You don’t have to like her music, but you better love her name. This DJ is a salad dressing. No… her name is Honey Dijon! There is a story to that, and I asked her about that here in the interview. Anyway, there aren’t too many females involved in electronic dance music, but those that are quickly grab my attention. This one produces some incredible beats, and recently released a new album. Her beats have a little tribal appeal to them, and when I listen I picture myself in a dark club, sipping on a cocktail, just bouncing to the rhythm. I am really starting to like her sound, and the more I listen the more I like her. Oh, did I forget to mention she is gorgeous? I’ll be quiet… it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Honey Dijon.
Honey Dijon… isn’t that a salad dressing? Where did you come up with your name?
Well let’s just say it involved smoking way too much pot in the winter and getting the munchies and sandwich commercials coming on with ads for Honey Dijon mustard and my good friend said that would be a great name for me. We threw it on a flyer and it kinda stuck. Sometimes I feel like it sounds like a stripper but people love it!
Tell me a little bit more about your new single Until The Day.
Well I’ve always loved soulful vocals mixed with techy music. It’s a cover of a 90’s house classic by Murk who’s music still influences me and Dajae sang on one of my favorite house tracks ever Brighter Days. I’ve always wanted to work with her and I thought she could bring something special to the project and she did. She killed it.
What is “The Mix Up”?
It’s the next release on Toolroom Records that I did with with my studio partner Sebastian Manuel. It’s a big room monster and I can’t wait for it to drop.
This goes without saying… you are gorgeous. Are you a model!
Thanks for the compliment. I am so not a model! Just a DJ who loves fashion! I’ve actually tried singing but I sound like a chicken at slaughter. (Laughs) However that might sound good on a track so who knows. Maybe I will give it shot!
You are friends with Danny Tenaglia. He has to be one of the most revered producers out there. How long have you two been friends?
I’ve known Danny for years. He’s always been a bit of a mentor to me along with Derrick Carter. I’ve played with Danny a couple of times from his old residency at Vinyl to Pacha here in NYC. He always inspires me because he loves the art of DJing so much.
I bet you travel a lot… how many stamps are in your passport?
I’ve had pages added twice if that means anything! (Laughs)
You are originally from the Windy City. I am from Indianapolis; I am in Chicago a lot. But you are currently living in New York City. What promoted the move to the Big Apple?
I felt that I had to find myself and explore other worlds. The Midwest can be kind of conservative and I’m a bit of a wild child and constantly curious and NYC at the time was the center of decadence. However these days NYC feels more Midwestern than ever with all of the gentrification that has happened.
I love the cover of Until The Day. Who did the artwork for that? Is that Chicago in the background?
It is the Chicago skyline. The good folks over at Toolroom did all of the artwork. Dajae and me being Chicago natives played a part in that and I think they nailed it.
Derrick Carter is on your label. I really enjoy his stuff. When you are on a label with all these great producers, do you typically travel with them? How does a tour for you work?
I just got back playing with Derrick in Chicago at Smartbar for his birthday. It was amazing. We sometimes end up on the same bill but I think it’s better when we all have our own platform. Too many egos lol!
Who is your all time favorite DJ?
Ron Hardy.
What’s a typical Friday night look like for you?
I do a disco party every Friday Under The Chelsea Hotel in NYC. So If I’m not traveling you will find me there.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
People that have the courage to live their truth in a world of sheep. Grace Jones is def the most influential person to me. Teri Toys, Lea T, Azzedine Alia, Jean Prouve, Quincy Jones, Maya Angelou.
You have played in some pretty impressive venues. Is it even possible to pick a favorite?
Footwork Bar in Toronto always amazes me, Sub Club in Glasgow, Stereo Nightclub Montreal, and my Sunday night home Cielo in NYC.
You have a TON of releases. A lot of those releases are actually available on iTunes and on Beatport. In your opinion, how has the Internet changed the way people absorb music?
Yes. It’s way too much. I think a lot of great music gets lost to people who have the means to create hype. Evening now is more about marketing than quality.
I could ask you questions all day long. Thank you so much for taking the time to sit and talk with me. That being said, in all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
It’s time for the Percolator!
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