Interview: Anthea

The lovely Anthea is jet setting around Europe and partying in Ibiza as we speak, we got hold of her while she was over there to have a little chat about what’s going down on that side world, to find out how much different the scene is over there compared to Cape Town and her thoughts on being overseas for the whole World Cup:

MCBN: Hello Anthea… First of all, give us a little run down of where you have been moving and shaking since you left Cape Town?

Anthea: Hi hi hi! Ahh I miss the MyCityByNight guys! Hope you’re all well.  Umm well to give a summary over the past few months it’s been like this: Kenya – London – Ibiza – Munich – Frankfurt – Dusseldorf – Berlin – Siena – Cologne – London – Amsterdam – Ibiza… so far.. how mad is that?? Up until now I haven’t been in the same place for more than 5 days, apart from the first Ibiza mission which was for a week over the IMS. It’s been the biggest adventure!

MCBN: Where exactly are you right now and please make us jealous and let us know some of the crazy parties you have been to over there!

Anthea: Right now I’m actually in London– just got back from the maddest (and i mean maddest) 5 days in Ibiza. Parties are totally on another level here. I’ve tried to go to a club in every city, other than the couple where I was there for other work.  I’ve been to the famous Cocoon in Frankfurt, Watergate in Berlin, Studio 80 in Amsterdam, Fabric in London and obviously Pacha and Amnesia in Ibiza. The IMS wind down was amazing – Skream, David E Sugar, Mark Ronson, Pete Tong and Sasha all in one line up!! And it was a sundowner party. So Tong was playing as the sun was going down. In Ibiza. And everyone was just going mad, was so awesome! Amnesia is an unbelieveable place, I went there last week with Supply and Chris Jack. Actually doing a blog post on that this week so Ill let you know as soon as it’s out! But seriously ye the parties here are unbelieveable!

MCBN: Any of the past few recent night’s stuck out in your mind as “one of the greatest nights of my life”

Anthea: Definitely the party at Amnesia with Nick and Chris. Wow wow wow. Will write all about it in the blog. But theyve all been incredible. Sasha’s set at IMS was pretty mindblowing if I’m honest – so best everyone get themselves to Atmosphere on Friday. Seriously. He is that good.

MCBN: How does the scene over  there compare to our little Cape Town vibes?  We know our trance parties are the best, but how is our electro/tech scene?

Anthea: Ahhhh i MISS the trance parties!! Hahaha some of the best memories from last season so they have a pretty special place in my heart hehe. But in terms of other parties you cant compare. It is totally apples and granadillas. Electro isn’t THAT big here, dubstep is massive though! But Tech is definitely king around Europe, and its been the most amazing learning experience for me to see how well it is done here. I literally went to Cocoon in Frankfurt and just chilled and listened. There are only a couple of tech guys in SA who I think could measure up to the sound here, otherwise its on a totally different level.

MCBN: Met any famous people while you been there?

Anthea: Haha a couple! I met Dr Dre which was awesome. And Jimmy Iovine, who found Eminem. I met Heidi from BBC 1 Radio, this awesome chick tech DJ and producer, she played at Assembly a while ago. I met  Sarah Main who is a Pacha resident. Loose Cannons are my favourite people in the world. Been partying with them a couple of times while I’ve been in London. Who else who else. I met Namito in Berlin, such a talented tech producer – I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to meet him! There have been some really cool record label owners who I’ve  met and chatted to – so much to learn from so many different people!

MCBN: When you coming back to Cape Town? You got any gigs lined up for your arrival back in the Cape?

Anthea: I haven’t even started taking bookings yet! Well, not for the smaller gigs. Looks like Rocking the Daisies and Synergy are happening. As well as H20 i think. But I’m not entirely sure at the moment, don’t want to start planning anything until closer to the time so I’m waiting until about mid July to start taking bookings.

MCBN: You have been gone since before the World Cup started and are arriving back after it finishes, do you not mind missing out on all the action that’s taking place down here in Cape Town or are you just enjoying every little bit of European summer sun has to offer?

Anthea: You know what, as much as lilos in the Ibiza sea (seriously!) is amazing, that was the one time I got REALLY homesick. Over the opening match. I could feel the energy from Berlin! It was really sad to not be there, I saw all the photos from Long St and Loop, and I’ve heard about how much fun everyone has been having. So it’s made me miss home a bit but wouldn’t have had it any other way. I watched the opening match in a little pub overflowing with people. I was sitting next to a mad Mexican, so we were having it out with each other who was the best team J . Plus in the time Ive been away, Ive managed to watch a Germany match in Berlin, an Italy match in Siena (Italy), a Netherlands match in Amsterdam, an English match in London and a Spanish match in Ibiza! How cool??? So it’s ok. I miss you guys though. Biggest love!

MCBN: There is a raging battle going down this side regarding Laptop DJ’s and CDJ/Turntable DJ’s. Care to share with us what your thought’s on this issue are?

Anthea: Wow yeah I saw some of the ongoings with that. I don’t know what is going on over there, I cant really understand why anyone is attacking anyone else. I play on CDs, another friend of mine plays on vinyl, I have many friends who play on laptops, and another who invests all of his money into the best effects equipment and software. I want to say it’s all one and the same but its not – and you know, that is what is so rad about it. Everyone has their style, in mixing, effects, set bulding, genre or track selection. And this Dj vs producer thing should be put to rest now. You do your thing, I’ll do mine. And lets enjoy this industry together because its a pretty fucking cool industry to be in.

MCBN: Thanks for taking the time to chat to us again Anthea, hope you have an amazing time. Give us a shout when you back for a little razzle

Anthea: As I said, biggest love for you guys. Please go jam at Sasha for me on Friday. And all of you drink for me,  you hear? Tequila, yes, thanks. Hehe. And ill see you soon!!

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