Ministry of Sound Red Sea - Egypt

DJ Miss Kelly Marie Interview

When did you first start DJ’ing and how did it all begin?

"Growing up with my Dad playing bass in a rock band, his love for music and my mums love of 70s and 80s soul and disco were definitely a big influence on me.

I really got addicted to house music around 94 when one of my close friends had always been collecting vinyl then he played me some us imports from artists like Masters At Work that got my vinyl-addiction started.

A friend of mine managed to convince my dad it would make an amazing birthday present to get some decks (I think it was so I could stop going over and using his. grateful to him anyway on my 18th birthday I got hooked up with a set of 1210s and an imitation mixer…

I had no idea at that point it would turn into a full on career jetting across the globe and working with amazing people along the way…"

Best gig of all time, either as DJ / punter, and why?

"Mmm that’s hard as all the gigs I have done stand out for different reasons..  If I had to pick it would have to be a few…

Japan is amazing I loved playing at Air Tokoyo for Hedkandi, the club has a real underground feel, we were totally looked after and the crowd were very cool..

Brazil is amazing, I have played a few times and all events have been amazing I think at sunrise party this year could be one of the biggest events I have done it was an amazing experience to play till sunrise..

New years eve at MOS Egypt this year had I think over 3000 people and a totally up for it crowd. That night is going to stand out to me as we got to perform brand new tracks live with Martay we really enjoyed the response we got and had such a great time.."

Which are you best three clubbing cities / countries worldwide, and why?

"For me it's London, Ibiza and Brazil"

Give us your first impressions of the Ministry of Sound Red Sea venue?

"I was so pleasantly surprised.. to be honest when I was asked to do Egypt I was really interested in going, but had no idea what to expect..

I was really impressed with hugarda, the weather is always hot!!, you have beautiful sea and not forgetting you get to swim dolphins and hang out with camels..

I then didn’t expect to play in a beautiful beach bar with a huge capacity all open air and to meet a warm and lovely family that run the business.."

With Ministry of Sound Red Sea and Hed Kandi Beach Bar both running successfully in Hurghada, Egypt – do you think we could be talking about a serious clubbing destination, either at present or in the near future? If so what else is required?

"I really think a serious clubbing destination can be created it s great place for us Brits in the winter, it still affordable but they need to sort out the flight situation there its enough to put anyone off going.. But I hear easyjet is going to be flying directly, which should hopefully make it as easy as nipping to Ibiza for the weekend…"

What was the team at Ministry of Sound Red Sea like?

"Really love them all!!!, I am always looked after and have a great time when I have been."

How was the actual club-night you played at?

"You have to check out the footage Miko has put together, I played at both Hed Kandi Beach Bar and Ministry The Beach and loved every minute of both of them.

There was a great atmosphere and such a mixed crowd which was good to see in Egypt for New Year.  I also couldn’t ask for more to see about 3000 people still partying at the Ministry before I came on… Thank you groovas.."

What tunes got the biggest reactions on the night?

"We did a lot of our own tracks last time I was at MOS but things that stand out reaction wise was…

Bring Out The Freak ft Martay (MKM & Kosmetiq)
Cloud 9 Over & Over ft Martay - Soul8 Productions
Freak - Sandy Rivera - Defected
Stand Up ft Katherine Ellis - Clarke & Wilder- Hed Kandi
Feel It On The Four ft Martay Wez Clarke & Miss Kelly Marie"

How did the crowd differ from the normal clientele? Their response, musical preferences etc?

"Again every time I have played there has been a real mix of people ie. Locals Europeans Russians etc. musically they seem to go for it all but I would say there is has been more of an electronic influence which makes the Kandi Bar a good influence to bring more soulful music to Egypt. Not everyone wants to listen to just electronic sounds all night.. Do they??"

What other events and projects are in the pipeline for you in the near future?

"I am very much knuckling down this year, I plan to finish of music for High On Heels, a collaboration of talented female artists working together and work more on a live music element.

I will continue to spread the Hedkandi and Stereo Suhi love.. John Jones and myself have a stereo sushi radio show on MoS. So for all you underground people in the house please come show some love on www.MinistryofSound.com/Radio (Sundays 8-10am GMT)"

Visit Kelly MySpace at www.MySpace.com/DJKellyMarie or her check out www.MissKellyMarie.com