We chat to Smokin Jo ahead of her Gold Diggers Disco Inferno takeover of Egg LDN

Hi Jo, how the devil are you and where are you right now? And what have you been up to recently?

I’m great thanks and I’ve been playing some cool London parties and some lounge disco music gigs which I love, as well as teaching yoga in the week.


You have been around showing them how to work it behind the decks since the early 90’s and your Trade/Space Ibiza residencies and do you still love rocking it?

Yes I adore playing music. Nothing beats a good crowd up for it, dancing to your set :-)


How did you get into the music industry? Who were your early inspirations?

I was a house music junkie! But really I’ve been into lots of different music scenes in the past and I loved Jazz Funk, Soul and I was also a New Romantic!


Can you remember your first set at Trade? Were you nervous and did you think this idea of an after hours would catch on?

Yes I do remember it ands yes I was nervous although after for the first 5 minutes I just got into it. As I had already been going to illegal afterhours parties I knew that this would become a thing as people at that time were gagging for it - lol :-)


The Space closing party looked amazing and you played there and how was it? You have a huge legacy with Space Ibiza headlining The Terrace in the early days with Alex P & Brandon Block and it must be thrilling to be part of club culture history? Do you feel you’ve left your mark and where and how?

The Space Closing was super special and all the DJs really rocked it! I was on cloud nine during my set - it went so fast, I really didn’t want to come off the decks. Yes I do feel I’ve left my mark and from people’s comments it seems they’ve enjoyed what I did over the years so that makes me very happy.


Being one of the first and only female DJs to win a DJ Magazine award. Do you think its still a struggle for female DJ's to break through in the music industry and do you have any thoughts for girls wanting to go for it?

I don’t think it’s a struggle anymore, as there are so many of us now, but the world is a sexist place and so is the music industry so we have move things to push against, especially when it comes to the fee! My advice to any women wanting to get into the business - just do what you love and build your own brand and crowd by putting on your own parties, and do not take any shit from anyone!


What DJ/Producers are tickling your fancy at the moment?

Love Jamie Jones, Emanuel Satie, Purple Disco Machine, Eats Everything


You have a wealth of DJ'ing experience under your belt. What's been your favourite club to play at and why?

Too many amazing clubs to be honest, but Space and Trade will always have a special place in my heart.


What tune never leaves your record box?

Johnny Corporate - Sunday Shoutin'


So onto Gold Diggers. What Afro weave disco tunes have you got prepared tucked away in your purse for New Years Eve?

Loads of fab stuff, I have a big collection :-) !


Did you grow up listening to disco as a child or what are your favourite memories/associations/people with disco?

Yes I did and I used to go to the Roller Disco in Hammersmith Palais in my bright pink leggings - soooo much fun.


Quick fire.. 5 Favourite All Time Disco Tracks?

1. ‘The Player’ - First Choice
2. ‘The Boss’ - Diana Ross
3. ‘Upside Down’ - Diana Ross
4. ‘Haven't You Heard’ - Patrice Rushen
5. ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - Sylvester


New Years Resolutions - do you make them and if so what are your thinking?

No I don’t, I just aim to be happier and healthy :-)


Smokin Jo headlines Gold Diggers Disco Inferno takeover of Egg London NYE: Altered State: A Surreal Encounter alongside Tafkanik, Fidel aka Marron Bitch, Alexandro Glocast and Laurence Malice aka Larryaoke. All info at facebook.com/golddiggers. Egg NYE features International headliners Pan-Pot, Matador and Christian Burkhardt Live alongside Egg residents Kyle E, Ireen Amnes and The Willers Brothers.