For those who don’t know you, tell us a little about yourself, where you are from, and how you first got into dance music.
I was born in a town called Scunthorpe in the north of England. I have 2 older brothers Nathan & Michael who had a pair of 12/ 10’s and a stack of records. This is where I was introduced to many styles of underground and electronica, House, DNB, Techno, Acid Jazz, Boogie and more!
How long have you been a singer? Tell me a little about your singing career.
Hmm..I’ve been singing as long as I can remember. I wrote, sang and Nath recorded my first song at about 18 months old!!
When I was 7 I started dancing at Kimberley School of Dance in Scunthorpe where Singing was just as prominent and important as the dance aspect. My mother was my mentor, travelling with me the length and breadth of the UK for 8 years traveling to dance festivals competing.
At 15 I was accepted into a prestigious Dance College in London ‘Performers Dance College “. It was here that I first had professional one to one singing lessons with the finest voice coaches in the West End.
By this time I was very much a house music lover and had some great nights out at Ministry of Sound and many more nights that are all a bit blurry now I’m afraid to say haha.
How did you get into dance music? What drew you to the scene?
In the early 90’s my brother Nathan set up a national Import – Export promotion and distribution company in Leeds UK, specialising in House & Techno where I was introduced to NYC labels Strictly Rhythm, Nervous Records, King Street Sounds, Victor Simonelli’s label Baseline, Henry Street and Chicago labels, Cajual Records, Relief, Balance, Prescription, Guidance as well as the finest techno from Detroit. Red Planet and Underground Resistance & Kenny Dixon Soul City.
I was literally a kid in a sweet shop, running up and down the aisles of vinyl, selecting records and listening to the sounds of the underground.
I moved to Leeds in 2001 and naturally started going out to underground house events, networking and making waves. I met the legend Dave Beer at Back 2 Basics which led to a Live PA alongside Chicago DJ Justin Long, Layo & Buswaka and Paul Woolford performing “I Believe” by Soldiers Of Twilight. I’ve been so lucky to sing for such an eclectic array of artists over the years, E.Smoove, Kenny Dope and Victor Simonelli being at the top of my highlights.
Where do you live? How is the dance music scene where you live?
I still live in Leeds. The scene is still thriving with plenty of venues although sadly some of the legendary venues I used to go to and perform at have closed. Mint Club, The Church, Music Factory, Town House, Stinkys have all gone but Mint Warehouse, Leeds Warehouse and lots of new venues are still going strong and we virtually have house music most nights of the week.
What is the first album or piece of music you bought for yourself?
The first album I bought was the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by American singer and rapper Lauryn Hill. It was released on August 25, 1998 and is still one of my favourites today.
If you had to recommend one album for someone looking to get into dance music, what would it be?
The first DNB album I ever heard which made a huge impact on my musical journey is Adam F – Colours. Adam F – Colours (1997, CD) – Discogs featuring the classic track “Circles” which is undeniably one of the best DNB tracks of its time.
Peace, Love, Unity, Respect (P.L.U.R.) vol.1– out on S&S Chicago which features my release with Frankstar “Let’s Talk About It” DJ Skip & Zonum remix.
Finest NY House 2022, Pt. 2 out on King Street Sounds & features my release with Italian producer R3V3S “Wishful Thinking” Zetbee Remix.
Antonello Ferrari & Aldo Bergamasco Presents The Finest Side Of The Music Vol.2
Out on Sunflowermusic Records and features 4 of my releases on their label. ‘People Hold On’ which we had a traxsource Overall number 1 with in 2021, ‘Never Give Up’, ‘I’m in Heaven’ and ‘Different World’.
What is the best/most exciting thing happening in house music?
For me the most exciting thing about house music at this time is the amount of brilliant up and coming producers and vocalists emerging, many of whom my brother and I have secured releases for our label CLUB TOGETHER MUSIC.
What is your favorite place to listen to and experience dance music?
I love to go out to the clubs and experience the love of house with like-minded people who appreciate it like I do. I listen to house music pretty much every single day in all honesty! Podcasts, radio shows, new music I get sent for collabs and artists music we sign to our label.
Who are some of your favorite DJs? Who are some of your favorite producers?
In my early twenties I went to see Theo Parrish play at Mint Club. He was absolutely on fire on the decks, incredible energy and his selection of tunes and mixing was flawless. I saw him a number of times and hence why my second born son was named Theo. In 2015 at Dimensions Festival in Croatia, 2015 I was introduced to him after his set and told him the story of my sons name. He was absolutely blown away!
Who has been your greatest mentor? Your greatest inspiration?
My greatest mentor growing up was my mother Nicola Ward who sadly passed when I was 18. Nathan, my eldest brother / DJ and co- label owner, has most definitely been my mentor and biggest fan since our mum passed.
Do you feel satisfied with the role of women in dance music?
Although it is still very much a male dominated industry, I do see lots of women surfacing as DJs, producers and vocalists, which is amazing.
As a woman in the dance music industry, do you feel that you have been given the same opportunities as your male peers? Do you think that women are adequately represented at festivals?
As far as I’m concerned, I’ve had lots of opportunities, but it is a very competitive and male oriented industry. I’ve been fortunate due to my brother’s knowledge of the industry and, acting as an agent for me, he was able to make contact with producers and promoters for me that may not have been possible. Strong, good guidance is vital especially for up and coming artists that are not as involved in the scene and that is what Nath and I hope to do for our Club Together Music Artists.
It’s wonderful to see so female DJs on the lineup but I do feel there is a lack of PAs which is frustrating when we as the vocalists are making the music for the DJs to play out. More live PAs at festivals 100% please.
Who are some of the women of dance music that you look up to?
Kathy Brown, Cece Peniston, Erykah Badu, Venessa Jackson, Karmina Dai, Anaya Day, Lisa Shaw, Hannah Khemoh, Ursula Rucker, Rona Ray.
How do you feel the dance music industry could improve in its treatment of/attention to female artists?
I’ve been treated very well by all the producers and promoters I’ve met. I have good relationships with all my producers, so I’m not sure how this could improve.
Where is your favorite place to hear house music, past or present?
I still really like going to club nights but these days I mostly tune in to house music radio stations such as www.NDC.co.uk, Jon Manley House Works on D3EP and various other stations and mixes I get sent from other DJs that support my music.
What – or who – are you currently listening to?
I listen to a wide variety of music! From hip hop to jazz, Funk, Soul… No one particular artist and too many to say!
Where are you in the world right now and what are you up to?
I’m in Leeds. I work as a dance and vocal coach at a number of stage schools across the city. I’m in the studio recording new material most weeks and working on the label projects with my brother Nathan.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I honestly don’t know where I’ll be, but I’m enjoying the journey so far and looking forward to what the future holds. I take each day as it comes and feel content with where I’m at right now.
Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
I’ve got some exciting projects to be released this year including a collab with Angelo Ferreri, Antonello Ferrari & Aldo Bergamasco, T. Markakis and more. I’m also supporting Victor Simonelli at a festival in June which I’m really looking forward to and should be absolutely awesome!