In anticipation for her appearance on the famous Sydney Harbour placed Ship Faced Cruise which played host to Kry Wolf (photos here!) not long ago, Hannah Wants caught up with us to talk all thangz dance music. Due to rock the boat this Saturday, we touch on topics including ‘EDM’, her EP on Dirtybird, her guilty musical pleasures and more!

What’s it mean to you to be signed to the Dirtybird Records stable?

Getting a release on Dirtybird was always a massive goal for me as they are one of, if not the, most prolific label around at the moment in my kind of music scene. Claude and the Dirtybird crew had already been supporting Kneadin’ which was cool enough so when I found out they wanted to release it, well… it was definitely one of my highlights of 2013!

It seems like ‘EDM’ is a bit of a dirty word these days but a tag you’ve managed to avoid. What are your thoughts on it all?

I’ve only been aware of the whole negative stereotyping surrounding ‘EDM’ over the past six months or so and i don’t really have any thoughts on it all. What is the correct definition of ‘EDM’ now anyway? It used to cover a wide range of genres, now it appears to be a genre. For that reason i’m glad i’ve managed to avoid the tag as i see my music as a lot more gritty and underground.

It’s easy to focus on a lot of the negative energy surrounding dance music these days, what are some positive elements you’ve noticed through 2013 and we should take notice of in 2014?

One major positive in 2013 for me was that bass music made a massive impact on the house music scene around the world and i definitely believe that it’s going to get even bigger this year. To be honest i don’t notice or focus on any negative energy surrounding music or surrounding negative anything in fact – i just like to concentrate on what i’m doing and trying to achieve.

Australia seems to be a favourite for international guests, what do you think the pull is?

I’ve only been in Australia for six days now and not only is it one of the best countries to play in, it is also definitely one of the nicest countries i’ve ever visited! I really do love it here. I’m already looking forward to returning and i haven’t even left yet! The weather, the food, the lifestyle, the crowds, the beautiful beaches, the friendly people… i could go on!

How important is money with what you do?

It definitely helps but i DJ for the love of music and the art of DJ’ing, not for money. I’ve DJ’d for over 10 years now and i didn’t get a paid booking for around 6 of those years! DJ’ing is my passion and i’m fortunate enough to get paid for living my dream – i’ve worked myself up from the very bottom and i will never take money for granted.

Is there anyone you are looking forward to hanging with or collaborating with in 2014?

I’d like to collab with Taiki & Nulight and My Nu Leng sometime in 2014 – i love what both are doing for the scene right now. Making time to do this with such crazy 2014 schedules however is another subject altogether!

What’s the best party you’ve ever played at?

I literally couldn’t even answer that question! There’d be too many to consider and choose between, I’ve been fortunate enough to play some amazing parties over the past few years! A few that stand out would be Amnesia in Ibiza, Global Gathering and The Rainbow Venues in my home town of Birmingham is always one of my favourites to play.

Hannah Wants finishes the sentence (below)

The first ever CD I bought was… Destiny’s Childs first album – The Writing On The Wall

My guilty music pleasure is… Fleetwood Mac and The Cranberries

My biggest musical influence has been… I don’t really have anyone in particular you know, i’m influenced by sounds more than people. Chris Lorenzo has been a big inspiration to me though.

Cruise Details
Time (Cruise) – 12 – 5pm
(After party) – 5 – 11pm
Date – Sat 8th Feb 2014
Place – Boarding & Disembarking from 9 King St Wharf, Darling Harbour (Outside Cargo Bar / Sydney Aquarium )
Price – $60 GA / $70 COMBO
Tickets – Purchase online from Ship Faced