Interview: Hannah Wants

Tell us about your new label, Etiquette… why did you feel the time was right to launch it now?
I’m a big believer in things happening at the right time and now feels like the right time. It’s a big job, when done right anyhow so everything had to be in place. I also wanted to make sure I was 10000% happy with my music and after a couple of years of fine tuning my sound and style, I’m finally releasing music I’m really proud of.
We’re getting excited for a string of exciting parties all over the world on the run to up to NYE. Where was the best NYE party you ever played?
I couldn’t pick one. I usually play 2/3 parties on NYE so it’s always super chaos, to be honest, running in and out of clubs. Two years ago I went on the road with a group of my friends thought and played in Leeds and Sheffield and it was a night to remember! We took the rave from the club into the car!
You’ve just launched a UK tour which looks epic… What are your thoughts on the scene there at the moment?
The U.K. scene, in my opinion, is always thriving and up there with the best countries to play and rave in. My What Hannah Wants tour is exactly that, what I want. I’ve decided to play in 15 of the smallest clubs around the U.K and IRE where the vibe is gonna be real intimate and I’m gonna be playing extended 3 hour sets so that I can show my sound as an artist in more depth. I’m the most excited for this tour than I ever have been, roll on February!
A lot of our readers are currently over in Australia and will be very jealous that they can’t make it to see you. What are your thoughts on the electronic music scene in Australia?
I haven’t played in Australia for two years now unfortunately so I couldn’t comment on the current scene. I’m really, really hoping to get back to Oz in 2019 though!
There are some exciting promoters really pushing things down under. Is this getting talked about much overseas?
To be honest with you I don’t keep my ears open for chatter. I’ve always been someone who is just fully focused on my work and my journey so I personally haven’t heard anything but then I haven’t spoken with anyone to hear anything! My friend Billy Kenny just came back from Oz though and his tour looked super sick!
We’re buzzing to see how fast you’ve managed to storm into the industry, what’s been the biggest challenge?
From the outside looking in it may seem like I’ve moved fast but the truth is I haven’t. I’ve been DJ’ing now for around 15 years, I didn’t get a paid gig for around 3 years and I went full time in this industry as soon as I finished my degree about 7 years ago! And I wouldn’t change it for the world. There are many challenges and adversities you have to overcome in this industry but one of the most difficult is the one you have with yourself. When you work for yourself and when you want to strive for perfection sometimes the pressure you put on yourself can affect you and your health in a negative way. I’ve had to learn not to put work first and instead out my health and life balance first.
Were/are there any female DJs or artists who have been particularly supportive or inspirational?
I’m a big supporter of Sam Divine. Her passion for music and DJ’ing is evident to anyone who meets her. Before I left for my first summer in Ibiza I reached out to her on SoundCloud for some advice and she messaged me back with some words so that won’t be forgotten.
Can you give us any hot tips on who we should be following?
Eli Brown is pushing out bangers for fun and Fleur Shore and Jess Bays are two sick DJ’s and nice people too, and I like nice people!
We’re pretty much obsessed with travel and music so we’re always hunting for tips here’s a few quick-fire questions:
Where’s your most memorable beach holiday and what’s your most vivid memory?
I went to the Maldives last October for a 21 day Ayurvedic Panchakarma detox. The beaches there are honestly like nothing I’ve ever seen before, it’s insane.
Where was the most surprising place you ended up having a party?
I’ve had a few incredible (after) parties in hotel rooms. You’d be surprised how many people can squeeze into one room.
Where is your favorite restaurant?
Since overhauling my diet drastically I’m yet to find a favorite in the U.K. I’m always on the hunt for organic plant based restaurants wherever I travel. America has some incredible establishments; it’s so much easier to eat healthy out there.
If you’re craft beer drinker what’s your favorite?
I’ve never drank beer, I hate the taste!
What’s your favorite pub meal Fish and Chips, Sausage and Mash or???
I’d hope for a nice vegetable pie, mash, and beans!
Other than music, what can’t you travel without?
My laptop and phone obviously, it keeps me connected and keeps me working.
Best airport in the world?
I rarely shop in airports so for me the best airports are the ones with the best food choices, not just McDonalds and Burger King. It’s good to see more salad bars popping up in American airports but most countries and airports have gotta catch up!
Best clubbing destination in the world?
Ibiza
FULL TOUR DATES:
FRI 01 FEBRUARY – THE LIMELIGHT, BELFAST

SAT 02 FEBRUARY – INDEX, DUBLIN

FRI 22 FEBRUARY – THIRTY 3HZ, SURREY (SOLD OUT)

FRI 22 FEBRUARY – REBEL, SOUTHHAMPTON

FRI 23 FEBRUARY – BLOC, LONDON

FRI 01 MARCH – COSMIC BALLROOM, NEWCASTLE

SAT 02 MARCH – WIRE, LEEDS (SOLD OUT)

FRI 08 MARCH – SIN CITY, SWANSEA (SOLD OUT)

SAT 09 MARCH – THE VAULTS, CARDIFF

FRI 15 MARCH – MOLES, BATH

SAT 16 MARCH – PATTERNS, BRIGHTON

FRI 22 MARCH – READING ROOM, DUNDEE

SAT 23 MARCH – UNIT 51, ABERDEEN

FRI 29 MARCH – BREWHAUS, LINCOLN

SAT 30 MARCH – LAB 11, BIRMINGHAM (SOLD OUT)
 
For more info and tickets to all shows on the tour, head to http://hannahwants.com