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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
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Around the world in 80 mixes: Interview with Zana Mills!
Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 08-07-04 12:14
The London Hard Dance scene is reforming into a hybrid community! With UK, European, Australian, South African and Kiwi DJs all thriving of each other it has once again turned into the Worlds Hard Dance melting pot! It’s a general rule that a good DJ is one that has built themselves solid foundations on the satellite club circuit before dipping their toe in with the big boys. Having moved here from her home in New Zealand, Zana Mills is starting to get her feet wet! 2004 has already seen her touring the worlds, playing as far a field as the USA, Australia, Ibiza and her native New Zealand to more close to home gigs at Frantic, Wildchild, Cyber Kitten in Milton Keynes and antipodeans Mecca, Heat! Ahead of her gig with fellow femme fatale Lisa Lashes at LisaTime on Saturday she gave us a few mins of her precious time...
Zana with Simon Rutherford at Wildchild
You & Simon Rutherford form a unique musical entity on the London Hard Dance scene. When you get new tracks on CDR or record etc what arrangement do you have for who gets to have them at whose gig that weekend?
Sime and I play quite different styles so it’s not usually a problem, though there will obviously always be some tunes that we’d both play. We’re extremely particular about not sharing cdr’s though and unless a producer says specifically that we can both play them we keep them to ourselves. As for records, we both buy all of our own to save any arguments. Makes life much easier that way!
A lot of ‘up & coming artists’ are provisionally signed to management companies who look after their diaries for them. You haven’t gone down this route - any particular reason?
My US gig’s are managed by Fevah USA and I'm listed on the Flipside Female DJ Register (www.flipsidedjs.com) which has provided me with quite a few good contacts and bookings so far including two sets with Vicky Devine in Ibiza just the other week. I’m not signed to the agency as such, but they’ve certainly been a valuable resource, and Nicki, Mike, Vicky and the girls are just lovely! At the moment I am doing all my own diary juggling but you can’t manage yourself forever, so I’ll be checking my options soon. Having an agency organizing your diary really helps with getting in touch with promoters you don’t usually have access to - such as those up North - as it’s hard for me to travel out of London with so much on all the time.
You & Simon recently toured Australia - what was the highlight of the tour for you?
Australia was a fantastic trip and seeing their clubs for the first time gave me an insight into the scene I might move to one day! The highlight would have to be watching people put talcum powder on the floor to make the Melbourne shuffle easier - too funny!
Up FM Beach Party
Legendary London underground resident Dean Peters taught you how to mix when you first started out many moons ago. Do you still keep I touch with Dean and how does he view the success you have had?
Being taught by someone so talented was great and extremely nerve wracking at times, but Dean was extremely patient and supportive of me. Not only did he teach me the basics but he also passed on his knowledge of things such as the importance of reading a crowd, structuring a set and playing to suit the time slot. Unfortunately we’ve not kept in touch as much of late, but I’d hope he’d be proud of what he helped start. I’m certainly grateful of everything he taught me.
Some readers will role their eyes when they hear you are yet another Southern Hemisphere [Auckland, New Zealand] Born DJ making waves in the London Hard Dance scene. What’s your take on why so many Southern Hemisphere DJs take up and establish them selves as DJs in the UK?
I think it's mainly because so many Aussie's, Kiwi's and Saffa's come over here to work and travel then get caught up in the scene as clubbers. After a while we just get the urge to make the transition in the hope that we can cut it with the best in the world.
The cultural relationships between Australians and New Zealanders is about as friendly as the Scotland and England relationship. So how come you and fellow ‘Aussie’ DJ Simon Rutherford managed to become an item?
I don't agree that there's any real rivalry between Aussie’s and Kiwi's. Sure we take the piss out of each other, but it's more of a brotherly rivalry than anything else. All us Southern Hemispherians rock!!!! 
You’re playing the Nu-Breed room for LisaTime at the Coronet on July 10th. Lisa has achieved a massive amount in her career to date. Would you like to see a ZanaTime someway down the line?
Hell Yes! If I ever saw that name on a flyer I would be one happy little lady! Actually that sounds like a good idea - when should we start organizing it??
You’re playing back 2 back with Tin Tin aka Oli Cassidy for the first time next weekend. How do you think the back 2 back chemistry will work between you 2?
Tin Tin and I have quite different styles but we’ve been discussing ways to merge them to create a fantastic set for Saturday night. Things have worked out really well, so it should be wicked.
Most DJs sound differs dramatically from when they first start mixing to several years down the line. How do you think yours has changed and do you look back with pride or cringe?
I've adapted with the times and play a much deeper, groovier sound nowadays. When I first started out I was playing Happy, Bouncy Hard House. My love still lies with the happier side of Dance music, so I'll always play something with a good groove and loads of energy...
You’re well recognised in the DJ circuits in London as a Hard hitting no nonsense DJ. You frequently tour your native Southern Hemisphere but are you making any trips to the North or Midlands of the UK?
I have made the very exciting trip up North a few times recently, mainly for Cyberkitten in Milton Keynes and the Paradise Club in Leeds. I’m in the process of confirming more bookings in Milton Keynes and Leeds again and also Newcastle so keep an eye on my upcoming events.
On tour you have played a series of outdoor gigs across the world. What for you are the advantages/disadvantages of playing outdoors against playing indoors in your opinion?
The fresh air, sunshine, sand between your feet, space - ah the list is endless. Playing outdoors just instantly gives you that warm fuzzy feeling!! The only disadvantage is looking after your records in the sun but it’s a small price to pay!
You recently included the US in your touring schedule. Do you feel that the US club scene can ever be as big as the UK and European Scene?
I think it definitely has the potential. Andrew Innes and CBR of FevahUSA have really made a mark lately especially in Denver, San Diego, LA and Salt Lake City which I'm honored to be a part of (I was made FevahUSA Resident following our tour in Feb!). They have some incredibly exciting things in the pipeline and I can't wait to get back out there in September and again in November. The Hard Dance scene is so young and unknown that it's growing at a huge rate. It's just a matter of getting the word out there and introducing people to our sound. So far no complaints!
Do you still believe that a female DJ still faces prejudice in the scene over a male artists?
I believe the scene is always going to be slightly split on this issue but as female DJ I have never come across any of the old fashioned issues. If anything I think we might have an advantage since there are fewer girls on the scene. We definitely need to prove ourselves though, that’s for sure. There’s no free ride’s in this world.
What’s next for Zana Mills?
2004 looks like it will continue to be a busy one, as well as my gigs around London and the UK, I also have sets booked in Sweden, USA and New Zealand. There are a few studio dates in the diary (I can’t wait to hear one of my tunes played out in clubland) and my website will be hitting the worldwide web soon!
To infinity and beyond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With thanks to Pink Kitty, Simon Rutherford and others for the use of their photos 
Frantic & Polysexual present LISATIME
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On:
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Saturday 10th July 2004
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At:
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The Coronet [map]
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From:
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21.00 - 06.00
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Cost:
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500 Early Bird Tickets £10 +bf / Standard Price £15 +bf
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Website:
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www.franticuk.com
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Ticket Info:
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ADVANCED TICKETS:
500 Early Bird Tickets: £10 +bf
Standard Priced tickets: £15 +bf
More on the door.
The Five ways to get your tickets:
1. Frantic Office
Credit / Debit & Cash Sales // XL Group Discount (1 free per 5)
Call 07949 618035
2. Ticketweb
Credit/Debit Card Sales // 24hr Hotline & Online Sales
Call 08700 600 100 or logon to www.ticketweb.co.uk
3. ClubConnexion
Credit/Debit Card & Cash Sales // XL Group Discount (1 Free per 5)
0870 246 2050 or logon to www.clubtickets.com
4. Cyberdog Stores (London
Camden: 0207 4822 842
Covent Garden: 0207 836 7855
5. Maria - 07813 684 399
6. E-listlondon.com
Online ticket purchase and advance guest list booking: 07908 809 077
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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She is the Empress of Hard House.
From Beijing to London, from San Francisco to Sydney she is recognised as the biggest name in Hard Dance.
We are thrilled to bring to you the 1st Birthday of a night dedicated to the first lady of Hard Dance: Miss Lisa Lashes!
When choosing a supporting cast for Lisa’s 3 Hour Set there is only one man who can fit the roll.
The Mixmag World No.1 DJ. The Original Mixmag Future Hero.
Mr Eddie Halliwell.
The 2 biggest names in Hard Dance under the same roof for the first time in London for 2 years! They will not appear again together in London until 2005!
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Flyer:
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 - 
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Follow HarderFaster :: 
Other Features By HarderFaster:
HarderFaster Awards 2016 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2014 - The results are in!
Lashes, Dimples and the Brighton Music Conference
HarderFaster Awards 2013 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2012 - The results are in!
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Richard Launch on 8th Jul 2004 12:52.30
Get in there Zana.....!!!
From: Danny Gilligan on 8th Jul 2004 13:39.34
Well done hun you really have done well! looking lovely in ya photos too!
From: Tina Martin on 8th Jul 2004 14:20.56
well done hun! 
From: Tin Tin on 8th Jul 2004 14:28.34
Nice work babes! Things have certainly taken off for you, i wish you the best of luck and look forward to our b2b this weekend!
From: Red5 on 8th Jul 2004 14:44.30
An amazingly funny girl who always has time for a chat + a brilliant dj to boot!
From: Simon_Vegas on 8th Jul 2004 16:06.47
Good stuff Zana! See you soon!
From: HouseGuy on 8th Jul 2004 16:14.17
Great stuff Zana! Hope you and Simon had a terrific time in Ibiza. See you guys on Sat!
From: Neil English on 8th Jul 2004 17:20.07
get in there Zana!
From: DDK on 8th Jul 2004 18:16.02
Needless to say that we will support you and shake our asses on what ever speakers are at your set!
Ya Player!!! 
From: Stevi D on 8th Jul 2004 18:53.46
yo yo yo 
Nice one babe!
From: pink kitty on 8th Jul 2004 20:22.48
Well, I thought the highlight of your Aussie tour as meeting me at Sydney airport ... humph!!! It's cos I couldn't get you upgraded, isn't it?! Nice one girlie..... 
From: Justin Sane on 8th Jul 2004 23:03.17
Zana rocks, can't wait to see you back in NZ soon! Keep up the great work the pair of you... go hard & drink tequila or go home
Remember.. we here in NZ throw the best beach parties! :P
From: Simon Rutherford on 9th Jul 2004 10:12.02
One of the most professional DJ's I've worked with (And no, I'm not sayin that cause I'm biased!). Dean did a fantastic job of instilling all the right attitudes, and it shows in every set she plays.
Well done gorgeous. Everything you've achieved has been thoroughly deserved. "To infinity and beyond" HELL YEAH!!!
p.s.
You've got point there Justin. Have to agree mate.
We'll be over in November.... feel like holding another?!
From: V.J. FX on 9th Jul 2004 10:58.27
go girl!
good luck in all the years to come
From: ~deleted3264 on 9th Jul 2004 11:57.37
Good work mills,
From: Mike Devine on 9th Jul 2004 11:58.27
A really great DJ and person...Well done Zana, keep it rockin..
From: Zana Mills on 9th Jul 2004 13:38.25
 Thanks everyone!!
From: zimbolicious on 9th Jul 2004 17:03.13
well done hun, great to see you bouncing and loving it too!
From: Craig Paxton on 9th Jul 2004 17:46.56
Talented and gorgeous!  Yes I was talking about Zana, not you Simon..
From: Tiger on 9th Jul 2004 18:31.09
You rock babe!
From: LBN on 9th Jul 2004 21:51.46
Aww... little baby DJ all grown up. But put some bloody clothes on woman...
From: Ali Storm on 9th Jul 2004 23:17.02
go Zana! go Zana! go Zana!
From: Miss BPM on 10th Jul 2004 10:47.01
Well done girly! much deserved, bring on ZanaTime!! 
Keep rockin' babes!
From: Yojo - Cyberkitten on 10th Jul 2004 12:01.24
Top feline - ROCKS with talent - bounce-a-licious! Pro bird an' a delight to work with - we all look forward to havin' you back at CyberKitten gorgeous! Hugz x
From: frantic_child on 12th Jul 2004 18:13.41
don't be laughing at the talcum powder, so many times i've wished for the talcum powder over here in london, i try to make do with water but nothing beats the powder!
From: Maria on 13th Jul 2004 00:06.13
All the best for ya!!! You deserve it!
From: Daisy Eyes on 13th Jul 2004 08:48.25
Yippeeeeeeee Zana!!!! Nice to see it going so well babe! Can't wait for Zanatime too!!!
From: disabled20 on 15th Jul 2004 10:19.15
shweeeeeet
From: SassyNassy on 15th Jul 2004 13:54.16
Nice work, Zana! Onwards & upwards Babes ~ ENJOY 
From: maliksta on 17th Jul 2004 19:08.29
Rock on sista. Glad to see you are still kicking ass. Let me know when you are in LA. Malik
PS
I still owe you a new ISIC card.
From: Zana Mills on 18th Jul 2004 14:36.49
Thank you for all the very kind words everyone!
Malik - playing at Naked on the 24th September!
From: Lucy Fur on 20th Jul 2004 10:18.20
Well done Zana, im sure your sucess will grow- and youre a lovely lady!!! x
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