Interview w/ MISS DIVINE (Defected)

This article is about House Rules w/ MISS DIVINE (Defected) @ PLAN B in London (UK), Sat 07 Mar

We’re on a roll at Plan B, two packed out shows already in 2009, and March promises to be no different. Rising star and Defected first lady MISS DIVINE headlines the main room, bringing her quality sound to the House Rules CDJ’s. We catch up with her for an exclusive interview ahead of her main room debut.

How did you first start DJing?
I started going out when I was quite young so it was in my blood that I wanted to do something within the music industry. I was hooked on raving as soon as I left school so I bought myself some decks and mixed till I was good enough to play out. I actually started mixing Hip Hop and Garage so it took me a little while before I finally saw the light and found House. I entered a DJ comp and won, the rest is history.

Explain your current role with Defected and how you became involved with them?
Currently i'm signed to the artist and management agency. Last year I was working for Defected in Ibiza DJ’ing at the weekly pre parties at mambo’s, playing on Ibiza Global radio and distributing all the Defected promos to DJ’s all over the Island so I guess it was a natural progression to move onto the agency. I’ve supported the label since I first started mixing House so this really is a dream come true for me. This year I will be running the weekly parties at pacha in Ibiza and also playing at pacha on a regular basis.

What advice would you give to budding DJs based on your experiences?
You have to be 110% committed and except that you might have to make some sacrifices along the way. The superstar era is ‘nt going to come around again anytime soon so if that’s what you want from DJ’ing then get out now. Once you get to a professional level there is a lot of hard work involved, you have to constantly stay on top of the game whether that is researching other artists or going out and listening to other DJ’s to get inspiration.. Never take no for an answer and always push yourself to the limit and garb every opportunity given to you with both hands.

Where have been your top 3 most memorable gigs?
Hush in Ibiza, Amnesia in Ibiza, Duel Beat Club, Naples.

What DJ related websites do you currently use and what for?
I regularly use a couple of download sites that I use for sets. Myspace for networking and checking out new and old artists. Facebook for self promotion and events. Radio one always to check out what tracks clubland are loving but I tend to find websites by accident while surfing for non related things which I tend to bookmark then forget about.

Ibiza’s fast approaching, when you think of the white isle what comes to mind?
Mmmm what doesn’t come to mind ;-) Sun, sunsets, House music, after parties, best friends.

Which DJs would you pay money to see and why?
Luciano definitely because he blows me away every time I see him, when he plays back to back with Loco Dice its like being at a concert.

What / who impresses you in club land at the moment?
Defected in the House are really impressing me right now, regardless that I am with them or not. They have just celebrated 10 years of House music and the hype around the label right now is phenomenal. Simon Dunmore had a vision 10 years ago and has driven forward through the ups and downs the house scene has seen over the past few years.

What DJ set up do you have at home?
Technic 1210’s, DJM600 Mixer, CDJ 1000’s.

What are your current top 5 tunes?
Studio Apartment Ft Yasmeen – Sun Will Shine (MK Dub)
Jose Nunez Ft. Shawnee Taylor – Life Goes on
Gabriel Rene Ft. J Soul – Spirit
The Jinks Ft. Carla Prather – Got To Do Better
Black Coffee ft. Bucie - Turn Me on (Jon Kong Rmx

What can the House Rules crowd expect from Miss Divine?
As long as the crowd are open minded and up for a top night then expect some hands in the air action but don’t forget your sunglasses for when it gets a little bit dirtier.

Where can people find out more about you?
Website: www.missdivine.com
Facebook: Sam Divine
MySpace: www.myspace.com/djmissdivine

Miss Divine quick fire questions…

Where’s your favourite London restaurant? S & M Café in Portobello (You cant beat a good old sausage & mash)

Your favourite London club? The End

Favourite colour? Black

Club or festival? Club

Records or CDs? If you asked me that 3 years ago I would have said Records

Favourite DJ related gadget? Macbook Pro

Favourite tube line? The Pink Line