Interview: Lisa Lashes

Skiddle chats to the undisputed Queen of the hard dance scene Lisa Lashes ahead of her appearance at Energy Island 2010.

Hi Lisa, how’s 2010 been for you so far?
It’s been great and pretty hectic already! I’ve completed tours of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as well as re-launching my Lashed brand. I’ve also mixed and released an album for Australia, as well as locking myself in my basement to work on my Lashed podcasts which will be launched at the end of April. All very exciting stuff with lots of other projects on the go as well... I don’t think I have ever been so busy!

How do you think the hard dance scene has changed since you broke onto the circuit over a decade ago?
It’s definitely got a lot more diverse, with a wider spectrum of hard dance being played - ranging from tech dance all the way up to hard trance, hard house and hardstyle.

With new sounds of hard dance emerging (hardstyle,hard tech etc) have you embraced new sounds? do you think your style has changed over the years?
Most definitely, I play a much wider range of styles in my hard dance sets ranging from the techy sound up to hard trance and some tracks verging on hardstyle - which is more cross over material as I don’t really play hardstyle in my sets.

more info

You had a hugely successful 2009 which saw you finish high in the DJ Mag top 100. How does it feel to be recognised as the best female DJ in the world?
It's amazing. I have to thank everyone that took the time out to vote for me. I wouldn't be there without the voters.

You’re headlining the forthcoming Energy Island event. Can you let us in on what the crowd can expect from Lisa Lashes?
Lots of fresh upfront hard dance with some new forthcoming releases from my Lashed Music label, including the Lashed Theme & Hold Tight.

Energy Island has some big European headliners such as Showtek, Activator, Kutski. Who are you looking forward to checking out there?
I always love Kutski’s set’s as they are full of energy. I’m also looking forward to seeing Phil York & Dark by Design playback to back. I love their productions when they get together, and they have done a couple of great remixes for my Lashed Music label over the past year which I am still playing out in my sets now!
 

You've had some exiting collaborations over the past couple of years with names such as Alex Kidd, BK and Anne Savage. Have you got any more in the pipeline?
I recently did a collaboration with my good friend and fellow DJ Anne Savage called ‘Release Me’, which is coming out on her Siren Trax label in the very near future.  It’s on a techy vibe, along the lines of our other recent collabs ‘We Come One; & You’re Not Alone’. I’ve also just finished a collaboration with one of my favourite up and coming producers from Australia, a duo called BRK3 who are making some amazing techy sounds at the moment - which is great as it crosses over from trance into hard dance when I start off lighter!

What’s the best thing about being a DJ?
You get to travel to some amazing places and experience lots of different cultures!

What do you like doing away from dance music?
I don’t really get any time off.  If I do, it’s nice to spend it with friends and family to catch up or take my dog fishing at the local reservoir.

Lisa Lashes will be headlining Energy Island 2010 at Anglesey's Mona Show Ground on May 30th. Get your tickets below.

Tickets are no longer available for this event

missed out?