Ask any well-known DJ, artist or producer the secret of their success and chances are that hard work will be pretty high up their list of essentials. Anyone who knows Anna Wall will know that this is one of the many characteristics that defines her, and now, after years of working her way up the underground ranks, it looks as if years of graft are starting to pay dividends.

Now signed to Colluded Talent’s agency (the same agency, lest we forget,  as godfather of house Frankie Knuckles) and with forthcoming releases on Gotta Keep Faith (Italy), Swink Music (UK) as well as gigs all over the world, the next few months and years look set to propel her to new levels of acclaim.

Here, we caught up with her to discuss her early forays into DJing, being signed to Colluded Talent and having legendary producer MK naming a track after her...

When did you start DJing? Was there a particular catalyst that got you started?

Most of the DJing opportunities began when I lived in Newcastle - I got into a habit of buying vinyl with money I didn't have, and started a course called Cold Blend. I actually started for selfish reasons - I loved music, so I wanted to be able to listen to all the records that I wanted, in the order that I wanted! I never intended to play in front of people actually, it was more a get-away for me, something I could completely lose myself in.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

I guess an interesting part of DJing is that you get a different experience every time (whether good or bad!) The people you meet, the places you play and so on - there have been lots of moments I'd like to remember - but you have to pinch yourself a little bit when you're DJing on a rooftop, on top of a penthouse apartment in Miami for Mixmag a little before the legendary Kevin Saunderson steps in. Luckily it was caught on camera otherwise I assume I wouldn't have believed it myself!

How would you describe the music you play?

I find it hard to try and categorise my music style without sounding foolish! So forgive me if I do - my influences stretch far and wide, and also often outside the perimeters of house music, but I guess if you listen to my sets you will hear deep house, the old detroit sound, and classic house.

What is it about that particular style that appeals to you?

I often ask myself the same question. I'm always trying to work out what it is about a track that makes me love it - I'd say I'm attracted to productions that are melodic and create some sort of atmosphere, plus most of the tracks I play have some sort of vocal or vocal sample in them - I love all the old school female vocalists such as Barbara Tucker.

Is it true that MK named a track after you? How did that come about?

It is, yes! I wasn't sure it was true until the final master came in and it had my initials on it...! It was his remix of Inner City's 'Future'. That sure doesn't happen every day! I also had the honour of promoting the Inner City release, which was one of the highlights of my career as Promotions Manager so far.

Which DJs or producers do you particularly admire?

Where to begin...I am constantly on the look-out for producers both old and new that will inspire me. I still look up to a lot of the old school Chicago artists such as Larry Heard, and legends such as MURK; all who have stood the test of time and still continue to produce superb quality music. There are so many artists out there I admire that are constantly developing their sound - who knows maybe they'll be the next generation of heroes.


Where would you ideally see yourself in five years time? How do you think you'll achieve this?

I take every day as it comes, so I genuinely couldn't tell you! However I usually can't sleep until I feel that I've done something worthwhile that day, I'm always trying to better myself.

Do you think you have to work harder as a female DJ in what is a male-dominated industry? On the flip of that, are there any advantages?

Ah, the great debate. I sometimes DJ with my friend Shardai, and that's always empowering having us two girls behind the decks. I admit it did take me quite a while to build up the confidence to DJ alongside the boys when I first started out, I never thought I was good enough. But most ended up being very  supportive. I think sometimes people do assume you get things 'just because you're a girl' but I’ve worked hard and it's all about the music for me - I'd rather people be interested in the music I play or make rather than what I look like.

You're one of the few DJs working in London who were originally born there... how do you think growing up in London has influenced you, musically?

Oh it's influenced me a lot! When I was little I was a bit of an insomniac, so I'd stay up late and listen to pirate radio. Back then it was all about garage. It was all the us garage that got played out in uk garage sets such as all the old MK cuts that first introduced me house music. And it seems garage is fast becoming the trend again these days, funny how things come back around isn't it?!

Are you looking forward to playing in Turkey? What are you expecting the gig to be like?

I'm very excited. In fact I know of some solid deep house producers out of Turkey, so I'm interested to see what the scene is like out there. The venue is open air and can hold 4,000 capacity, it looks stunning.

You're fairly new to the Colluded Talent roster... what's the experience been like so far?

All systems go, but in a fantastic way! I'm encouraged to just be myself which is great. They are like family, I'm very well looked after! :)

Do you think that too many producers are trying to emulate the 'classic' house sounds of 20 years back at the moment? Or is that just the natural order of things?

If producers are just spending time trying to recreate the classics, I think they're at a loss - however if they're inspired and capturing the vibe of those records to create something new, then I’m all for it. I think in general with every trend, there comes a peak - it gets over saturated - and then people move on. I like to think however, that people who stay true to their own sound will get their dues eventually. You can't travel very far on a bandwagon!

Anna plays for Defected In The House at Halikarnas, Bodrum alongside Sandy Rivera and ATFC on Tuesday 28th August