Few people embody the golden age of vinyl like DJ Honey. Inspired by the soul of Etta James and the glamour of Dusty Springfield, she brings mid-century magic to modern dance floors. Also a vintage dealer, interior designer, and host of the Kiss! Kiss! Bang! Bang! show on Soho Radio, Honey’s sets celebrate soul sisters and fashionistas of the 1950s-70s.
We caught up to discuss the joy of vinyl, inspirational women, and her go-to record stores, from Japan to SoCal.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m Honey! Inspired by the glamour of Dusty Springfield, the soul of Etta James and the cool of Shirley Scott, I’m a DJ, interior designer, art and vintage dealer and host of Kiss! Kiss! Bang! Bang! on Soho Radio. I’ve recently moved to USA after eight years living in Asia. My passion is sharing vintage style (not values) and history through sound, style and spaces.
“Most of the records I listen to aren’t available on streaming apps. That’s what I love about digging for records”
What sparked your interest in collecting records?
I bought my first record at age 10. It was Dusty Springfield’s ‘A Girl Called Dusty’. I bought it with my pocket money from an opshop for less than $1. I’ve always been mad about the 60s – the politics, music, fashion. I remember being drawn to Dusty’s platinum blonde bouffant, heavy eyeliner and glamorous dresses. I still am!
The aesthetics of all those mid-century girls, pressing, playing and partying to records was what first attracted me to vinyl. From there, I discovered the superior sound quality, in depth liner notes, album artwork, and rare pressings. Most of the records I listen to aren’t available on streaming apps. That’s what I love about digging for records.
What is it about vinyl that you love most?
Most record collectors agree the tangible format of vinyl is what lures us in. The ritual of physically selecting a record, the care involved and the ability to read over the liner notes as the record crackles away… there’s a certain kind of magic to vinyl.
When did you start DJ’ing, and what got you behind the decks?
Friends had found out I had some records and asked me to DJ but I never comprehended it – not when we had such a huge pool of local DJs already. Anyway, cut forward a year or so and I’d just survived a domestic violent relationship as well as the subsequent police and court system in Australia. I made the decision to no longer allow fear or intimidation limit my dreams or potential. It was time to take back my power, take up space. A friend encouraged me to DJ and this time I said, yes. That was ten years ago and the rest is history, as they say. I’ve been behind the decks ever since!
What can we expect from one of your sets?
I play soul, funk, jazz, RnB from around the globe, primarily highlighting hip shakers and rule breakers of the miniskirt revolution. Fierce, sassy and soulful women artists from 1950s-1970s who broke down barriers, promoted equality, and sung about women’s experiences.
What advice would you give someone wanting to try vinyl DJ’ing?
Be creative, be unique, be bold and just do it! Surround yourself with DJs who inspire you to be better. Never stop listening. Know your worth and believe in yourself.
What’s the most prized record in your collection, and is there a story behind it?
Oooh, there’s too many to choose from.
It could be Linda Jones’ “I Just Can’t Live My Life Without You”. It took me 12 years to eventually find/afford/buy the 7” and I get tingles down my spine every time I play it.
I love The Toys’ version of “I Got A Man” pressed on a Japanese EP. I managed to score that after yet another hopeful (then successful) late night online search.
I’m especially fond of the Mandarin version of ‘Unchain My Heart’ by June Mok – a record I discovered while living in Singapore.
One year for my birthday, I was gifted a US pressing of Lynne Randell’s “Stranger In Your Arms” while DJing at the 6ts Cleethorpe Weekender (iconic in the UK Northern Soul scene). Like me, Lynne was English born and Australian raised. She recorded many Mod records during the 60s but I adore her Northern Soul pop sound.
And loads more. I could go on for days…
What’s your go-to crate digging spot?
Sssooo many… Night Beat Records in Japan. James and Misty, the owners, are collectors of 50s and 60s records themselves and know all the good stuff.
District Wax in Jakarta, Indonesia was a late night dig that felt more like a 60s get together complete with scooters lined up out front. The owner went and bought us all beers while we continued to browse.
Plug Seven in Melbourne, Australia always has interesting selections and one of the best in the country for seven inches.
Suffragette Records in Tasmania, Australia are doing radical work and have wildly knowledgeable staff.
Real Groovy in Auckland, New Zealand has a surprisingly huge selection of original pressing 60s soul LPs. I walked in not expecting much and walked out very, very happy!
And now, in my new hometown of So-Cal, I’ve got to give a shout out to Twelves. Some of the best 45 digging with constant fresh stock, ranging from $1 records to rarities.
Just like prized records, the list of go-to record stores goes on as well.
Follow DJ Honey’s journey through sound and style on Instagram.
