Page 16 - Zone Magazine Issue 006

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Do you have any words of advice Lisa or inspiration for the aspiring female DJ / Producer on how to be successful, creative, and original in an already saturated and bloated dance music market?
As I had so many female DJ’s contacting me for advice on this subject, last year I launched a campaign called “All Girls On Decks” which aimed to put female DJ’s in the spotlight and build a platform to highlight their talent and creativity. I also worked closely with the entrants to give them confidence to stand up and be counted in such a male dominated industry, as I found some hugely talented musicians were afraid they wouldn’t be excepted. If you have something that’s original, creative, plus 100% commitment, it doesn’t matter what gender you are, believe in yourself and don’t let anyone change the way you feel.
How does the underground scene today compare to the hedonistic and crazy scenes of the 1990’s and how do you see it progressing?
There’s not as many afterhours clubs out there today, which is where I found most of the hedonistic antics. There are also a lot of rules and regulations being bought into the dance scene take for instant Ibiza where you could party non stop for days going from one event to another but, now the strict music policy of clubs having to adhere to closing and opening times, its taken away the freedom of dance till you drop!
With your hugely successful DJ career bringing you to clubs and studios all over the world are there any sneaky bits of ‘What happens on tour’, craziness you can hint at?
I could write a book on the crazy antics and shenanigans I’ve witnessed on tour but, if I divulged, I’d be ‘Norman No Mates’ and never invited to an after party ever again! Plus, it gives Carte Blanche for someone to share secrets of what I’ve got up to on tour and reading that would make your eyes water.
What drives and motivates you Lisa after 18 years, and how do you maintain your balance with your hectic life style and schedule?
The love of music drives and motivates me on a daily basis and I feel honoured to be able to say I’m in a job after all these years and never thought about or wanted to do anything else. I’m a regimental organiser, which comes in handy trying to balance all aspects of my life.
Who would you love to work with in the studio Lisa and why?
Love to have a day in the studio with Maxi Jazz as I love his tone of voice and he’s proven to be a great lyricist.
Does dance music still make you horney?
I prefer the Drums not the Horns!
EDM, thoughts?
Why has a music sub-genre been created from the blanket term for music I’ve always known as Electronic Dance Music?
Back in the day Lisa, a DJ really had to put in some seriously long hours and dedication to learn the beautiful art and skills of using their ears to beat match and mix vinyl. Now with the advent of digital decks and beat matching software, are today’s electronic DJ’s at an advantage or disadvantage?
DJ’s are at a massive advantage these days with the amount of digital software created, although the art of mixing and building your own original sets has been taken away, which I feel is very sad. This was what separated the men from the boys, excuse the analogy, and now anyone that presses the start button on a DJ platform, besides vinyl, calls himself or herself a DJ.
What are Lisa Lashes next big planned events and projects?
My Wunderbar Lashes Team are in the process of booking clubs for my new brand Origin-L which see’s me touring small, intimate venues in the UK and hopefully Ireland next year on a ‘Pay What You Want’ basis so with this new venture, my usual crazy international booking schedule, releases with record labels including Yin Yang, Submerged and Layer909 plus a steady flow of remixes and collaborations, 2016 will be another year I can count myself lucky to say I have the best job in the world.... And thank you to all my followers who are the ones that have made this happen, as without YOU, there is no ME.
Connect:
www.lisalashes.com
Words By Mike Moggi Mannix & Emma Dilemma
Pics By Victoria Ball & Lisa Lashes
16 ZONE-MAGAZINE.IE