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Interview with Donna Leake
"I will usually still “feel” my way through what to play to take myself and hopefully others on a journey"
Music
March 16th, 2018
March 16th, 2018
Creating the right atmosphere is the key to everything, if you can transport the people on a journey, the magic start and you did your job. We presents Donna Leake, London based music programmer, DJ able to sway between afrobeat and sweet jazz. The next March 22 will be a guest at the Botanical Club, in via Tortona in Milan.
We were intrigued and asked some questions about her and the music past, present and future. Here's what she revealed to us!
#1 How did you get into music and DJing? Tell us how and when your love for music has born.
I was into music as a kid. I guess it became a love when I wouldn’t leave the house without my CD walkman or extra batteries! I would have been around 9/10 years old. DJing was never a plan. I guess it started when I started saying “yes” to people asking me to play. First the radio and then in a few bars/clubs. I started working at Brilliant Corners where I listened to a lot of music and met a lot of DJs/selectors. I covered a few friends NTS shows, Throwing Shade and Floating Points. But I guess it really started after Errol Anderson (Touching Bass) listened and asked me to do a Boiler Room. After this I would continue to say “yes” when people asked and went with the flow of things. Quite literally I just followed the music.
#2 Has your music style changed since when you started? Which is, for you, the “perfect groove”?
I wouldn’t say my music style is “changing” but more so broadening. There is music I liked some time ago which I wouldn’t like now, and even within the space of a day I may like something then for some reason the next day not, and then back to liking it again! Context and timing are huge factors in how something resinates with you. There're also songs I liked as a child which I can still get down to now and some I can't. As time goes by your eyes and mind opens. I am seeking new experiences from music every day and I’m exposed to new listening experiences constantly. I like many different styles of music. Different situations, timings, feelings and many other factors require different kinds of music. This is very exciting for me as there is so much out there, so I do my best to open up to as many different styles as I can. Of course there will always be a “sound” or “flavour” that resinates with me or doesn’t, but this is something that I can not explain and has no formula.
My “perfect groove” will differ depending many things. Timing, company, current feelings and thoughts, the weather and so on. But I would say anything that removes me from thoughts, makes me fly and brings an amplified feeling of oneness and love for everyone and everything is the best I can do with words! This can happen alone but is usually best when shared.
#3 To young female musicians is often asked “how’s to be a woman in a male industry”: what’s your opinion on that?
I am aware of there being more males in the music industry, and in many others, but I try not to focus on what that means for me and what music can do for the world. Breaking down gender differences and being people is how I think we will get to a state of equality. Regarding gender equality I feel there are much more pressing issues that need to be focussed on in the world. Human trafficking, rape, forced marriage, the list goes on.
#4 How is your music influenced by what you feel? Is there a connection between the sound you chose to play and your mood of the moment?
Yes. Most definitely. Of course I take into consideration the environmental factors of where I may be playing music, but if I try to soak up that myself, which I am still learning how to, I will usually still “feel” my way through what to play to take myself and hopefully others on a journey.
#5 What should we be expecting by your future performances and, more in general, Donna Leake’s future? Is there a secret dream you wish to be realized soon?
No expectations, please. I am constantly day dreaming about many things. But I guess my only plan is to continue to follow music to wherever that may take me and try to use it to help.
