Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone. The raw emotion, the dark warm tones and husky growls established by these great artists can all be found within Jody's sound among many other inspirations from the gen...res of rock, blues and jazz. Jody is a passionate songwriter and performer, who has already had the pleasure of working with many talented, established writers and producers. Writing about his own experiences in a way that others can relate to emotionally, is what motivates Jody the most. As a BRIT school graduate he hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous successful Alumni such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Jessie J. 

Emily Rawson www.mixcloud.com/djemilyrawson DJ Emily Rawson is one of the UK’s most in demand female Djs & promoters. Fresh from playing at BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, curating & hosting festival stages including The Camden Crawl & Lovebox, she has just got back from a stint spinning in NYC where she supported NYC hiphop legend Rich Medina, and has done a guest mix for BBC Radio 1Xtra. Emily was also featured in Time Out as ‘meet the resident’ In April.

Lisa T www.mixcloud.com/lisat keep your eyes on this upcoming female DJ - already bagging herself a weekly residency at Fabric (Mondays), a regular at Rock The Belles (Notting Hill Arts Club) and Not Another resident - her sets have the ears of the underground - known for debuting the freshest new talent blended with old school vibes that will take you back to THAT place.

 + VERY special guest

Concessions / advance: £5 hello@rockthebelles.com / £6 on the door

Times: 7pm-1am

Address: Queen Of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road  London, Greater London EC2A 3JX

Contact: hello@rockthebelles.com www.rockthebelles.com  www.twitter.com/notanotherldn

#FindOutFriday with DJ MELODY KANE!

...DJ Melody Kane

Welcome loyal readers and newbies to the latest #ESPspotlight Interview! If you know the history of ESP, you will understand what I mean when I say that for the 15th #FindOutFriday of 2012, I've finally come Full Circle! I'm sitting down with the second Lady to give me a shot when I was just starting out, forever making her an honorary Family Member.

DJ Melody Kane is the kind of influence that you learn from. In the near 18-months that I have known her, she has trailblazed far further than many of her male contemporaries, to the point where it was actually quite hard to cut my questions about it all to 10 (as you will see)! Worldwide traveller, SB:TV Official DJ and Pioneer of the first Female club movement of it's kind, she brings the Female DJ Takeover back to Shoreditch in May, after a successful launch in February 2011.


I caught up with her fresh off her Resident Bang 103.6FM Lunchtime decks for an interview in the style of one of her sets, hitting as many topics as it's possible to cover in 10 Questions! so spend a bit of time with us both as I 'turn tables' on the DJ for a mix all of my own...

1. Welcome Ms. Melody, it's an honour and a privilege! Diving straight in...I know you were a Performing Arts student Once Upon A Time. What was your chosen field and what else did you study in college?

iWhoreTees are one of Melody's event sponsers for
The Female DJ Takeover

How Random! I didn't think I'd ever said that to anyone in an interview! I mainly concentrated on the Drama; I used to be quite musical when I was young so I used to play the Piano a lot and a few different instruments, but I was more into the Drama side of things. I used to love performing, I used to love acting. I also did Music Studies for a spell.

2. One of the earliest lessons I learned from shadowing you was that there is a general consensus amongst ALL DJs, male or female, that there are a lot of people making a small pond into a puddle - especially on the Female DJ circuit. What kind of training did you have to undergo to get to your skill level and how long has it taken you?

That's like, my pet hate! Basically, it took...I would say a year of practising at home, so not playing out anywhere, just literally perfecting my Art at home. Then I would say, it took another year doing warm up gigs and parties, stuff like that. So I would say it was kind of two years in the process of practising and learning until I felt really, really ready. I did play in clubs after the first year, but I didn't feel like I was really good at my craft yet; for the second year, I stayed in my 9-5 and DJ'd at weekends. Then I felt ready, like I was good enough at what I do to be a full-time DJ. I'd say it's been about 5 or 6 years now?

And did you find it easy to transfer your skills from decks to radio?

It's been good doing radio shows because primarily I was a DJ and being on the radio has made me work on being a Presenter, which I'm really enjoying. I think it just comes from being comfortable? As long as you're comfortable in what you do, then it's not hard taking your club skills and putting them to work in radio. As you said, I do use the Mic in clubs, so there should be no reason why I can't make it work. I like radio, I enjoy it - it's fun!

3. What are some of the most struggles, issues and most common misconceptions that you have experienced and still face?

Everyone's a DJ now and as a Female DJ; I'd say it seems to be about 90% based on looks. Obviously a lot of the 'Model turned DJs' are out there...but I think once you get to a certain level where you're comfortable with your craft then those people don't really matter...In terms of the everyday; I'd say I probably face the same problems as all DJs - nothing to do with being male or female. All of us face the same problems of 'Bedroom DJs' undercutting them; doing it for hardly any money, or playing in clubs for free and so Promoters and clubs booking them over people who have practised their craft...I'd say a big problem as a DJ now, is that in the old days it used to be about who's got a certain tune first; but now all tunes are accessible to anybody, whether you're a DJ or not. So everybody can just click a button and download a track. You have to find ways to stand out and that definitely has to be about the skill that you put to your craft, because pretty much everyone is playing the same thing, whereas  perhaps in the old days, DJs stood out because they had a different record collection. I don't think that's really applicable now. People pretty much these days, don't want to hear new music, unfortunately. It's just about finding ways of sticking out. Being a full-time DJ is definitely hard; one week I could be DJ'ing five times, then the week after I could not have any gigs...It's definitely a tough industry and people don't take it seriously. 

So does that mean that you feel DJs need a trademark to stand out now? If so, what's yours?

I've kind of been given the unintentional trademark of my hair! Having quite big hair - it's never a trademark I gave myself or set out to have, but people tell me it's my trademark! I hope my trademark is that whenever I DJ, I really like to dance to the music, really vibe to it. Hopefully to just always be happy and come across like I've got a lot of energy and I'm enjoying it, because I am - I love what I do.

4. You have one of the most striking and individual fashion styles that I've ever come across. How important is 'image' in what you do and how did you go about developing your personal style?

I love my earrings! Somebody once told me that because I'm quite large in the bottom area, I always need to carry a big bag and wear big earrings to make everything else look smaller so I do - I've heeded their advice! I'm trying to minimize everything else by larging it all up, hence the hair and the earrings! I think in the world of Female DJs, image is definitely important. It's a shame that it seems to be very important to look a certain way, which I definitely don't. I try to just work with what I've got! I just try to accentuate that. I've never been comfortable trying to go down the 'Sexy' road so I just work with what I'm comfortable with, which is to just be a bit funky and have fun with my clothes. I really like colours, so I try to just go in with them...a lot of colours and BIG stuff!

5. Your talent has taken you all over the world and opended doors that I'm sure even you never imagined would exist. Can you share some standout memories from your career so far - Good and/or Bad?

Melody became the SB:TV Official DJ in 2011

I'm a travel bunny...I really, really, REALLY love travelling, so any time I go abroad, I'm happy; just being paid to go and DJ somewhere hot and beautiful, to a crowd that's really up for it - because whenever you DJ abroad everyone's on holiday, it's in the Sun, everyone's happy, it's a nicer vibe. When I'm getting old and grey, I'll probably just jump on a plane and DJ as many places abroad as I possibly can! Anything to do with SB:TV I always really love; they've got such a respected name within the Industry and outside of it. They're a really good brand to be associated with; everybody wants to be involved with SB:TV, so whenever they do an event, there's always really exciting artists on the line up, so I absolutely love being involved with them.

6. How did you end up as SB:TV's official DJ and what exactly does that entail for the average lay person?

Melody with SB:TV CEO & Founder,
Jamal Edwards

I actually ended up DJ'ing at the SB:TV website launch party, which was at Nandos early last year. A friend recommended me to DJ there so that's where I met Jamal (Edwards) and the rest of the team. It was just such a good event and we had such a good time that Jamal asked me to DJ at his birthday party. Then I DJ'd at a couple of other events for SB:TV and Jamal asked me if I'd be the Official DJ; that's kind of how it came about.

Being the 'Official DJ' basically means that I DJ at all their events; when it comes to mixtapes I review them, for example there's a new one coming out in a few week's time. SB:TV's got a stage at the Camden Crawl which is happening in a few weeks, so we're just working on a mixtape now for that. Also supplying the guys in the office with a little bit of tunes! 

Your mixes / compilations are legendary; how do the Unsigned make it onto your playlist?

Do you know what, if it's good music, I'll play it - it's as simple as that. If there's good music out there, people just need to email me, it needs to be clearly labelled, it needs to be a high bitrate, it needs to be presented in a certain way. If people send me music and just say "listen to my track it's f***ing amazing!", I won't download it, I won't even open it...Just make sure that it's sent in the right way; make sure you've labelled your tracks correctly, make sure it's mastered and if I like it then I will 100% play it. I want to support UK music, I like to see people trying hard, do well.

7. Where did the Female DJ Takeover concept come from and how did you go about putting it into action?

It came about because I just used to get frustrated - even now, I would see flyers with 25 DJs on and there wouldn't be ONE Female DJ's name. There are some good Male DJs out there, there are some good Female DJs out there; the same way that there are some bad Male DJs and bad Female DJs, so it wasn't that it was particularly about burning our bras and waving the flag for female rights...it just stemmed from the fact that it seemed to be really uneven when Promoters were doing big events, it would seem that there were never any Female names on the line up, which was a bit silly...It just used to get me frustrated so I thought wouldn't it be nice to do an event where it WAS about talented Females who COULD DJ? When it comes to Female DJs, I'm not interested in whether they look really amazing; because it doesn't matter if they look really hot, but can't DJ. That's of no interest to me, it doesn't matter what they look like, it just matters how they sound. It was just about finding people who were really passionate about being a DJ - I just wanted to put together an event for the people who took it seriously. People wouldn't be coming down because they'd be wearing a little boob tube and batty riders, or whatever; they'd be coming down because those DJs play good music. They can mix and they can do their thing. 

And I remember you telling me that you had this vision of how much further you wanted to take it - into putting on Conferences and that much more...

I've definitely still got that vision...things were on hold a little bit over the last year, just because I've had so many other projects going on, so many other things that I've been working on, so I had to take a bit of a step back, but you know I still love the concept of Female DJ Takeover, I still love the idea of doing the event in different clubs around the Country...I still really believe in the idea 100%; it just takes a bit of time to put together, but I'm ready to just go IN now! 

8. Aside from the line up, how will FDT - The Return differ from The Launch and what was involved in your selection process, from DJs to Behind The Scenes?

The February 2011 Launch featured (l-r): SheJay 1E, Lady Jay Diamond,
Melody Kane, Lynnike & Sefa, Marx'si and Rocha (to name a few!)

With regards to the launch, I think I went down the road of having too many DJs...I had about 10! This will be different because it's going to be monthly, so it's kind of the 'Relaunch' event. SheJay 1E will always be DJ'ing there, she's the FDT Resident. I'll always be DJ'ing. So what we're going to do is have a headliner - this month it's Nikki (Beatnik) and then an up and coming DJ. So the synopsis is the Residents, a Headliner and then an up and coming Female DJ to do the warm up and give her a chance to play out, this time it's K Dot (Lee). And we'll always have a PA as well, this month it's NoLay.

And what about the 'Behind The Sceners'? Speaking as someone who got one of her early shots from you, what do you look for in your team?

Someone you might recognise
at last year's launch...

You were just really keen and really on it, so I thought I'd give you the opportunity. I just like people that share the same passion that I do; if people have a passion for what they do and they come to me, then I always want to give people a chance, it's just the way I work - I always want people to do well.

9. What is the longterm FDT Goal and how has it changed from your original vision, if at all?

It hasn't changed. The goal is still to run a successful monthly club night that showcases Female DJs and hopefully take that around the Country and then maybe even eventually Global. 

10. If you weren't a DJ, what would you be?

What would I be...I love dawwwwgs! I'd like to be a dawwwgwalker! I'd live somewhere hot and sunny and be a dogwalker!

The biggest of Thank Yous to Melody for this week's spotlight interview! Make sure you come down to 'Female DJ Takeover - The Relaunch' at Bar OneFourOne on 4th May and say Hi to the rest of the ESP Family, who will be there supporting!

For the latest, up-to-the-minute news on the FDT Relaunch, stay tuned to www.djmelodykane.com

Until then, you can catch Melody from 12-2PM, every Thursday and Friday on Bang 103.6FM!

Interact with Melody directly:

Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Fanpage

Follow her content channels:

Website / PodoMatic / YouTube

Follow The Female DJ Takeover Movement:

FDT Twitter / FDT Fanpage

And that's it for this week! As always, I love to hear what you think on the prevalent topic of the week. Got a favourite Female DJ? Tell us about her! Or maybe you think the scales are equal?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below, I will respond to all (sensible) posts!

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See you soon,

ES :)