Q&A: Chris Hanna

We got in touch with Chris Hanna just in time for his Workhouse EP on Extended Play, the 22 year old Belfast based DJ/Producer is set for a great year when it comes to gigs and will surely have many exciting productions coming in the near future.

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Soundspace:

So how would you describe Chris Hanna?

Chris Hanna:

I would say I’m just trying to make music I like without being somebody who is trying to just release something that is popular or “in” at the moment. The newer tracks I’m releasing are definitely orientated towards the dance floor and playing out, compared to some of the other stuff I’ve done.

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Soundspace:

The gigs seemed to come after the productions, were you primarily all about the studio?

Chris Hanna:

Yeah I had DJ’ed for about 2/3 hours before my first gig on the Twitch Boat Party – baptism of fire if ever there was one. I started arsing about with making music though since around 15. Usually just wee hip hop beats and the like, then when I was about 18 I started to get into electronic music a lot more and it came about from there.

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Soundspace:

Best club experience to date?

Chris Hanna:

Would be a toss up between getting to play the midnight tune at Shine New Years Eve (I played Spandau Ballet – Gold) and everyone going nuts, or the Extended Play party we had in The Shipping Forecast (Liverpool) with T-Bone and Cromby. It was such a ridiculously fun 24 hours and we couldn’t have been any better looked after which is exactly what you want when you’re playing away from home (shout out to Tim Lewis for that). The place seemed to be bouncing from about 11 right through to the end, so many good friends out and the tunes were great all night! Won’t be forgetting it in a hurry.

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Soundspace:

What is the strangest thing you’ve experienced at a gig?

Chris Hanna:

Myself and JMX played in Derry, and right near the end everyone that was there formed a sort of “dance circle” round this one particular girl as she proceeded to crawl about the floor and generally disgrace herself. It was amazing.

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Soundspace:

One thing we shouldn’t know about you?

Chris Hanna:

I don’t own any headphones and for every gig have to borrow someone elses.

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Soundspace:

If you could live in one country for a day, where would it be?

Chris Hanna:

Australia – I’m half Australian and the last time I went was when I was about 9, so would be great to go back and see the family over there again! Obviously the weather is a bonus, and VB is great.

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Soundspace:

Your Workhouse EP coming soon on Extended Play, what can we expect?

Chris Hanna:

I think this is my strongest EP for sure, with 2 originals and 2 remixes. The tracks came about after I got to DJ in some amazing clubs and at a certain point of the night, I’d wish I had something of mine to play to fit the more up tempo stuff – so I made them. I’d say Workhorse is my best track yet. Played it out a tonne and the reaction has always been amazing, so I’m very excited for the release. Think previews will be going up in a couple of weeks!

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Soundspace:

Where can we find you playing next?

Chris Hanna:

I’ll be supporting Dusky in Stiff Kitten on the 22nd of June. Really looking forward to this one! In the middle of organizing a few more UK gigs at the minute as well, hopefully get the details online soon. Cheers!

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Listen to Chris Hanna – Ghost Train

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