Posted inMusic

Wakestock DJ

Time Out meets the excitable DJ Goldierocks (aka Sam Hall…

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a DJ/producer and TV/radio presenter from London, UK.

How did you come up with the name Goldierocks?
I have verrrry long hair, and am known for being very theatrical – for ‘rocking’ during my DJ performances… and so the nickname transpired.

How long have you been DJing?
Four years or so – I’m very eclectic DJ-wise. Generally, I play electro and mash-up, but if you catch me at a festival I’ll play anything from breaks to indie, Balkan and hip-hop. It’s just got to be eclectic, eccentric and danceable.

Who are your musical influences?
As a producer I love the work of Sinden, Jackwob, Toddla T, Doorly, Chew Lips and We Have Band. But to listen to at home… The Rolling Stones, TV on the Radio and Miles Davis. The Stones make me feel alive.

Your favourite DJ?
I don’t have a fave DJ, more a favourite memory. I warmed up for 2 Many DJs (Soulwax) at Lux in Lisbon and it was immense. They pulled me back on stage to 3,000 applauding clubbers and force-fed me champagne. I’ve never danced so hard in my life.

Favourite label?
Being a music journalist my tastes are very eclectic. It depends what I’m feeling that hour… I adore French label Kitsune for remixes and for dance, US label I Heart Comix. But I’ll give my UK friends Transgressive Records a shout out – they’ve put out some of the best independent British music this decade including The Noisettes to Esser, Laura Marling and The Mystery Jets. Clever boys.

Have you been to Abu Dhabi before? Impressions…
No I haven’t and I can’t wait! Sun, sea and luxurious nightspots – what’s not to love?

What are you looking forward to most about the Wakestock gig?
Wakestock Abersoch is one of my favourite UK festivals – you’re guaranteed a crazy time, with loads of jumping fans, hot wakeboarders and awesome live acts. It’ll just be a giggle.

What can people expect?
From me? Lots of jumping about, maybe some crowd surfing, general over-excitedness and beats to make you dance ’til dawn.

Your hot track right now…
I’m loving Ellie Goulding ‘Starry Eyed’ and Tinashe ‘Mayday’ (so shifty remix) – both hot new acts for 2010.

What are you up to at the moment aside from DJing?
I’ve just presented [at] the Brit Awards 2010, which was amazing! I did all the interviews on the red carpet and AAA coverage for backstage. I met the likes of Courtney Love, Lilly Allen, Jay Z and the legend that is Meat Loaf!

You’re a radio presenter and journalist too – you must have quite a few friends in the music industry?
Indeed. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by many inspirational, creative souls.

Who is your favourite musician/band you’ve interviewed?
Seasick Steve gave me a swig of his drink while I stroked his beard and I had a fantastic feminist discussion with Melissa Auf Der Maur. William Orbit had the best stories, though. I really respect Mr Orbit.

What big gigs do you have planned this year?
I’ll be DJing at all the festivals: Wakestock UK, Lattitude, Rockness, Creamfields, V Festival and Secret Garden Party as well as a tour of Mexico and dates in the Alps before the spring’s out.

Do you still see yourself spinning tracks in 10 years’ time?
I see myself still working in music and live performance, yes. That’s a life-long calling. But whether I’ll be constantly on the road, trekking from field to yacht to super club and back, I don’t know. I want to move into documentary making and back to writing, and be at home long enough to have a herb garden and a pet cat.

Goldierocks plays Wakestock on Thursday March 4, Abu Dhabi Corniche. For further information visit wakestock.ae.