There are many words to describe Honey Dijon: Mother. Pioneer. Icon. Queen. Artist. For decades, the Chicago-born DJ and producer has been making dancefloors worldwide a place of communion, community, and commercial success. Blending her love for ‘70s and ‘80s house and disco with more contemporary sounds and rhythms, Dijon has carved a unique niche for herself that gets her booked in the best parties and festivals of the moment. One of them was the 30th anniversary of Barcelona’s Nitsa, part of the Burn Energy Tour.
She’s worked with pop divas like Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Jessie Ware; with fellow producers and DJs like Jamie xx, Louie Vega, Cakes da Killa, and Jayda G; and even with non-music artists like photographer Wolfgang Tillmans — I’m dizzy just thinking about that impressive roster of names. As you may know, she’s also a fashion girlie: she collects Tabis, attends fashion shows in major cities, and has her own brand, named Honey Fucking Dijon. At this point you might wonder: is there anything she can’t do? And no, there is NOT.
An all-encompassing artist that goes beyond her craft. Her songs and DJ sets are an outstanding experience to submerge yourself into — the community that gathers in front of her to be unapologetically themselves, dance freely, and just be happy together is something we should all live at least once. Music, when she’s in charge of it, becomes much more than a bunch of BPMs and good mixing; it transcends the dancefloor and elevates us to the spiritual realm. So today, while she’s off to her Australian tour, we get to sit down with the one and only Honey Dijon for a quick chat on the qualities that make a good DJ, her love for hot men in Barcelona, Berlin’s DIY spirit, and meeting one’s idols.
Hi Honey, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. First of all, how are you doing today and where do you answer us from?
I’ve just arrived in Sydney from Los Angeles. That flight is long as hell but I love it here.
You’ve played at Nitsa some weeks ago to celebrate the club’s thirtieth anniversary and as part of the Burn Energy Tour. For such an important feat, do you prepare your sets any differently?
I’ve been preparing my sets my entire life — I prepare for every single gig in the same way. I’m constantly making edits, which means they are always evolving and never the same.
I’ve had the pleasure of dancing to your sets several times – at Nitsa, as well as at different music festivals like Primavera Sound and Sónar – and the energy is always on point. What would you say are the most important qualities that make a good DJ?
The ability to read the room, it’s kind of becoming a lost art in my opinion. The only thing separating me from the dancefloor is the DJ booth, so I play how I want to feel as well. Fun and full of energy.
The dancefloor becomes a sanctuary when you play; most of us feel in a safe space because of the audience you attract and the attitude we all come with — aiming to have fun, be unapologetically ourselves, feel free, and dance surrounded by our community. Would you say that’s something you intentionally strive for when playing?
That’s 100% intentionally what I strive for all the time. I was brought up in these environments and so it’s important that this part of club culture remains.
Speaking of creating communities, the Burn Energy Tour aims to reinforce creative communities throughout Europe — Warsaw, Venice, Barcelona, or Budapest were the chosen cities. As an American-born living in Berlin for a few years now, how do you see the blooming of more and more collectives and communities fostering night life and art in general?
I’m actually living in London now. I had a wonderful time in Berlin. There is a strong sense of community in the music and art scenes there, and the city still retains its DIY spirit even amongst rapid change.
You’ve played in Barcelona many times now, so you must be familiar with the city. What’s something that you like about it and its audience?
It's a very sexy, fun, energetic, and chic city. It’s a city I would like to live in one day. The men are so beautiful too.
They say ‘never meet your heroes,’ but you’ve met and even worked with several of yours, from Madonna to Beyoncé. So would you say that expression holds some truth, or do you encourage everyone to try to meet their idols?
I don’t believe that statement. I’ve been so blessed to work and meet with such incredible, talented, and powerful women who have taught me so much about being an artist.
Fashion plays a pivotal role in your life — you’ve shown your impressive Tabi collection on Instagram, and of course you have your own brand, Honey Fucking Dijon. What’s your relationship with fashion like now, and how has it changed over the years?
I remain obsessed! I’m so lucky I get to travel and see so many cities, styles, and fashion moments. I’m constantly evolving my own personal style and I’m always collecting and picking up pieces on my travels.
As someone who’s constantly travelling and working non-stop, what do you like to do to unwind in your free time?
I’m a working artist, so when I do have downtime, I love to immerse myself in books and art. Staying in one place can be a wonderful luxury — and I and I try to make the most of it.
To finish, did you have any goals for 2024 that you accomplished (or not)? And what do you wish for 2025 to bring to you, both personally and professionally?
I have some goals that are very personal. I choose to write them down and share them with the world once my dreams have become a reality. I believe in the power of manifestation and create the world I wish to live in.
