Honey Dijon has been nothing short of a trailblazer in house music since long-time friend and mentor Derrick Carter gave her a set of old decks in the 1990s.
From then on, the Chicago-born producer was hooked and would perform for anyone who would listen.
It was that passion for her craft that has led her to become one of the most sought after names in dance music, dazzling clubs and the fashion circuit in London, Paris, Berlin and New York.
Earlier this year, Dijon continued to solidify her name in the music history books when she won her first Grammy for her part in producing two tracks, Alien Superstar and Cozy, on Beyonce’s critically acclaimed album, Renaissance.
The singer’s lauded seventh studio album paid homage to the Black LGBTQ+ pioneers of ballroom and dance music, something Dijon told The Standard “was an honour and privilege” to work on.
However, Dijon isn’t resting on her laurels following her award win, instead she continues to be inspired by her experience with Beyonce and said that the honour has motivated her even more creatively.
“It was an amazing moment, but I just keep working,” she reflected. “Same as I did before. I’m always looking to the next project or concept. That’s my creative process.”
From one musical icon to another, the DJ recently opened Madonna’s Celebration World Tour at London’s O2 Arena.
The Frozen hitmaker has long been an admirer of Honey’s having previously said she’s her “favourite DJ”. In 2019, the pair collaborated on a remix of Madonna’s track, I Don’t Search I Find, which appeared on the singer’s 2022 remix album, Finally Enough Love.
Reflecting on their friendship, Dijon shared: “Our relationship is great. We love so many of the same things and it’s such an honour to work with her as she is such an icon.”
So, can we expect them to collaborate again? “I hope this is just the beginning of creative partnership,” she shared.
And it seems that want to do more creatively has spilled over into her personal life as Dijon said Auf Widersehen to her base in Berlin and setup shop in London six months ago.
Dijon arrived in the UK at an interesting time for dance music, given 30 percent of clubs haven’t reopened following the Covid pandemic. So, one must ask, why London?
“I love the energy of the city so far,” she shared. “I have everything I need and more as a working artist. I'm setting up a creative studio in King Cross to use as a base.”
And how does her new base inspire her compared to the previous places she’s called home? “My London chapter is certainly helping to expand me artistically. It’s been a real pleasure to manifest so many dreams and aspirations here,” she said.
“Being based in London has certainly expanded my ear sonically. It’s such a vibrant melting pot of different cultures and soundscapes.”
Dijon has made her presence known in the city, especially after she delivered her live Honeyverse show, celebrating black queer music, at London’s Southbank last month over two weekends.
It featured a combination of live performances and talks as well as DJ sets from Aqwea, Kampire, the Radiant Baby Orchestra, Alewya, CakesDa Killa, Red Pig Flower and Gayance.
She reflected: “It was such a joy to work with the Outlook Orchestra – and all the talented musicians they brought together – for this kind of show the venue is key and performing at the Royal Festival Hall was a gag.”
So, can fans expect another installment of the live show next year? “We never repeat things, but this was received so well, so never say never,” the fashion designer responded.
In between her busy schedule, Dijon has managed to find the time to collaborate with Johnnie Walker Blue Label to create a track, Earthly Delights ,inspired by the whisky brand’s latest limited edition release, the Blue Label Elusive Umami.
Using PlantWave technology, which extracts vibrational waves from oak trees to turn their biorhythms into sound, the producer converted nature’s rhythms into the melody of the euphoric track.
“I really wanted to connect the sensory of sound with the sensory of taste,” the Grammy-winner shared.
“With the PlantWave technology, we were able to use sound extraction, taking the vibration from an oak tree used for the whisky casks and then turning it into Earthly Delights.
“It was cool to tap into the sound of nature and let that come through.”
