April 10, 2025 |
While the future of nightlife remains clouded by the smoke of uncertainty – with the ripple effect of lockdowns, strict council regulations and financial demands from landlords leading to the shuttering of 65 UK clubs in 2024 – our dance floors have never been more exciting. Inside 10 Magazine Issue 74, we spotlight a series of DJs that are experts in their craft, taking eclectic sonics born on the British Isles to the biggest stages globally and providing soundtracks to the sort of nights out you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.
In East London’s queer club scene, Hannah Holland is nothing short of a legend. Cutting her teeth at the likes of Shoreditch’s Trailer Trash and Dalston Superstore, alongside running her own club night and label Batty Bass, she’s spent two decades honing her craft. Armed with an impressive catalogue of productions including the driving She’s Giving Cray and the head-spinning 2021 album Tectonic, the Adonis club-night resident has played to the globe’s most eminent dance floors – Panorama Bar and Glasto’s NYC Downlow included.
Hannah wears jumpsuit by DIOR
Describe your approach to crafting a set.
I think about the event weeks in advance, sometimes more, the vibe of the club, what I want to express and which end of my record collection [to use]. Then I make a very large set list of music that might work. And then the craft is really in the room with the crowd and vibing how the energy is in the room. I plan the first couple of tracks so I can set myself up well, then it’s up to the moment!
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
She’s Giving Cray, which I did with Jo Joseph. What track never fails to fill a dance floor? Fly Life (Todd Terry Remix) by Basement Jaxx. What makes a great DJ? Someone with great music taste that has the confidence to take the crowd on a ride, deep intuition and a little bit of a magic touch.
What’s been the best night out of your life?
Hmm, hard to choose, probably when Trailer Trash – my old DJ residency – took over a disused Dickensian prison in Clerkenwell and had a rave in there, incredible scenes, during the 2000s. There were many during those days!
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
The last project I worked on – a short film directed by Lydia Garnett – to go with my next album, Last Exit on Bethnal, out next year.
What does music mean to you?
Endless love, life, healing, energy, sexuality, expression, comfort, communication, spiritualism, freedom.
What shaped your musical tastes?
I’ve always escaped into music and it’s taken me to this extraordinary creative place. My mum always had great taste and loved to party. My best friend as a teenager had the most amazing record collection and was in a band – he taught me loads, as well as discovering clubbing together.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen from behind the decks?
It still gives me the biggest thrill to see a room go off. When the whole place is locked in together and it feels like we’ve entered another dimension, it’s otherworldly and truly a crazy thing to feel and witness.
What makes a great night out?
Great friends, great music, flirting, unexpected twists and turns!
Taken from 10 Magazine Issue 74 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
THE FLOOR FILLERS
Creative Editor and Text PAUL TONER
Portrait ELLIOTT MORGAN
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
