HAVANA BROWN INTERVIEW

DJ Havana Brown is one of the biggest things to come out of the Australian music scene in the last few years. She is consistently touring all over Australia and parts of the world DJing at concerts, clubs, launches and anything else she has time for. How many Aussie artists do you know who have been the official support act for the likes of Britney Spears and the Pussy Cat Dolls? Not bad for a young Aussie Spader chick who has just released her 3rd mix cd "Crave 3" through Universal Music. We have been keeping a close eye on HB's progress over 2009 and can't wait to see she does in 2010. If your in Canberra this Saturday, Havana Brown is DJing at Meche Nightclub! See you all there on the dancefloor.



What did you dream of being when you were a kid?
I always dreamt of a career in entertainment and studied music and dance from a young age. I also dreamt of following summer around the world! I never dreamt I’d have all the amazing experiences and opportunities that I have now though.

What are you doing now in your life?
I’ve had an extremely busy year! I’ve recently launched the Crave Volume 3 compilation and have just finished the Britney Spears Circus tour around Australia and Europe. I also have a Friday segment on the Austereo TODAY Network (which includes 2Day FM in Sydney, FOXFM in Melbourne, B105 in Brisbane, SA FM in Adelaide and 92.9 in Perth) and have just launched ‘Party People’ for Austereo, a dedicated Saturday night mix. I’m also DJing at clubs, launches and concerts like the recent F1 Rocks event in Singapore. I’m having the time of my life!



What has been the best advice given to you to about surviving the entertainment industry?
Hard work and a positive outlook really do go a long way. I’m young though, so I’m sure I have more to learn!

Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?
I love reading fashion magazines and watching the catwalk trends, but also take inspiration from people I see on the street in Australia and overseas. Often I see some bizarre fashion on the street and it’ll spark a great idea to have something made. There are some really kitschy trends in Asia and some glamorous, OTT looks in Europe, so it’s fun to blend the two.



Describe your style to us?
Rock chick with a feminine edge. I like sharp lines, structured patterns and block colours - often black or gold - with details like studs, leather and jewels. I also like to contrast it with a laid back tee. When I’m DJing I tend to wear less than I do at other times!

Describe your outfit when you go out?
If I go out to a club I might wear high-waisted pants and a really out-there jacket with just a beaded bra underneath. For drinks with girlfriend’s I’m more relaxed in my style, typically wearing skinny jeans, killer heels, and a tee tied up at the waist. I always accessorise with loads of chains and jewellery - ironically, I feel naked without them!



What item of clothing would you like to see brought back?
All the best items have already been ‘brought back’! I’m a huge fan of 80’s clothing and love gloves, shoulder pads, military style jackets and very high heels!

Who is a person that has been an inspiration to you?
As a DJ, DJAM was a huge inspiration for me. I admire the way he really crossed genres and styles in his mixes, and you couldn’t quite be sure what was coming next. He blurred the boundaries of what it meant to be classified by a genre as a DJ, and he did it so well.

Who is the ultimate Spader to you?
The Dalai Lama! An inspiring leader admired by millions, he’s positive, passionate and determined to help those around him. You’ve got to be a pretty confident individual to speak to millions wearing little more than a swathe of cloth!

HAVANA BROWN