Page 31 - Zone Magazine Issue 008

_________________________________________________
Hello Maria! First off, I want to know things like your real Name, your age and your hometown. Where and how did you spend your childhood?
My real name is Maria Healy (exactly what it saysonthetin),Iam28. Icomefromatownin North Dublin called Balbriggan. Yes both are still alive and I have a good relationship with both.
I lived here all my life, from my teens I lived with my Dad. I am really really close to my Da ( Dad- Irish slang), he’s an absolute hero! He really hates the trance music and has no choice to put up with it or not! So much so, that I nearly got him sent to jail for a week, if my music was not turned down. Our next door neighbours brought us to court for environmental pollution.
I was only 16 and had just got my turntables. We nearly sold our house because my neighbours were nutters! It’s a good long story, but that’s the jist of it! We made three national newspapers and got a good mention! I am quite proud that I kept the music up, and we still live beside our dear neighbours
What music did you hear as teenager? Who was your idol?
When I was growing up, my brother was also a DJ, he loved a lot of progressive trance and house, with the likes of Sasha & Digweed and the likes of Eric Morillo and James Zabeila. I got into this in my teens and I loved this. When I was 14 I started listening to hard house, hard trance and trance. I got my decks when I was 15 for Christmas and I got a part time job in the supermarket near where I live.
What was your first single/album you bought with your own money?
Each week I got paid I used to make the trip into town to go listen and buy vinyl’s in Abbey Discs in the city centre. One of the first tracks I remember buying was ‘Heavens Cry – Till Tears Do Us Part’
One of the lads in my estate Karl Davis, gave me over a big bag of vinyls to have a mix with and also gave me a Technics professional scratch mixer. I was in awe of him! Gent!
Other memorable tunes I always remember was getting Tiesto – Traffic and Motorcycle – As The Rush Comes. These two tunes were my first proper beat match.
What was your first concert ? Do you remember your first visit at a disco/club? Which club was it? What happened on this night?
The first proper rave I went to was Godskitchen in the Point depot, Dublin. I remember it was October 19th, but I can’t remember the year, I was 15 – so do the maths. It was unreal, I seen Lisa Lashes, Scott Project, Ricky Effe + more! When I seen Lisa Lashes, I was like... Who is she?!? I want to be behind the decks just like her! From then on, I decided, that’s the side of the decks I want to be on!
Can you read music? Do you have a musical education? How did you become a DJane?
No I am terrible! I cannot read music, I cannot sing, I am more of a geeky girl. I like software and hardware.
I used to go to a DJ society in college and play the decks and also hassled a few of the lads to teach me how to mix. Shout out to Alex Ryan and Conall O’Cofaigh!
I got my first proper gig in my hometown from a guy called Adam Marry, I played at a night called Undergroud in May 2009. I had spent a season in Ibiza in 2008 but I had stopped playing the decks as the trouble I had with my neighbours. When I came home from
Ibiza, I decided this is what I really really want to do. After my gig in May, I went to spend another season in Ibiza. On the first night my friends dragged me down to Tropi and I played the decks for the whole night. I used to always play there each week or every few days. I brought my CDjs to Ibiza with me and played everyday at house parties etc.
That summer, I got a gig in Charlys Angelz with Vicky Devine and also got to play in Eden with the likes of Daniel Kandi and Leon Boilier. Not too shabby!
What do you think about DJ'ing with vinyl on, CDJ's, DJing with computerized systems (Traktor, Rekordbox dj, Serato)?
I use reckordbox for my USBs now, but I am not too familiar with the other programs, to mix. I prefer some CDj’s and USBs, its grand and handy for travelling!
I started dabbling in the production around 2010/11, I still have a long way to go with the production but I feel its definitely improving and it’s a continuous learning curve. This year is all about upping my game and increasing my knowledge for making music.
My first producing equipment was fruity loops back in the day, I was only around 17. I then moved on to Cuebase and have been using it ever since. I use Abelton for creating my podcast / radio show.
What was your first release, and when?
My frist release was a track called Badush. It was released on Detox. Mark Sherry pushed for this release and helped me get it out there. It got great support, from the likes of John O’Callaghan in Cream Amnesia plus more!
On which DJ-performance you are very proud of?
I think one moment that really stands out for me was my gig in Privilege, in Ibiza earlier this year. I was opening up the night and I went to the club early. It gave me time to relax and take it all in that I was playing in Privillge (The Worlds Largest Club).
I was also on the same line up as one of my idols, Paul Oakenfold. I was pinching myself, as Ibiza has a really special place in my heart and it made me realise (not to sound big headed) but how far I come. So it really felt like a proud moment for me.
Everybody can see that you are a sexy- funky young woman! How would you describe your style? What are your favorite brands?
Lol, erm, thanks I suppose! No I just got a photoshoot done for my press pics and the pics turned out brilliant. I had to drink some wine to relax me, it’s not my thing at all!
I would describe myself and a bit of a funky chick. I love crazy leggings and shopping! My favourite brand is Blackmilk Clothing. The leggings are amazing! I like to treat myself to the odd pair. I love just the general girly shops, River Island, Pennys, etc. Nothing too high end!
I know you love Ibiza! How often did you play on Ibiza, and when? What Party, radioshow or event? What are your plans for Ibiza2016?
Well heres my Ibiza vacations! 2007 – 1 trip
2008 – 3 months
2009 – 3 months
2010 – 4 months 2011 – 3 trips 2012 – 2 trips 2013 – 3 trips 2014 – 4 months 2015 – 2 trips
I think its safe to say, I love Ibiza! It is my second home, I have made so many close friends for life here. I associate, great music, great vibes, amazing food and wonderful people with Ibiza! It’s sheer bliss!
2016, I will be sure to be back for at least 2 trips, its early days yet, so I am not sure exactly when. I hope to get some of the HeavensGate live shows in, they are so much fun!
I love so much places to eat in Ibiza, but I always go back to my precious ‘The Golden Buddha’. Its located at the end of the Sunset strip in San Antonio, it’s the perfect place for tapas, cocktails and sunsets. I reccomed the potatos bravas, garlic prawns and nachos. All hand in hand with an exquisite strawberry daiquiri.
I have seen you first time you have played at NatureOne2015. How did you feel before, during and after your performance? Is there a follow up at NatureOne2016?
It was amazing!! I had such a good time over there. The festival was so well organised. I went to the festival that day and I think my set wasn’t until 4 in the morning, so I got to check out a few sets before it. Myself and Alex Ryan were going from stage to stage and somehow managed to eat 5 hotdogs and drink a copious amount of vodka and red bull! My set went really well, the crowd were really up for it. I hope to be back in 2016!
You have a own radio-show on ah.fm: MAGNETIC ... When did you start this show? How did it happen?
I started this 3 years ago, I loved making mixes and going hunting for tracks. The only thing I hated was the talking part, as I hate the sound of my own voice. I am sure everyone can relate to this at some stage! I’m not sure the number of fans, but I hit all platforms from Afterhours FM, Soundcloud, Podomatic, iTunes. There are some great fans of the show, who dedicate their time to listen each month, so it really makes it worthwhile to know they are enjoying the music selection and tracks.
Can you tell us something about your upcoming DJ-bookings? Releases? Remixes? Colaborations? ETC.
I am playing in Dublin in April for the Trance is Here brand, and working hard along with Woody to secure some exciting bookings internationally. Musically, I have just had one new track signed. I am finishing up on what I believe to be one of my biggest tracks to date. I am doing a remix and another new vocal original. All shall be revealed in due course. It’s all very exciting!
Connect:
FB: http://www.facebook.com/MariaHealydj Booking:
contact@musicandartist.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaHealydj Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/mariahealy Beatport: http://dj.beatport.com/mariahealy
Words By Andreas Duffel
Pic By Rara Photography
_________________________________________________
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 31