words: JT

Miss Honey Dijon

Honey Dijon is one of the most in demand DJs spinning on the international club scene today. Now Based in New York, Miss Dijon’s recent gigs for such clients as Visionaire, Hermes, Chloe, the CFDA Awards, Loewe, Narcisco Rodriquez and other global tastemakers are making her one of the most sought after DJs for top fashion calendar events. Other headlining appearances include Berlin's Love Parade, Respect is Burning in Paris and the annual Miami Winter Music Conference in Miami.

KLUBLIFE: Where have you been recently DJ wise?

HONEY DIJON: I've had a very crazy schedule this year. In the last six months I have been to Isreal, France, Belguim, London, Mexico, and too many places in Canada to mention. I also have upcoming dates in Croatia, Ibiza and a far east tour.

KL: What was the biggest thing to hit dance music in your mind over the last twelve months?

HD: Well I guess the thing that has had the most impact would file sharing of tracks between people. That has really affected dance labels and artists. People don't realize if labels aren't making money they can’t pay the artists who make the music and therefore you will see a lot less quality being put out because at the end of the day creative people want to be able to live off their work.

KL: Declining record sales, reduced DJ'offers, less gigs, more fusion sounding records… what trends do you see in the music?

HD:  As far as less gigs I would tend to say you still have the same amount of gigs just for less money. It’s not like when I used to play raves where you could spin for one hour or two and make that night what now takes two or three gigs to make. It's a different climate now.  You have to hustle a little more now. As far as musical trends, acid house is really making a comeback. It's a response to house-heads taking what was left of electro to the next level.

KL: What got you into the scene to even start DJ'ing & Producing? Give our readers some background and history on your rise!

HD: Well I was always so in love with dance music from the moment I heard it that I promised that I would make it my life's mission. I was born and raised in Chicago, which is a very musical city. Not only the birthplace of House but a lot of Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Industrial music comes from there. That's why whenever you hear a Chicago DJ you get such a musical spectrum because all that music cross pollinates in Chicago. I wouldn't trade my formative years for nothing. But I started DJ'ing because when I moved to NYC everything was so segregated musically. You had to go to this club for soulful things or that club if you wanted to hear more progressive joints. In Chicago we played a track based on how good it was not what genre it fell into. So I started DJ'ing cause I wanted to share with people some of the magical moments I had on the dancefloor. That is why I became a DJ.  Producing was just the next organic step to express those moments once again.

KL: Do you do anything outside of the business that would be interesting to our readers… anything juicy?

HD: What do I do? Eat, have sex, go shopping, have sex, eat, go shopping. Did I mention sex? Oh and lots of yoga! Have to stay supple for sex. And I'm starting to make clothes. Fashion is my other passion.

KL: Where do you see the whole Dance Music scene heading… what are your predictions?

HD: Well I think we have not yet seen the impact of the digital revolution yet. The way we purchase music, enjoy and also experience it. We as DJ's are in a great position because we usually embrace different formats before most people. That to me is part of our jobs is to continually push the envelope. But we have to find a solution to the file sharing. Because it really is going to affect not only labels and artists, but clubbers as well.


KL: You’re stranded on an island, what 5 tunes would you have with you?

HD: My favorite 5 tunes would be:
1. Mesopotamia : the b52's
2. Go bang: dinosaur l
3. Stay free: ashford and simpson
4. Blackbird: the beatles
5. Welcome to the pleasuredome: frankie goes to hollywood

KL: What music outside of Club Music do you listen to and what are some of the artists/producers that you are into?

HD: My god I listen to absolutely everything but my favorites would be George Duke, Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan, Wings, Elton John, Steely Dan, Toto, Missy Elliot, Rashaan Patterson, Nitzer Ebb, Talking Heads, Cherelle, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Biggie, De La Soul, Prince, Sade, Iggy Pop, Aaliyah, Beyonce,  Led Zepplin, Grace Jones, James Mason. I could go on forever!

KL: Memories of Industry… what are they? Fondest memory?

HD: My fondest memory was the very first time I played. They would bring you through the back entry way onto the stage and I just remember the heat and the excitement and the energy of the room. I had complete butterflies in my stomach and I hadn't even hit the stage yet. It was magical. I had to go on after Derrick Carter which was an honor and a blessing. All I can say is amazing.

KL: Production wise what do you have going on?

HD: Well I have done some remixes on Classic and 'MFF'(music for freaks). I just finished a remix for 'The Greens-keepers' and I've done bits for local kids in NYC. I also run a label called peaches and I had a mix CD come out this spring. Right now I am working on an EP for classic.

KL: What are you excited about the future of the business? Anything that stands out for you?

HD: I'm just most excited to keep playing and sharing music with others. No matter how many years I rack up doing this its still like the first time everytime I step behind the decks. Its a blessing to be able to do this and I feel fortunate enough live in the world as a creative person. I also look forward to getting laid as much as possible!

KL: If you could change anything about the business what would it be?

HD: Egos and jealousy. That shit is just not called for. And filtered house tracks. Enough already!

KL: Can you give our readers any insight on the biz or words of wisdom?
HD: Well, the best wisdom I can give is to follow your heart, pay your dues, do your homework and have passion and drive and desire. What you put out into the universe is what you get back. Lord knows that I love to put out! Ha ha ha ha!
 
Although she spins a distinct Chicago sound with inflections of the deep New York Underground, Miss Honey prides herself on a style that is all her own. In fact, Honey is one of the few DJs in recent years to defy pigeon-holing. She draws from a wide repertoire of musical styles - from old school Chicago house, disco, tech-house, tribal, funk, soul and r&b. As a gifted and experienced DJ, Honey knows how to manipulate any crowd. Whether she is easing them into a trancey vibe with the dark sounds of techno or lifting them up with pumping house, she knows how to rock a party.
 
A native of the windy city, Honey was first inspired by the legendary house sounds of such DJ pioneers as Ron Hardy, Derrick Carter, Mark Farina and Frankie Knuckles. When she moved to New York in the mid-90's, Honey became great friends with even more influential DJs including the amazing Danny Tenaglia, who finally urged her to get behind the decks. Seducing clubgoers with her unique sound all over the world, she is becoming a must-see DJ in many cities. "I like to keep the focus on the music", Miss Honey says. "My style is a blend of all genres, but instead of looking to the past, it's all about the future."
 
Look for Honey's upcoming releases on Classic/Plastic Records from the UK, and other major labels. Honey will be appearing at this summer's Industry Reunion 'Summer Magic' Sunday August 1st at the Docks nightclub. Check out www.industryreunion.com for more information.