Some days ago we contacted the German label Get Physical, one of the best labels of Germany and we got an exclusive interview with one of the most famous women DJ in Germany. Please welcome Heidi. I wanted to begin by thanking the label and also Heidi for answering our questions. Following the interviews of other Get Physical artists like Thomas Schumacher, M.A.N.D.Y. and DJ T. (coming soon), Actualités Electroniques will continue to get interviews with producers, DJs and artists from the electronic music scene. Enjoy reading!

"Hi Heidi,

I’ve seen that some weeks ago you mixed at the Watergate Club in Berlin. As Thomas Schumacher told us, in a previous interview we had together, it is certainly the best club in Germany and abroad. He said exactly: “Clubbing does not get much better than there, trust me.” How do you feel about this club? How was the party?
> I'm a very big fan of this club. I have been a resident DJ there for 4 years now, and I have my own night I do there called ‘Heidi Presents the Jackathon’. The people who run the club are great. They make me feel at home when I'm there. The sound, the lighting, the location, the crowd. Everything is perfectly hedonistic.

Let’s get back to your music. What are your next projects? Your next releases? Is there something ready for Get Physical?
> I have a compilation coming out on Get Physical called ‘Heidi Presents the Jackathon’. I have asked all of my favourite producers and DJ’s to make me a special track for the compilation to mix together. I'm not going to give away too much info but it will be something special. It should be released in the late spring.

For 2011, what can we expect from you? Some tracks, a compilation, an album maybe? Indeed, I've read that you are working on an album with your friend Riton. What about it?
> No album with riton.

If I’m right, you’re the only girl signed officially on Get Physical as an artist. How do you feel about this situation?
> Girl or no girl, I'm not really an artist on Get Physical. They are more of an old school family. They helped me establish myself as a DJ awhile ago. I have a lot of love for them but lately I've kind of been doing my own thing. I have made a few tracks for them in the past, but nothing for a long time. I have been concentrating on my Jackathon nights and on my show on BBC Radio 1 called ‘In New DJs We Trust’. I have been showcasing underground electronic artists and music that inspires me. I've also been touring constantly so I haven't really had much time to sit with someone and make music. I'm not really a producer. More a vibe master.

I can imagine the following question is not very original, but I really want to have your point of view on this situation. Indeed, the electronic music world is mainly dominated by men. If we look at the DJ Mag chart of this year, there is only one girl in the top 100. She is Claudia Cazacu, comes from Romania and plays tech/trance music. How this is possible? Do you have any explanation?
> None. I'm not sure how those polls work. But they don't really matter to me as far as I'm concerned.

If we consider the German electronic scene, I think we can say that it is lead by Anja Schneider who founded Mobilee Records, Miss Jools, and you for sure. I don’t have any other name that comes in mind directly. What is the relation between you? Is there some kind of feminine solidarity?
> Well you forgot the woman who was at the beginning of the electronic music scene in Germany, and that is Ellen Allien. As well as Cassy, Magda, Dinky, Camea, Tini, etc. There are lots of ladies who have been living and working in Berlin. It’s a really nice community. We all support each other and are interested in each others work. I don't feel any competitiveness amongst us. Just good vibes.

I think I can say reasonably that you mixed or partied all over the world: from U.S.A. to Australia, from Ibiza to Northern Europe for almost ten years now. Is there any anecdote that is coming to your mind that you would like to tell us?
> I have only been DJing professionally for 4 years now. I have worked and been in the scene for over 10 years. I guess if something moves me I have always gravitated towards it and seen where it takes me, and it has taken me to some unbelievable places. You have to have thick skin in this business. It’s not easy being a minority. You have to fight a little harder and I guess that’s why when you do achieve success it does taste a bit sweeter.

Knowing that you originally come from Canada and more especially from Ontario, could you please tell us a bit more about the Canadian electronic music scene? I know you left Canada around ten years ago, but maybe you’re still following what is going on there. We know mainly this country through the famous Stereo Club in Montreal and also thanks to Tiga who comes from Canada. What is your vision about this scene?
>  I have to be honest and say I really don't know what’s happening over there. There isn't much that has grabbed my attention. I don't DJ there very much. I am however going to play there over the next 2 weeks, which I am excited about. See old friends. But there have been some good exports. Richie Hawtin, Marc Houle, Tiga. These hot new guys from Toronto called Art Department. I always hope for more....

 

Heidi, to conclude this interview, we have a few more easy questions to get to know you better.

The song you advise us to listen to in your discography?
> Well there are only 3 tracks. My fav is "to the gum".

An artist you would like to work with, one day?
> Dixon.

3 words to define your music?
> Bouncy, jackin, sexy.

Are you using vinyl or mp3 for your mix?
> Both

The software you use to produce?
> Well, like I said before I don't really produce. My ex-partner, Riton, and I used old and new stuff. Logic and Abelton... mixed with old vintage synths and drum machines.

The best club in Germany (club and city)?
> Berlin - Watergate and panorama bar. Hamburg - Ego Club. Munich – a new club called ‘Bob Beaman’

The best place to go out in Berlin?
> I like this little old hole in the wall bar in Mitte called Alt Berlin. The old guy that runs it is awesome and he always plays great music. He has taken quite a shine to me and I never leave sober. :)

Your favorite track these days?
 > At the moment anything Jamie Jones is involved with. That guy is exactly the sound I love.

Heidi, thank you very much for the time you have devoted to Actualités Electroniques and particularly for this interview. We look forward to your next compilation. We hope to see you soon in a club in France or abroad. See ya!

Dj Aroy

MORE INFO ABOUT HEIDI
www.myspace.com/heidivandenamstel
www.facebook.com/heidivandenamstel

MORE INFO ABOUT GET PHYSICAL
www.junodownload.com/labels/Get+Physical+Germany/releases/
www.facebook.com/getphysicalpage
www.physical-music.com