I haven’t had a twenty minute tea break for a while, so what better way to start than with a local DJ who is like a breath of fresh air. She’s a HomoElectric resident, has a Podcast series entitled ‘Breeze Bloc’ (not to be confused with Mary Anne Hobbs) and has already rolled her production sleeves up. She’s open, warm, honest, talented and great fun to bounce around a party with. DMCWORLD welcomes the lovely Gina Breeze…
Hello Gina, thank you for joining me for this sneaky tea break…how do you take yours and what biscuits would you like on your saucer?
Thanks for having me! Well, being from Yorkshire, I love a good brew! So…give it the magic three minutes, little bit of milk (sweet enough) and I’m partial to the solider of all biscuits, chocolate hob nob. Dunk…me…again!
I first saw you mixing at the Refuge soft launch party and HomoElectric on the Gay Pride weekend – you looked like you were having a lot of fun behind those there decks. It set me thinking: Who are you and exactly which planet have you landed from?
I was born over the hills in Barnsley and have been playing music for around 8/9 years. I was lucky enough to start my first Residency for the legendary Leeds club night, SpeedQueen in 2008. I’ve lived in Manchester for the last 5 years, and have to say, I love this city. Mancunians are the salt of the earth for me, proper characters with big hearts. I’ve made so many good friends here from the music scene and been to some of the best parties. There is a real buzz about the city, especially for electronic music. It’s great to be in the heart of it.
How would you describe your sound and style of playing in 10 words?
Stomp ready house, sweaty warehouse style. Played with passion!
You are already producing music – fresh out of the traps – and have releases on an enviable list of labels. Tell me a little about your journey into sound production and about your latest EP – Crystal Black.
I started producing about 3/4 years ago after taking a 6 month course at Sheffield College of Music. I always wanted to make my own music but had to get to grips with the technology side so bought my first MacBook and have never looked back! My latest E.P is with NYC based Get Up Recordings, these guys released my first E.P in 2015 and I am super happy to be working closely with them. The E.P has Disco Hoe & Crystal Black with remixes from label boss Jeremy Pelser & Michael Magnan. My particular favourite track is Crystal Black, this is dark & ravey, works a treat on a late night/early morning set. The remix from Michael is awesome too!
You’ve played in New York recently? How did that come about? Who else was on the bill? And what is it about New York that makes you buzz so much?
I did play in New York and was invited by Michael Magnan. After remixing ‘Crystal Black’ he got in touch. It was myself, Michael and DONKEY on the lineup, and the night was hosted by a whole bunch of outrageous drag queens, alongside the fabulous, LadyFag. The venue 11:11 was super cool, it was Halloween weekend so the costumes were ridiculous. I played a late set in the basement, heavy NYC vibes. Couldn’t get enough! It was also my first time in New York and it was incredible. We caught Honey Dijon & The Carry Nation on the Sunday night at LadyFag’s other weekly party, Battle Hymn.
I have heard that a family that plays together raves together. How far is this true of your current adoption by Luke and Justin Unabomber; the Homoelectric and Electriks family?
I am over the moon to be part of this family. Truly genuine people, making waves across Manchester. The Refuge is an absolute gem, and playing for HomoElectric is a dream come true. Warehouse gritty goodness with an alternative crowd, who are there to get sweaty and dance! So much love for everyone involved and excited to be a part of it.
We were rocking hard to a Steffi track that Will Tramp played at the last HomoElectric party at Hidden in Manchester Is she one of your DJ influences / heroines? Why? And are any other DJs rocking your world today?
I do like Steffi. My main influences DJ wise are The Black Madonna & Heidi. I feed off their energy and love how the sets are fun. Production wise, I LOVE Miss Kittin & Ellen Allien.
There’s been an alien landing and you are Manchester’s designated tour guide. Where would you take the aliens for…
a) Music shopping : Eastern Bloc.
b) Fish and chips and early evening entertainment : Bit much before a night out, would pop to Northern Soul for Mac & Cheese instead.
c) Clubbing : HomoElectric (Obvs).
d) Afterparty : All danced out after Homo.
e) Sunday roast ? Electrik, for a big sharing feast.
It’s holiday time – where do you go to feel that summer breeze on your face?
Barcelona! The best of the city & the beach. Full summer breeze on your face! Had the best time at Sonar Festival this year.
You’ve a thirst like a parched flower in the desert do you reach for a Bacardi Breezer or J2O?
The clue’s in the name, have to say Breezer.
If you were a physical breeze would you rather blow through Christmas Trees covered in snow or Palm trees bleached by sunshine? Why?
100% sunshine. The sun makes everyone happy.
Christmas three – can I have your three favourite classic Christmas tunes?
My girlfriend’s been banging out Christmas tunes since November, I’m all Christmas’ed out!
I feel your pain. Then what three tracks are rocking in your vinyl box of tricks or on your memory stick right now?
My absolute FAVE at the moment is Dennis Ferrer – Bubbletop (DF’s Bubble Wrapped Mix).
Eats Everything – Veronica Electronica.
Jesse Perez – Fake.
Where can we hear you playing out next?
My next gig will be at the Refuge, then HomoElectric back at Hidden on 11th Feb. To find out more, here are my links:
ginabreeze.com
soundcloud.com/ginabreeze
residentadvisor.net/dj/ginabreeze-uk
Podcast: https://itun.es/gb/nrNx_.
facebook.com/ginabreezemusic
twitter.com/GinaBreezeDJ
mixcloud.com/Missbdj/
And finally what are your intentions, plans and hopes for 2017?
Early 2017 I have a remix scheduled for release on Chris Massey’s Sprechen label. I am going to be playing in New York again so can’t wait for that. A few more gigs outside the UK would be ace as the one I just had was my first! Watch this space for more new music too!
