Dhanu, from Guernsey in the Channel Islands (UK), is a DJ, producer signed to Solid Vinyl (London), manager of Hardstep Sistaz, and a manager for planetdnb.com.
In 1993 Dhanu started her career as a DJ in the Channel Islands at 16 years old, as Guernsey’s first female resident DJ. This was a natural progression after being a familiar face on the rave scene since around 1989, and listing to artists such as Randall, Grooverider, and various Kool FM artists whilst on regular trips to London. Dhanu would also regularly keep up with the London D&B scene at events such as Lazer Drome, Labyrinth, Kool Skool, Desire and Sunday Roast.
At 17 Dhanu appeared on Channel 4’s Big Breakfast for an interview in Zig & Zag’s bathroom, through which she met drum & bass producer “Madbones aka Roy B”, owner of “Quayside Records” in London. Dhanu and Madbones teamed up and played at various events in Guernsey, where she promoted the work of his label.
Dhanu continued to work as a DJ in various clubs and venues in Guernsey and then London, where she met MC Chalky White, after which they continued to work together in Guernsey for several years.
In 2001 Dhanu moved to London to study audio engineering, where she played for promoters such as Best of British, Dekefex and Sound Smugglaz, and clubs such as Stratford Rex, The Rocket, The Fridge and Dog Star, alongside Lady MC and MC Deemas J. Dhanu’s DJ’ing has taken her to Guernsey, Jersey, London, Australia and BBC Channel 4!
In 2002 Dhanu relocated back to her home in Guernsey in the Channel Islands to manage her new record label “Rocco Recordings”, and where she holds residencies at Guernsey’s Club 54 (Urban Juice) and Baloos Bar (Hipstep Lounge).
Current releases are Hot Sh$t on Rocco Recordings and next up Foxy 2 Tails on Solid Vinyl.
In August 2003 Dhanu formed a partnership with Lady MC in London to form “Hardstep Sistaz” (formerly Hipstep Sistaz), an organisation to assist in the promotion of female artists in jungle, drum & bass, breakz and hip hop.
Dhanu also attends various radio interviews on music related topics, and supports local charity events on the island of Guernsey. Favourite record labels include Solid Vinyl and Rocco Recordings.
Dhanu’s style varies depending on where she is playing, but can be anything from jump up to hardstep to the darker style, hip hop and jazzy influenced beatz with vocals.
“Drum & bass wise, I like tracks that are bubbling with energy and bounce, and usually a big bastard punchy bass line! Vocals are a great addition, especially if they are hip hop or funk influenced, maybe even a cartoon thrown in there too. Give me the funk”!
“I grew up on hip hop like Mobb Deep, Gang Star, NWA, Tribe Called Quest, Jeru Tha Damaja, Redman, Snoop and 2Pac – so many – as well as pop artists such as Madonna and Whitney Houston and 5 Star and Mary J Blige and The Bangles and Cindy Lauper and Kylie! Now I listen to pretty much anything”.
Discography:
2004 | Dhanu - Foxy 2 Tails [Solid Vinyl] Vinyl 12
2003 | Dhanu - Hot Shit [Rocco Recordings] Vinyl 12
2005 | Dhanu & MC 5ive-O - Fire Burn [Solid Vinyl] Vinyl 12
Discography:
- No entries -
|
