Interview Miss Melodie

We speak to the Leeds disk jockey about her school for upcoming talent: Melodies DJ Academy

You are in: Nightlife » Interview »Miss Melodie

Interview: Miss Melodie

What is your background in DJing?

Growing up on a diet of disco I got a big love for music early on. My first 12 inch was ‘Jack Your Body’ and my love for all things house followed! I bought my first set of decks in 1996 and got my first professional DJ gig in 1998 at Mint Club. A residency at the legendary club Speedqueen followed, which I am still playing 11 years on.

What inspired you to start an academy?

I started my academy initially to try and introduce more females into a mainly male dominated industry as I found that was one of my biggest challenges when I started out; proving girls can be just as good! I started out showing my friends and discovered a love for teaching. I wanted a one-to-one academy rather than a class to ensure students got the best out of the sessions and weren’t waiting around for their turn on the decks.

What help do you offer to aspiring DJs?

I focus on bringing confidence out in the students, giving honest and valuable advice about the whole industry to help bring out the best in them in a fun and informal way. All my students have become friends and I am always there to offer advice and help at any time, and of course be there for their first live DJing experience.

What is the secret to becoming a great DJ?

I think you should always believe in yourself and the music you play, as well as being entertaining and understated. That way you will enjoy it and so will the people who are listening to your music.

Have you had any troublesome students?

Never! My students range in age and talent but have all been an absolute pleasure to work with.

What is the most satisfying thing about running these courses?

Running the academy has been the most satisfying thing I have ever done. Watching a complete beginner progress into a fantastic DJ, seeing them living their dream and knowing I’ve helped them achieve that is an amazing feeling.

Have you found much local talent in Leeds?

Definitely! All the students that have completed full courses have gone on to play and hold residences at some of the best clubs in Leeds, including Speedqueen, Glasshouse and Gladrags to name a few. One of my students even went on to play at Glastonbury in 2009, an amazing achievement.

Do you still find time to get out there and DJ in clubs?

I still DJ now and again but I’m spending more time in the studio producing my own music and of course running the DJ and production courses so I don’t have that much time to actually DJ.

What does the future hold for Melodies DJ Academy?

The academy is going from strength to strength with the introduction of one-to-one production courses in Ableton and Logic Pro, for those wanting to move into production with new Apple certified tutors. There are also new courses for beginner and advanced DJs. I hope to be helping to produce some fantastic talent for many years to come.

Melodies DJ Academy, Westfield Road, LS3 1DG, contact info@melodiesdjacademy.co.uk, www.melodiesdjacademy.co.uk

Posted on Wednesday 12th May 2010
SJTB

You are in: Nightlife » Interview »Miss Melodie