Amber D has been described as the UK’s most promising female dj for good reason. Known for her tight hard as nails mixing, the 22 year old from Staffordshire has been named a Mixmag Future Hero for the second year in a row and has upcoming gigs at The Netherlands’ Dance Valley, Godskitchen Global Gathering, Creamfields and Extreme Euphoria in Ibiza. She’s now turning her talents to production, and as a classically trained pianist who’s recently completed the BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology with distinction, we predict things are really going to take off for her in 2005!
So...what’s been happening over the last year?
I’ve been doing a lot more production work and have been in the studio with Paul Maddox, Ben Kaye, Lee Pasch, Ingo and Colin Barratt. There’s also been a few compilation cds including Magna Live, Keep It Tidy 4 and Hard Dance Republic.
What are your greatest achievements so far?
Well I never thought I’d be a dj, so everything that’s happened just keeps getting better and better! Every time I go to another country or a new compilation comes along, it’s always just ‘wow!’
What has been your favourite gig?
All the Tidy ones! The Magna events because of their sheer scale, the pyrotechnics used, the decorations, the lighting rigs… and of course the Weekenders: where else can you meet loads of Tidy clubbers and have three days of it!
Who are your musical role models and inspirations?
I’m classically trained so I always have that with me for inspiration. Role models would be Andy Farley for production and BK for djing. My other favourite producers are Nick Rowland, BK, Ingo, Colin Barratt and Paul Maddox. I love a lot of varied types of music, rock & breaks, The Streets. I don’t listen to a lot of hard dance at home unless it’s a demo, as I don’t want to get bogged down with one kind of music.
Dreams for the future?
To produce on my own. I’m in the middle of moving and my new house will have a studio. One day I’d like to do an Amber D night like TaraTime. I’m hoping to set up an Australian tour for the end of year, I’d love that! I’ve also got a second meeting soon with Radio 1. I’m trying not to get too excited until I see anything in black & white though. As you get promised a lot in this industry, I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground!
What are your views on women in the industry?
It may’ve been harder for women before but it’s not as hard now. There’s so many girls into the scene now it’s not a novelty any more. You need to be as good as the lads!
Do you mind being typecast as a porn star on Tidy TV?
The porno was just a bit of a laugh. I’ve always wanted to be a porn star so I had my chance!
What do you think of women djs having plastic surgery to get ahead?
I’ve never seen it as a problem if people get things done. When I get older I might. If there’s something you can do about it, then it’s a good thing to do. The women in the scene who have done it have done it for themselves.
How did you choose the tracks on the Hard Dance Republic compilation?
It was hard as I didn’t get much time - I was only told two weeks before it was due in! But I get a lot of stuff sent to me now so I don’t have to hunt for it. I put a message on msn asking for new tracks and Tidy and Hit Mania dealt with the rest. Most of the tracks I wanted went on.
What’s new on the production front?
There’s going to be an Amber D EP out in the not too distant future. It’s still on the drawing board but I’ve got two of the four tracks needed already. I’ve pencilled time in the studio with Nick Sentience and James Lawson.
You’ve been playing out since 2001. Has your style changed since then?
It’s changed quite a bit. I started with a more bouncy style, but as the music’s changed within hard dance so the techier stuff is now more dominant.
What are your favourite tracks at the moment?
Nick Rowland - Rock the Place
A.D. & Colin Barratt - Voodoo
Rumble & Paul Maddox - Party People
Check out www.amberd.co.uk for the latest news.
Top pic www.ben-thomas.com
