Keeping Up With DJ Nish!

With the lights flashing and with people making their way to the dance floor, that’s when DJ Nish takes over for the night with her incredible mixes, a personality that draws you in, and music that makes your heart sing back. DJ Nish has risen to be one of the most predominant DJs in the game! I got to sit down and chat with DJ Nish about her goals and ambitions for 2022 and learn more about her journey as a DJ and her love of music.

DJ Nish Interview

1.) What inspired you to get into music?

I’ve been into music ever since I can remember. My dad used to play vinyl’s all the time in our lounge, so my sister and I would dance around to all music from old Bollywood soundtracks to even Elvis records. The main one I remember clearly was the Dil movie soundtrack. I still listen to it now, sometimes in the car when I’m having a senti moment!

2.) What’s your favorite thing about being a DJ?

I was being able to play music as a job! It doesn’t even feel like work. There are times when I’m tired before a booking after my full-time job, but as soon as I get into a club and hear the music, I have so much energy, it makes me feel alive—also seeing everyone have a good time and dancing to my mixes.

3.) What’s your go-to track to play at a gig?

It depends. I feel like old skool wins the crowd over any newer releases these days. So I would say artists like Panjabi MC and Imran Khan. For Bollywood Abhi Toh Party, Shuru Hui always gets the crowd pumped.

4.) Who are some of your role models in the music industry?

I used to look up to DJs who were producers, so DJ Vix and DJ Dips. Seeing their pictures as the leading artist on event fliers inspired me to aim to be a headline act. Watching their music videos also got me into production, as I thought if male DJs can do it, then I can do it too. So it was a great feeling seeing my music videos played on big channels like PTC.

5.) If you could collab with anyone, who would you collab with?

Suppose it’s a singer. I would love to collab with Jasmine Sandlas. I think she’s great. She speaks her mind and says how it is in this male-dominated industry, so I respect her.

6.) What’s next for DJ Nish?

I’ve had a great year playing out at some big clubs in London. There are still a few I need to tick off my list. So you can catch my playing up and down the country. I will be dropping some exclusive remixes this year as well.

7.) What’s one goal you want to accomplish in 2022?

I want to DJ abroad again this year. I would travel a couple of times a year to DJ, but since Covid, it’s all stopped. I miss it; it’s such a different experience and always fun. Plus, I get a couple of days of holiday/ exploring to myself.

8.) Were your parents supportive? Do you have any advice for aspiring DJs?

My parents are so supportive. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today and show on BBC Asian Network Thursday evening, 8-10 pm. It is a harsh industry to be in as a female with the late nights and club scene, but they’ve always been there for me and let me make my own decisions.

For anyone aspiring to be a DJ, I would find what your specialty is. It’s all well and good being open format playing for different clients with multiple genre requests, but you want to be able to enjoy it and play the music you’re passionate about. People will hear the difference rather than sticking to a set playlist. Also, have fun with it.