Interview: Superstar Female DJ Smokin Jo, ahead of the return of iconic after-hours club Trade
From her initial break at London’s legendary after-hours party Trade at Turnmills, Smokin’ Jo has enjoyed a successful 33 year career behind the decks – having played in pretty much every corner of the globe and in every major nightclub you could care to mention.
She is also the only female DJ to have ever won DJ Magazine’s coveted DJ of the Year Award.
From epic gigs at Glastonbury for Block9’s NYC Downlow Arena, to Glitterbox at Hi Ibiza, Smokin’ Jo is here to slay at iconic after-hours party Trade, alongside international headliners Nicole Moudaber and Eats Everything on Saturday 25 February
Smokin’ Jo headlines Trade | Egg | Saturday 25 February 2023 from 8pm | £25
Smokin’ Jo shares her Trade playlist of tunes ahead of the return of the club that broke all the rules…
Tell us about what Trade means to you and the club world?
Trade is where I learned my craft, I owe my DJ career to Trade – it was my first major gig and residency. Trade gave myself and thousands of others so much joy… it was a family of clubbers who had so much love for house music. The gay scene was always ahead of the times, when Laurence Malice opened Trade it was fresh and new and legendary and to this day.
Who or what inspires your musical tastes?
I am inspired by all music. My roots are in soulful music so I need a good bassline and a melody but I’m a huge electronic music fan going back in the 80’s. Groups like Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and Art of Noise were my faves and in the 70’s it was the sounds, artists and producers of Motown Records. Now a good DJ set inspires me.
What are your favourite London haunts?
I don’t go out much but I like to go to the special parties like Faith and SecretSundaze where I know the crowd will be clued up. I’m also really enjoying gay nights like House of Trash and Feel It.
About Trade
Smokin’ Jo headlines Trade on Saturday 25 February from 8pm onwards at Egg London, 5 – 13 Vale Royal, London, N7 9AP.
The full line up features International Headliners – Nicole Moudaber, Eats Everything (Special Trade set) and DJ Paulette plus spread across 2 floors the sounds of Anahita Shamsei, Andy Farley, BK, Daz Saund, Frankel & Harper, Guy Williams, Kyle E,Maze & Masters, Pagano, Sharp Boys, Trevor Rockcliffe, Somme Farris and the Blonde Spirit. Loft Takeover with Uokhun? Sue Veneers Uokhun? featuring DJs: Victoria Peckham, Rita Lin, Sophie Joy + A Very Special Guest TBA Sue Veneers featuring DJs: Bryony Masters, Chester Hayes, Faff and Marie MalariePerformers Jane Norman – Kaiden Ford – Mairi Houston and Paris TuBoleyn
Admission: Early Birds Sold Out; 2nd Release Tickets from £25 from RA: https://ra.co/events/1627627
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1072945666908455
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like free, cheap & offbeat London, especially: cabaret, art, theatre, pop-ups, eating out, quirky films, museums, day trips, social enterprise & much more.
