Toronto Island is enticing oasis away from the city; a reclusive get-away for the downtowners who don’t have cottages. But, four times a year the island becomes Toronto’s Ibiza with dance parties that go well into the night illuminated by fireworks. It’s an easy Ferry commute that adds to the feeling of escaping the city. And being able to party outdoors is always a good thing – rain or shine.
This weekend Electric Island features one great DJ after another with a show that promises to entertain and keep your engine running at full force. Along with Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann, Miss Honey Dijon will take the stage and something we’re really looking forward to. She has this great stage presence and control of the audience. Track after track you just fall deeper under her control.
Tickets are still available online with options that include ferry travel to the island: http://www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=6730265
Along with gracing us with her presence this weekend, Honey Dijon’s most recent release ‘Houze ft. Seven Davis Jr.’ with remixes by Deetron, Eli Escobar and Mark Farina hits the scene; https://www.beatport.com/release/houze/1793121. We took the chance to get to know Honey a little better before she hits the stage.
TheSceneInTO: You’ve toured a lot and given the chance, what’s the one thing you wished someone had told you while starting out? Any life lessons from the road?
Honey Dijon: Be careful what you ask for. Touring is not as glamorous as it seems. Lots of waiting, having to perform when you have had no sleep or had a chance to eat before your gig, long hours in trains, planes, and automobiles and constant jet lag. Having said that I wouldn’t trade it for the world. To play music and share that with people around the world and seeing the joy music brings makes it all worthwhile
TheSceneInTO: What’s the one festival you’ve always wanted to perform at? Any artist you’ve wanted to collaborate with?
Honey Dijon: The Dekmantel Festival in Amsterdam. I always love their lineup as its really pushing the envelope musically. I have a lot of respect for them for keeping it super underground and authentic. I would love to collar with Peter Daou. He is one of my heroes. He used to play keys on a lot on Danny Tenaglia’s production my favorite being Give Myself to You. Sadly he stopped making music and is into politics now.
TheSceneInTO: Who’s on your current playlist? Anyone in particular you’re keeping your eye on?
Honey Dijon: I don’t even listen to that much dance music when I’m not working. A lot my playlist consists of Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Sylvester, Grace Jones, and Erykah Badu. I often discover new artists though by researching for gigs. I love the Yoruba label from Osulande and they just had a release from the producer named Mike Steva. He doesn’t have an extensive discography but he has a distinct sound already which is deep and tribal. I have a feeling he’s gonna get a lot of shine in the next few years.
TheSceneInTO: What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you while touring or performing?
Honey Dijon: Well let’s just say I have extra-long records just in case it gets a little sexy in the booth if you know what I mean. Performing two tasks at the same time takes a special skill hahahahaaha! Good thing I’m good with my hands!
TheSceneInTO: What’s next on your to-do list? Any collaborations, new albums, tour dates?
Honey Dijon: I’m just about to embark on my European summer tour which is really exciting. I’ll be playing some amazing festivals such Hyte in NYC, Sunfall in London, The RA in Residence in Helsinki, Melt in Germany, Into The Valley in Sweden, Defected Boat Party in Croatia, and the temple Panorama Bar in Berlin. I also have some remixes coming for Seven Davis Jr and Severino from Horse Meat Disco, more original tunes on Classic, and a collab with my boy Matrixxman. 2016 has been an amazing year for me and opening for Disclosure in the spring was such an amazing experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given that it makes me want to work even harder.
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