iona: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

Music

London is observing an interesting spell within which an array of new disc jockeys and producers are emerging from beneath the underground.

Iona is a familiar face, with great hair to go alongside. For a long time she has grafted whilst establishing an intricate array of taste within electronic music and its really great to see her reaping the benefits of her hard work. As a regular at Field Maneuvers, Rye Wax and more she has cemented herself within the core musical community of the city and has upped the stakes. Her musical tastes span the realms of house, disco, techno and beyond as she enters the ring no holds barred.

We are delighted to invite her to feature as part of our 'shine a light on' series, one to watch, no doubt.

Listen and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?

I’m iona – or “Lona” to every supply teacher or Uber driver ever – this is why I try for the most part for my DJ name to be all caps or, preferably, all lower case letters. I’m in sunny Clapton and I am an audiophile. Joking – I’m a functioning alcoholic. Joking. Somewhere in between.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

Where was the mix recorded?

At my friend Benji’s house – aka Semtek of Don’t Be Afraid records.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Front left.

What should we be wearing?

A tracksuit – with a bikini or budgie smugglers underneath in case the room gets toasty.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

At home but with really good kit and headphones with both ears working.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Electr-oh-no by Tom Blip.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

That’s a big question for someone with a bad memory. I’ve recently enjoyed Bufiman’s Beats in Space mix and tend to enjoy BIS mixes in general.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

My dad had a pair of 1200s and a mixer (something I can’t remember) and gave me a Technics record bag when I was really small. I didn’t really start DJing until a couple of years ago though – kind of regrettable now that I didn’t start way back then! Now I use XDJ1000 Mk2s with an Allen + Heath Xone22 and one of my dad’s old 1200s.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

In a recorded mix I’d say the track I start with because I wanna encourage people to keep listening.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First: Fontella Bass – Rescue Me. And most recently Phaser Boys – Phaser Boys EP on Aiwo Recordings.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

POPPIN CANDY

If it was an animal what would it be?

Baloo

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

I don’t mind putting my ego aside and just doing a simple fade in order to play the right track at the right time for the dancers, so nothing is impossible.