AIL talks to DJ, Singer, Songwriter Maxine Hardcastle

We chat to DJ, Singer and Songwriter Maxine Hardcastle who spent the summer DJ-ing in Ibiza alongside her residencies at Annabelle's, Le Peep Boutique and The Zander Bar
AIL talks to DJ, Singer, Songwriter Maxine Hardcastle picture

With several releases out now, and unrestrained by genre, Maxine has produced and sung on a wide range of labels such as Universal, Hed Kandi, Ministry Of Sound, Pacha Recordings, King Street,and Trippin' N' Rhythm, notching up a No.1 and No.17 spot on the US BIillboard charts along the way. So where does she get the music bug from? None other than her iconic father, Paul Hardcastle, behind the 90's ' pop hit, '19'. Maxine headlines the Loft at the Familia Back To Back Series Pt 3: Technasia and Uner @ Egg London alongside Manalou and the White Label Project residents. here Maxine talks us through her favourite sights, nights out and the London buzz..

My favourite clothes shop is...
I love the quirky stalls of Portobello market. I'm pretty lazy when it comes to shopping so TopShop on Oxford Street is ideal for me, set over 3 floors, including a hairdressers and a cafe for a mid shop energy boost!

My favourite club is...
Space Ibiza... I was there for the opening this year and pretty much every week after that. There was a great vibe when I played at Lightbox and I particularly like the DJ booth and private back room at XOYO. If I'm after something a little more glamorous I'll head to Annabelles in Mayfair, where I'm actually starting a monthly residency next year.

My favourite club night is…
The White Label Project and Familia at Egg is set to be a big one! I'm really looking forward to the next Solo Danza with Martin Buttrich and Yaya. Another favourite is Fuse, that never fails to disappoint.

If I could DJ with any celebrity (musical or non musical) it would be...
Nina Kraviz - she was rocking in Space and I'd love to go B2B with her! Lee Evans would be a laugh, he has so much energy on stage, i'm sure he wouldn't disappoint.

The song that reminds me most of London is...
'Definitely 'My City' by George The Poet Vs Bodhi. Love that track, its very real. 'I Just Can't Get Enough' by Herd & Fitz featuring Abigail Bailey also seems to stick in my mind and I think I was clubbing a lot in London at that time. When I’m in a bar I drink... Lychee Martini or a Whiskey Sour. I'll never turn down a crisp glass of wine though.

My favourite pub/bar is...
I'll often swing by Cessoni's In Burlington Gardens - I like the ambience there, with its dimmed lights and dark green leather it has a romantic and cosy feel . On a clear day I'll head up to the Paramount Bar in New Oxford Street for it's impressive views. I recently saw Phoria (who I've been addicted to ever since) at the Hoxton Bar and Grill, which is a nice intimate space to see live bands.

My favourite restaurant is...
Mem & Laz in Islington and Dishroom in Shoreditch. Both have a brilliant vegetarian selection and the food is yummy! I'm obsessed with the chicory, blue cheese, pear and walnut salad at Bank in St.James Park and I've been the resident DJ there for a few years and still order it every time.

If I want a little peace and quiet when I’m in London I...
I love Battersea Park and by the river. If I'm feeling indulgent I'll check into the luxurious Athenaeum Hotel, which has lovely views over Hyde Park from it's penthouse. You can watch the hustle and bustle on the street below whilst you relax watching television while you're in the bath.

The best area of London is...
I love the buzz of Islington and Shoreditch.

If I could change one thing about London...
I'd have the trains running 24/7. It would make my life so much easier when leaving gigs at early hours of the morning! I would also make it safer to cycle.

One thing everyone should do in London is...
Go to the theatre! I recently saw 'Made in Dagenham', which was a fantastic production, or see something at the Royal Albert Hall. I was lucky enough to perform there, and that venue is one of a kind!

Maxine Hardcastle headlines the Loft at the Familia Back To Back Series Pt 3: Technasia and Uner @ Egg London alongside Manalou and the White Label Project residents. On the Terrace catch Technasia & Uner for their 6 hour Exclusive set supported by Miky J whilst the residents, Fabio Ferro, Ben Grunnell, Jack Wickham, Nick Tcherniak & Kyle E rock the Ground Floor. www.egglondon.net and Twitter @familia, @eggldn @maxhardcastle

This article is connected to Egg London
Published Dec 2, 2014