Smokin Jo - Headline DJ FF#17
We’re incredibly delighted to have Legendary DJ and producer Smokin Jo headlining our basement for our next Fèmmme Fraîche party at Dalston Superstore on June 30th. We had her play for us before at our Pitch Slap party and she tore the roof off, so it’s a pleasure to invite her to play for us a second time. We had a quick catch up with Jo, to get the lowdown before her forthcoming Fèmmme Fraîche set.
SMOKIN JO INTERVIEW
Hi Jo, thanks for having a chat with us we’re super excited to have you play for us again, this time at our Fèmmme Fraîche party at Dalston Superstore. So let’s start at the beginning, how did you first get into DJ-ing? and how did your first ever DJ set come about?
I was a raver, out every night at all the illegal warehouse parties and the M25 rave circuit. I looked up one day I realised I never saw any women behind the decks, so I thought fuck that, I'm gonna be a DJ.
I was working in Junior Gaultier shop in Soho and spent every last penny on records and saving for my equipment. After about 6 months I got my first gig at Trade, as one of the DJ’s was ill. I was given a residency after that first set.
Incredible! So you’ve been DJ-ing for over 28 years, would you say the music scene, clubs and clubbing has changed much over the years? And if so, what’s the most noticeable differences between when you started and now.
Phones!!!! I think we had it good in the 80’s as it was very rock and roll, we were at the beginning so it was all fresh and the drugs were better, everyone was loved up. Now as clubs went corporate, you have these huge expensive events and everyone is either monged out not dancing or they are on their phones, I find it quite sad.
Exactly, which is why I'm fully behind the 'no phones' rule in some clubs! Now you’ve played at most of the seminal clubs globally, but what would you say was your favourite club to play and what’s been your most memorable gig to date?
Still has to be Space in Ibiza which I played in 93’ and the early days at Trade. The energy and the eclectic mix of people made these nights very special.
You were one of the first globally successful female DJ’s and have inspired many, and we can’t go without mentioning that you are still the only female DJ to have ever won DJ magazines coveted top 100 DJ’s of the year award, which each and every year is always snubbed a little for its lack of female representation. While we’re coming on leaps and bounds, there’s still very much gender disparity in the industry, what more do you think we can do to encourage and nurture more women into the industry?
Yeah it’s a real shame, I think girls/women need to create their own spaces and build their nights/brands themselves, with their own crew, rather than looking for men to book them. Do your own thing. I think DJ/production schools should make more effort to advertise to females.
True indeed! And as we like to support and promote female and female identified artists here at Fèmmme Fraîche, name a few of your favourite female / FI DJ’s and producers you think we should be following or looking out for?
Hannah Holland, Honey Dijon, Nicole Moudaber and The Black Madonna all amazing DJ’s and producers.
Indeed, all top ladies! So what can we expect to hear from you next Saturday at Fèmmme Fraîche?
Some dirty tech house with a few old skool thrown in.
And finally, apart from Fèmmme Fraîche, where else can we see you playing regularly or in the coming months?
Pride Aftershow in Soho, Ibiza for Clockwork Orange, Poolside at Soho House, White City and 9th floor, The Ned Pool party with Kenny Dope Gonzalez, and Club Aquarium.
Incredible. Well thanks for the chat! and for those of you who want a little taster of what's to come Saturday, check out Jo's set recorded live from Space Ibiza June 2016, also follow Smokin Jo on the social links below and come see her play at Fèmmme Fraîche this Saturday
