AIL Meets International DJ of over 25 years, Paul Heron!

Popping his Love Muscle XX cherry we chat to Paul about all things London ahead of the Birthday.
AIL Meets International DJ of over 25 years, Paul Heron! picture

With his bi-monthly party Induztri at Electrowerkz and headlining the Love Muscle XX Birthday on Saturday September 21st, DJ Paul Heron has never been busier.


“If you had said to 14-year-old me that by now I would have travelled the world doing the thing I love most, that I’d have done around 20 tours in Australia, 4 in Brazil, every major city in some of the most beautiful countries on the planet, played on some of the most coveted dance-floors around the globe for some of the most recognisable brands in dance music alongside some of my absolute musical heroes including Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson & Cerrone (just last week at the Discolympics in Paris), partied with Grace Jones, Elton John, David Lachapelle, artists, designers, models & movie stars… I would never have believed you in a million years!”


With a strong reputation as an international DJ over the past twenty-five years, Paul is known for his disco and deep house sets at The Groucho Club as well as chunky house n’ dirty techno sets at leading lgbtq clubs such as Trade, DTPM, La Demence, Little Gay Brother, HE/SHE/THEY & Roast. 


Popping his Love Muscle XX cherry we chat to Paul about all things London ahead of the Birthday.


What’s the best thing about London?


It’s such a culturally rich, vibrant and diverse city with so many incredible places to eat, visit and discover. I’ve lived in London for most of my life and I still discover new and interesting places all the time. 


What’s the worst thing about London?


The prices can be prohibitive in so many aspects of life such as property, rent, certain experiences and travel etc. There are definitely people living in two very different London’s. 


Where do you go to have fun?


I like to go to the cinema as I’m a massive movie geek or to live concerts or for great meals with friends and of course, out clubbing at some of the awesome nightlife venues we have in London. I was a massive fan of The Glory & love Colin and the team’s new venue The Divine in Dalston. I love events at Electrowerkz; Roast, our own event INDUZTRI, HE/SHE/THEY, Feel it, False Idols & Adonis are always awesome and of course, I can’t wait to play at the Love Muscle XX Birthday at Electric In Brixton on September 21st.


Where is the most relaxing place in town?


I grew up In Twickenham so for me a good stroll/pub crawl along the Richmond/Twickenham riverside always clears my head. Plus there is the most beautiful hidden Italian fountain in the gardens of York House - it’s my little happy spot. 


Where is your favourite place for eats and drinks in London?


My hang out spots to catch up with friends are usually The Standard Hotel in Kings Cross as I’m obsessed with mid-century modern design and the food and drinks are on point, or the Groucho club in Soho, as it’s such a beautiful chilled spot whose artwork and interiors are just gorgeous and their food is great. 


Outside of those two the Roka weekend brunch is utterly out of this world, the food is insane! 


If I could change one thing about London…


I would make housing more affordable and the cost of living a bit less frustratingly expensive. 


What’s your favourite venue to play at and what makes it so special? 


Fabric was always a favourite for me as I’m an audiophile and the sound system is simply stunning. I was very happy playing there for a few years as a resident at Sunday’s DTPM events. Electrowerkz in Islington is also awesome with it’s perfect mix of industrial, cool and quirky. It goes without saying that the Electric Brixton (formerly the Fridge club) with its rich history of huge LGBTQ events, is always an absolute pleasure to play at especially when it’s packed out.


The song that reminds me most of London? 


It’s too hard for me to pick just one, so… 


Gat Decor - Passion (Naked mix) or X-press 2 - London Xpress (Original mix).. Both remind me of my early days in London clubland and both are utterly timeless and still sound epic in a set today, 25 years later. 


Tell us a London gem that everyone should know about


The Heron pub In Paddington is not only my namesake but one of the most incredible authentic Thai restaurants in London. Super chilled pub vibes and mind-blowingly fantastic Thai food.


One thing everyone should do in London is…


Come to my INDUZTRI day rave at Electrowerkz on August 17th from 4pm-10pm and come and hear my Birthday set at Love Muscle XX at Electric Brixton on the 21st of September. 


I’m aware that’s two things but I always like to give that little bit extra. 


Paul Heron headlines the Love Muscle XX Birthday alongside Angie Brown Live, DJ Dorian with host Mama Yvette and her go gos on Saturday September 21st at the Electric Brixton. Running from 11pm-6am, expect lots of last minute surprises, great production and grab your tickets.


Instagram: /love_muscle_xx or /djpaulheron/

Published Sep 1, 2024