Ministry of Sound Red Sea

DJ Suzee X Interview

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

Well from the moment I first set foot in a nightclub – I lived for the weekends.  I was always the first on the dancefloor and the last sweaty person shouting one more!!!

When I witnessed my first female DJ (Sonique at the MTV Ibiza Music Festival in ‘97/98) I realised that being at the helm wasn’t just a man’s position and the seed was planted!! But I guess it wasn’t until about four years ago that I first had the money to afford the gear and the time to put in the practice. Then, not long after, in fact in a matter of weeks - I had my first gig! Ok it wasn’t anything major – it was about half an hour warming up at my friends’ night in my home town but from the initial moment I stepped behind the decks - I knew this is where I wanted to be!

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

As a punter it was definitely when I first experienced Space in Ibiza – about 10/11yrs ago!  I can’t remember all the DJs that were playing but the music was sooooo right, the people, the sun and the atmosphere was incredible!!  It’s a very special venue - the feeling it gave me and still does is unrivalled!! (So far!! ;-))

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

IBIZA – My second home!!  Amazing venues, full of like-minded people, beautiful beaches, great weather and quality restaurants... as chilled or as crazy as you like!
MIAMI – (When it’s the WMC!) The surrealism of America combined with the best music and parties!! (Would say weather but that wasn’t true of last year!!!)
MANCHESTER!! – Well I had to say it hey?!! It caters for every musical need – something for everyone and yep as it says on the tin - everyone's ‘mad for it’!!

What does the Ministry of Sound brand say to you?

It is and always has played a major role throughout my clubbing - from saving up me pennies back in the day to take the ‘long’ journey down to London to dance by the side of its amazing sound system, to buying the tracks on the label.  It is one of the most successful and respected brands in the business!!  It is truly an honour to play at one of their nights!!

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

Beautiful. Everything about it – from the magnificent DJ stand in just the right place - with its epic screen which is complemented by stunning dancers – to of course the waves lapping up on the beach just ‘a stones throw away’ from where you’re playing – awesome! Like a mini-Privilege on the beach (and I don’t mean that it is small by any means!!)

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?

Absolutely why not?! Just needs a few more venues of this standard and also by word of mouth to put it on the clubbing map!  Possibly hitting the clubbing community at home with promotion – let them know – don’t keep it too secret!;-)

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

They couldn’t organise a p*** up in a brewery!! Ha, ha – only joking! -) They couldn’t be any more professional!! They’re wicked! A totally cool and friendly bunch – who are a little bit nuts – which always helps in this game!!!

How was the actual club-night you played at?

Rocking, of course!! ;-)

What tunes got the biggest reactions on the night?

Man… I’ve slept since then!! Erm… possibly – Dirty South vs MYNC, The Cure & The Cause (The Cube Guys Remix)?!

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

There is no normal crowd for me really! I find u have to approach a gig being very open minded and be prepared to alter and accommodate your set to suit the crowd as best u can - wherever you may be.  As the English in the crowd must have barely made up 10% - which I was told before the gig – it did make me wonder what to expect. But u can’t label an audience as to where they are from - as even in say a small town – there are so many different musical tastes and opinions, that are always changing!!

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

I am currently working on my production – which is soooo important!! Santa brought me a brand, spanking new MacBook Pro so I am busy cramming it with software and being a geek!! This is the year I want to hone in on my own sound. I have many exciting projects and collaborations up my sleeves already – so watch this space!!