Skiddle.com Resident DJ of the Year Winner Announced!

Skiddle are delighted to announce that the winner of the Skiddle.com Resident DJ of the Year is Ginny K!

Lancaster based Ginny K beat hundreds of entries from all over the country to make it to the final of the competition at The Wickerman Festival in July.

She then smashed the final, beating Manchester DJ Euphonique in a fiercely contested DJ competition in the Skiddle tent at the Wickerman’s Bass Camp arena.

As well as winning the coveted title of ‘Skiddle.com Resident DJ of the Year’, Ginny K has won a management consultation with Connected DJs, a marketing masterclass with Sonny Wharton and a studio tutorial with Ant Brooks.

Listen to Ginny K’s brand new mix on her Skiddle DJ profile here.

We caught up with the lady herself to find out what winning the title means to her.

How and when did you first get into DJing?

I have always loved house music, but I first wanted to be a DJ after seeing Lisa Lashes in Eden, Ibiza in 2003. I had never been to a huge club before and I was in awe of how she controlled the room with her music, and her obvious passion for her work! The energy in the place was incredible and I wanted to experience that from the other side of the decks, with music I had chosen. So I bought some cheap belt-drive decks as soon as I got home, and pretty much taught myself from books and the internet. I didn't play out until a few years later, after gaining confidence from a short course at Manchester MIDI school.

How did it feel to win the Skiddle.com Resident of the Year DJ competition?

Absolutely amazing! I feel so fortunate to have won the title and the fantastic prizes! It has come along at a perfect time in my DJing/producing career, and it's always great to get validation from others that you're on the right path.

What kind of set did you play on the day at Wickerman?

I tried to keep it techy and upbeat, bringing in samples and vocals that people recognise (I reckon everyone always loves a bit of something they know). I wanted to keep it strong, build it up gradually, and warm up the people for the Organic DJs, Sonny, Ant and the other DJs who smashed it for the rest of the evening! What a wicked night it was!

The prize included a consultation with Connected DJs, a marketing masterclass with Sonny Wharton and a studio tutorial with Ant Brooks. Have you had these yet?

Not yet, but I am soooo looking forward to it! I have lots of questions for each of them, and have started writing them down so I don't forget ha ha.

You've played at some great events since you started DJing in 2003. What have been your career highlights so far?

I have loved the whole journey so far and there have been lots of highlights! I love playing local gigs with the promoters such as the Stylus DJs and Fallback Productions, 'cause you can't beat the atmosphere. Playing in Ibiza at The Orange Corner was a significant moment, as it's the spiritual home of dance music and the place I first realised I wanted to be a DJ. Warming up for, and meeting Yousef was another highlight. He also proved to me that you can be at the top of your game, and still be a lovely, grounded person. I had my first track "Veena" signed with Axis Trax recently so that was definitely a special moment, and also won a remix competition with Prime Loops and www.trackitdown.net. And of course the Wickerman Festival... and many more. I have been one lucky lady!

What advice would you give to people just starting out as a DJ?

It seems strange when people ask me for advice, but flattering too. From my experience, there are a few things I have learnt. Firstly put the time in to practice, learn new skills, and set yourself new challenges. Secondly, get out there and meet people. I have met loads of fantastic people through DJing, and dance music is all about being part of a community. Find people you can go to for support or advice, but also aim to give support to others where you can. It's all about team work! And mostly, have fun! Remember that you're doing it because you love music (if that is the reason you're doing it ha ha). It's easy to get dragged into the politics of it all sometimes, but stay true to the passion you have for the tunes, and enjoy every experience it brings you.

What does the next year hold for Ginny K?

I'm not sure to be honest, but I'm really excited to find out! These last 12 months especially, have been brilliant and such a learning curve. I really want to get more into producing, and get some more Ginny K tunage out there. But mainly to play in as many places as possible, and get people on those dancefloors!

Thanks Ginny, and congratulations!

Find out more about Ginny K at her Skiddle DJ Profile page here, and visit her website at www.ginnyk.co.uk