DJ Jonny is one of Leeds most prolific entertainers and we can now present the interview with the man himself...

What do you do?

When I’m not DJing in Gay Leeds I am actually an In-flight Supervisor for one the world’s biggest airline groups. It typically means I can be away for 4 to 5 days a week stopping in various cities around Europe. So sadly DJing does have to take a back seat a lot of the time!

How Long have you been a DJ for, have you always been into music?

I class my real DJing career as starting as late as 2008. I have been on the Leeds scene since I turned 18 and made many friends. One of them was Stuart who manages the Bridge who gave me a shot at DJing one weekend; from there I went on to DJ at the Pride party that year and haven’t looked back since.

From covering DJ’s at the Bridge I went on to have a fantastic year with the Viaduct Showbar Leeds working with Carla Jackson, Roxxy, Anja Bach & Anna Glypta. We had some amazing nights and the place was rocking until 4 in the morning! I loved it!

I have always loved my music, that’s thanks to my mum really. We always had music on in the house, I can particularly remember my mum cooking the tea with a gin & tonic – Go West, New Order or Madonna would be blaring out in the living room. She would also pick me up from school, shades on, window down and with the Radio booming away. I had such a cool mum, I still do!

Who are your musical influences?

My taste is so broad in music but I think if you’re going to DJ on a gay scene it has to be. In terms of influences, I remember the charts been particularly camp and very poptastic when I was growing up. The radio play list consisted of artists such as Whigfield, Bewitched & Spice Girls – with songs that we now look back and think god how cheesy and camp.

I find the UK chart very one-dimensional sometimes, I love listening to different music! On my travels I make a point of listening to the local music channels or going to their clubs! I have found some amazing European dance music like this, music that is topping the charts all over Europe but not in the UK. Take for example Inna – I first heard that in 2009 and started playing it at the Viaduct. It wasn’t until almost 10 months later it penetrated the UK charts and was a massive hit.

Another guilty pleasure is Eurovision, I know its tacky, camp and cliché but I just bloody love it!

What venues & clubs have you worked in?

Well from starting at the Bridge I have gone on to DJ at the Viaduct Showbar Leeds, Recently Queens Court for the Drag Idol after party & Heaven Nightclub Gran Canaria. I have also worked on sound & lighting at several events.

What is your involvement/interest in Maspalomas Pride?

Well back in 2009 I met my boyfriend Haydn; he was a dancer on main stage at Gran Canaria Pride. Since then really I have got more and more involved, with organising & editing music for the stage shows, assisting back stage with artists and dancers & DJing at events in the pride week.

This year I have already been working on sound & visuals for the main stage shows, helping the committee liaise with artists and again I will be DJing at some events.

Any ideas what you will be doing at Leeds Pride this year?

I don’t have a clue yet, I have been so busy with Gran Canaria preparations. I wasn’t here for Leeds pride last year so will have to make up for it this year! Watch this space and I will let you know soon. Leeds pride is fantastic, keeps going from strength to strength! It should be bigger and better than ever this year!

What are your ambitions and where do you see yourself in ten years time?

World domination? lol

Actually, a little bit more humble than that. Haydn & I are currently making plans to leave the UK next year and try settle in Gran Canaria. It’s a massive change and a huge undertaking but we want to do it for the quality of life! We have made some very dear friends out there, we love the weather and we want more time with each other.

I do still want to DJ because I love it, it’s not a job to me it’s a hobby and a pleasure. Just working the dance floor and putting a smile on someone’s face – making their night just by playing a song! It’s a great feeling!

So if in ten years time I am still in the sun & playing my music I will be happy!

Where are you currently working and when can people see you?

You can currently catch me at the Bridge on Saturday Nights & I am also a regular guest DJ at the Viaduct Showbar.

This Friday I am working with amazing Peggy Wessex again which I am really looking forward!! Hope to see lots of you down there!

Come May I will be out in Gran Canaria for Pride!

We would like to say a massive thanks to Jonny for giving this interview and for the dedication and enthusiasm that he brings to Leeds and beyond.