Heidi - Jackathon

Heidi's rise from Windsor resident to global DJ with a home on BBC Radio 1 via Soho's Phonica Records and the Get Physical label is well documented.  The first lady of tech-based funk has just launched her Jackathon night and album and tells Helen S what's in store for her over the next couple of months.

Heidi on Pulse

Pulse:  Hey Heidi, where are you right now?  Heidi:  I'm sitting on my couch in my flat. Which is very rare these days.

You've just launched the Jackathon concept, tell us a bit about it. It was a concept that came about in 2009. I wanted to bring what I did on my radio show to the clubs. A mixed bag of musical funk. I just asked artists and producers that I admired to play alongside me and have an "anything goes" night. I approached many of the clubs I regularly play at and asked them if they would be interested in doing a night that i curated and most of them jumped at the chance. The nights have been a huge success so I thought why not get together something for the fans and people who have supported me from the beginning. Hence the Jackathon compilation was born. I asked a bunch of people to make me an exclusive track and they all delivered serious bombs. I couldn't be happier. It was a great challenge to sort of go in blindfolded as I didn't know what they were going to sound like. I had an idea as I asked people whose music i was familiar with. It was just a great experience to be part of.

Over the last ten years you've flitted from Detroit to London to Berlin- where are you seeing the most interesting stuff musically at the moment? There is alot of great music and DJ's coming from the UK lately. It seems England is having a revival. They are churning out killer tracks. Labels like Futureboogie and Hot Creations for example are rockin' my world. The funk is back.

What's been your highlight of the summer so far? There have been many. The majority of my summer has been one big highlight, to be honest. This job is one big highlight. But if I was to pick one I would say my CD release party at Watergate club in Berlin last month. It was mind blowing. I have been playing there since 2005 and this night was electric. The energy in the club was so intense, totally packed. People on top of other people's shoulders. Playing back 2 back with Lauhaus upstairs and then finishing off the night/morning/afternoon playing back 2 back with my friendly giant Solomun. People were singing along to tracks with no vocals, if that makes sense. I really felt like all my hard work had started to pay off. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

What's the tune that will always get you up on the dancefloor? Anything off of Prince's Purple Rain album. My all time favourite.

And which tune never fails for you as a DJ? Innercity- Big Fun.  A true classic in every sense of the word.

In 2008 you joined the Radio 1 family, how did that change the game for you? It gained me more recognition in the UK. Before that show I didn't really play in the UK very much. I played everywhere else, but now I have an over abundance of gigs here. It's one of of my favourite places to play. The crowds here are like nowhere else I have been. I would like to chalk it up to their knowledge and history of electronic music and the fact that they have a neverending supply of good drugs. Its apparent when you look out from the booth and on to the dancefloor. They are dancing and screaming and smiling. No chin strokers in sight (well, not the parties I play!).

You recently released your Jackathon compilation, any more plans to release your own productions? At the moment I don't have anytime as my touring schedule is full on. I'm not really a producer, I need help and time and at the moment I have neither of those. Maybe when things cool off a bit I will try but i'm really happy just travelling the world, playing music and meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.

Who do you most enjoy playing alongside? Many people. Usually the ones who don't take themselves too seriously and are there for the right reasons- to make people dance and smile, that's our job. If I was to pick a few people I would have to say Soul Clap, I love those guys. They are truley genuine and I feel like a million bucks when we hang and play music together. Solomun because that man is hands down the sweetest man I have ever met and he knows how to work a crowd into a frenzy. Lauhaus because I just love the way he plays house music. Derrick Carter because he lights a fire under my ass and makes me laugh so hard I can't breath and Jamie Jones, because that man plays music that hits me in the right spot over and over again until I'm a puddle on the dancefloor. There are so many more people. I could rant on forever but I leave you with those.

And finally tell us where we can catch you soon. Many many places. My schedule is full on and I'm sure I will be coming to a city near you at some point this year. I'm off to Mexico and Burning Man Festival next, then September is full of Jackathon parties.  Come and shake your ass on the dancefloor!  Over and out.

Check Heidi out here

Heidi on Pulse