I first heard the hot sounds of DJ Nikki at the recent launch of the B&B Italia Outdoor Collection in London, and since then I simply cannot get enough of her incredible talent. Not only because she continues to demonstrate that she is a dynamic, determined and highly versatile DJ (who is also a classically trained cellist), but because above all, despite mingling with the world’s glitterati, she remains with her feet firmly on the ground and a beat uniquely and untameably her own.

What challenges as a woman do you face working in an industry which is predominantly overrun by men?

Ha ha, the eternal question…well, DJing and music, like most industries, are dominated by men. They make more money than their female counterparts and it is a big boys club. You just have to accept that they will always give jobs to each other and it is still a man’s world. I just get on with being me and doing the best job I can every time I do a gig. It is definitely harder as a female, you have to be twice as good and work harder to have longevity and still people will ask ‘what does she look like?’ before booking you. As far as I know you can be a fat ugly male DJ and no-one cares!

You have rocked the parties of stellar celebrities and artists, ranging from Justin Timberlake to Jay-Z, as well as of hot brands, such as Roberto Cavalli and Pinko. At which celebrity’s party did you have the most fun at, and which event would you repeat all over again?

To be honest, when I am there DJing at big events, it is usually quite stressful, so I don’t enjoy it until I can look back on it retrospectively. At Kanye West’s party, I had about 5 guys trying to cram into a tiny DJ booth with me and more of Kanye’s hangers were shouting instructions at me. In the end, I ignored everyone and just played what I knew would rock the party. People are always stressed at big events and they often direct it towards the DJ. It is my time of work, I don’t expect to have fun until it is over, but I make sure that people have had an amazing night and then I can have a drink with my boyfriend afterwards. I have DJ’d on the top of a skyscraper, in caves in Lazarote at Omar Shariffe’s house, with Taiko Drummers, an opera singer, with Justin Timberlake & Jay- Z in the DJ booth next to me, at the Royal Albert Hall with Kelis when she did her first performance of ‘Milkshake’…looking back, these were all great times.

The one city you are madly in love with?

I just got back from Istanbul and I totally fell in love with it. I DJ’d for a fashion festival out there. The people took care of me like I was family and there was an air of mysticism that I fell under the spell of. I love the mixture of modern and ancient. I love travelling and the more I can learn about the cities I visit, the better. I go to Frankfurt this week, then Glasgow, which I am happy about as I am Scottish originally.. then L.A.

You were recently chosen as one of Reebok’s UK Freestyles campaign. How did you become involved in the project, and what was your favourite moment of the New York launch, which you recently attended?

I was approached to be an ambassador for the Reebok Freestyle and I was so excited as I was obsessed with the shoe as a kid and have been wearing them in an ironic 80’s style for the past 5 years. I have done 2 launches since then, one in NY and one in Paris. The London one, to launch my shoe will be happening in September. The New York launch was held in a huge former sausage factory that had been restored and filled with antiques. I hung out with Lil’ Kim (who was so sweet), drank cocktails and ate fish and chips. I did alot of interviews and photos in both NY & Paris. The Paris launch was at the top of the Pompidou Centre, which was fabulous and there was a party up there in the evening, which consisted of more cocktails and lots of chic French people. My favourite moments have been playing in the snow in NY after the party and getting some more shoes..lol (I own 300+ pairs…!)

What are your upcoming plans for this year?

I am working on my own tracks with my band Beatnik, writing and producing and also remixing music. You can check us out on www.myspace.com/djnikkibeatnik I will also be DJing in various spots all over the place.

Dark, milk or white chocolate?

I am dairy intolerant, so I have to lay off the chocolate unless it is free of milk. I am more of a peanut or beef hula hoops type of girl, which is weird as I have been a vegetarian for 20 years.

Images courtesy of DJ Nikki

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