Welcome back!!! How amazing has it been to go OUT? We did our first set of 2021 last week and my GOODNESS ME, it was a dreaaaaam!
Today on the blog we have another amazing mix and interview, as we meet the incredibly talented DJ Megan Leo!
Megan is a DJ we have been trying to pin down for an interview and mix for a while now as she just gets us EXCITED about heading back out again and seeing live DJs perform!
We first discovered Megan over on instagram after seeing one of her shows on Threads Radio being shared and just WOW - if there is a DJ you need to follow this year and see live then Megan is definitely it. Her energy really comes across in the mixes and shows that she does, and you can definitely feel the passion she has for music whilst listening to her sets.
We asked Megan to pull together a mix for the blog and it’s simply mesmerising - almost like the kind of music you just need to dance to with your eyes closed and let the night take you.
Listen to her mix below and read up on how she got started, what music she is currently digging and what’s next!
Tell us a bit about yourself! What got you into DJing and how long have you been doing it?
Hello! So I have been dj'ing for around 10 years now - my first ever gig was October 2011 in Cosmic Ballroom, Newcastle. I remember being so scared, I was literally pushed on stage haha. The gig went really well though and gave me the confidence I needed. I got into DJ'ing as it is something I have wanted to do from about the age of 14, I have been obsessed with music since I remember and was always the one who liked to select the music at parties etc. I guess I was a DJ before I was a DJ! I fell in love with the underground when I started going out and going to raves, a lot of my friends were dj's at Uni and I also joined my Uni's DJ society. I then invested in a pair of decks, locked myself in my bedroom for a while and the rest is history....learning to DJ is definitely the best thing I have ever done :)
Where can we catch you play and do you have any stand out gigs you can share with us?
A bit of a strange time at the moment with clubs not being open but I have been super lucky to get a lot of radio experience during this time. I have a monthly radio show on AAJA the fourth Saturday of every month from 1-3 and I am also going to be starting a monthly show on Threads Radio called Swirl from 4 May. When clubs are eventually back open, I just want to play as much as possible, I am a resident at Ghetec which is a party based in Newcastle, so will be playing up north. I also have one date confirmed in London on the 24th July so far and in talks with some other places. Literally can't wait to play gigs where people can dance again! People can follow me on my socials to stay up-to-date with my gigs :)
In terms of standout gigs, I have had the pleasure of warming up some amazing artists in my time. Last year I warmed up the incredible Jonny Aux (Paranoid London) at The Cause. In 2013, I warmed up Regal, it was his first ever UK gig, he was so great. I also was fortunate enough to play Sankeys in Manchester in 2012 and played alongside the likes of Dinky; she played one of the best sets I have ever seen in the basement that night. My most favourite time to play is like 6a.m. ish when things get a little magical, so the gigs I have played when I have had the opportunity to do that also really stick in my mind.
What kind of music/DJ's are you listening to at the moment?
I try to keep things fairly dynamic in terms of my sound. I tend to play across the board from cosmic and Balaeric through to electro, acid and techno. I think that is what makes a good resident, being able to play a diverse range depending on the situation but still keeping true to your sound. Artists I am loving at the minute which push that cosmic sound that I love are Daniele Baldelli, Running Hot, Ess O Ess and I'm really enjoying the music Farloh is making at the moment, excited to see what he gets up to next. Then when my faster side comes out, I'm really digging Plant 43, the electro he makes is unreal and I love artists like Anetha, Karenn and Murg. They are all so talented.
What's coming up next for you?
I am working really hard at the minute with production, so hoping to start releasing music when I am ready and the sound feels right to me. Other than that, just playing as many gigs as possible really and doing my radio shows.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into DJing and music production?
Do it because you love it, work hard and be nice x
Couldn’t agree more :) Be sure to give Megan a follow here to keep up to date with her latest radio shows and gigs - you’ll no doubt catch us there too ;)