In Fokus: DJ Heidy P
Montreal and soon-to-be NYC Based DJ Heidy P. Hits us with a DJ MIX ripe with joyful, refreshing, and elevating house mainstays to give us a break from the doom and gloom we've all been experiencing - cuz we need it.
Where in the world is Heidy P and where they going?
My homebase has been in Montreal since last summer after having spent 4 years in Europe but I can’t stay in place for too long so I’m planning my next move.
What’s the inspiration behind this set? Where was your headspace here? --- cuz it’s emotionally warm, welcoming, and refreshing.
I’m trying to tap into that ecstatic, joyful feeling. For a long time, I was trying to be taken seriously in my mixes but I was missing the point. What brings me joy and what I want to transmit is hope and happiness. I want those uplifting vocals and hypnotic rhythm. I want people to get lost in the music.
You’re also ½ of Rhythm Phazer. Tell us about the concepts behind your tracks/music projects or something that’s inspiring you to work on your own music frequencies.
Vandi and I started to work on music together 6 years ago during a trip to SE Asia. I’m so lucky to have met him. I’m not sure I would have ever attempted to create my own music or if I’d still be DJing otherwise. Rhythm Phazer is a beautiful collaboration that has been surviving many things including us not living in the same cities anymore. We’re lucky enough to be able to finish songs pretty quickly so we’re able to finish songs every other month when we find ourselves at the same location. We spend a lot of time dancing to our favorite djs, we love nightlife and when we’re in the studio we try to recreate that same feeling.
Where do you see the future of DJing? And where do you want it to take you into the future? The metaverse? Streams? etc.?
Ahhh! I’m probably the worst person to ask because I kind of want to live in the past forever when it comes to DJing but actually I want a future that takes into consideration the past. A link from the old to the new. I want to see a multi-generational dancefloor/DJ booth.
Describe a moment / club night / party / that made you want to become a DJ/Producer or devote yourself to music.
There are so many! My first year attending Movement in Detroit (2012 I think), I saw Claude Young doing the closing set on the Made in Detroit stage. It’s probably my earliest memory of a true life changing moment. I literally started crying. It was one of those cathartic moments.I have had so many of those throughout the years. Ask me about them if you see me in person. I love telling dance floor stories!
Favorite tracks at the moment - or of all time?
Norma Jean Bell - I'm The Baddest Bitch (In The Room) (Moodymann Mix)
Barbara Tucker - Most Precious Love (DF’s Future 3000 Mix)
Stefan Ringer, Divine Interface - Start It Right
E-Myers - Hate
Prosumer and Murat Tepeli - The Craze Live
Favorite DJ and/or producers capturing your heart RIGHT NOW?
Natasha Diggs and Jayda G and Devoye. Seriously though, Devoye is quite known in the NYC scene but if you’re reading this from elsewhere and never heard of him, pay attention and book him/fly him to your city.
What is the genre/scene/city/artist that you feel is underrated and needs more hype/awareness?
Philadelphia! I have a soft spot for this city. There are so many talented artists working hard in the music scene. It doesn't have the shine NYC has but Merloh, Chris B, Phil Yeah and Universal Cave are a few of my favorites coming from this city. True talents and also the kindest souls. Big shoutouts to Montreal and Lisbon as well. There are just too many talented people everywhere. Be curious, go to smaller parties, buy tickets to events where you don’t know any of the dj’s/artists, don’t be afraid to be the first one on the dance floor and if you’re a DJ booked don’t just show up for your set times. Be part of the community.
Describe your creative process and how you approach sets or tracks:
I am trying to stay inspired. I like to go on walks and see where the universe takes me. I hate making plans. I really live in the moment so I don’t really plan sets. I tend to prepare a new folder with a couple new tracks that currently inspire me and take it from there.
Labels that are a go-to must-have in your DJ arsenal?
Rocksteady Disco,FWM Entertainment, Good Timin’ and Get Up recordings.
Name some of the tracks that consistently inspire you to do better and just...well, get you through a bad day.
Joe Smooth - Promised Land, The Jourbert Singers - Stand on the Word, and House of Jezebel-Love & Happiness.
If you had any superpowers it would be:
Time travel
Your fullest expression of love is:
Connecting with strangers on the dance floor and sharing high vibrations in a judgement free space.
What is the best piece of advice you could give to a DJ / Producer just starting out?
Show up and practice. Daily if you can, even if it’s just 30 min. Take yourself on a “date”, it will help your creativity. Treat your body well. Don’t be afraid to knock on doors, meet people, ask for gigs and get involved in the scene you like.
The future is unpredictable and your focus is now.
