Antonia Deeson- DJ

You’ve had an interesting journey to becoming a DJ. Can you tell us what inspired you to start DJing, and how did you find your way into this world of music?

I wanted to be a DJ since I was 18. I used to go into record shops and spend any spare money I had on buying vinyl. I was lucky enough to have lived during the early rave years of 1989-1991, and I fell in love with dance music and have loved it ever since. I first tried to DJ when I was a student, but although I had the records, I didn’t own any decks, so practicing was impossible. I had to learn how to do it in public, which was a bit scary and slightly put me off.

Fast forward 30 years, and during lockdown, I was listening to a lot of big-name DJs streaming online while the clubs were all closed, and I thought, why not revisit my old passion and do my own kitchen disco? So I bought some decks! I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and eventually booked myself onto a DJ course in London and learnt how to DJ.

I posted about my crazy new DJ side hustle on Facebook, and a promoter I knew gave me a break and booked me to play the revival of an iconic club called Enter the Dragon. I was absolutely terrified as I was playing in front of the largest audience I had ever played to, and I hadn’t seen many of the people there since my 20s—it all felt like a crazy dream—but I did it, and my new mid-life DJ journey had begun.

You played at Tillingham last New Year’s Eve, and it was a huge success! What do you think made that night so special?

Tillingham has a really special energy. I think because it’s nestled away in the middle of the countryside, people there get fully involved—it’s not like being in a town or city when people are coming and going all night. Everyone was there to party, to go on a musical journey with me, and to really go for it—which was such a fabulous way to play in the New Year. As a DJ, you need the dancefloor to give energy back to you, and when people are dancing like crazy, hands in the air, smiles on their faces, you feel the energy, and you do your best performance.

How would you describe the vibe and energy of your DJ sets? What kind of music can people expect to dance to this year?

Well, NYE is a bit special, isn’t it? It’s not just a normal night; everyone is excited, there’s a celebratory vibe in the air, and people want to get up and dance. There is always a lovely age range at Tillingham, from people in their early 20s to 60s, so it’s really fun to make sure everyone is having a good time. Although my go-to music is house, for NYE, we’ll go on a journey through some disco classics, some funk and soul, and big club hits—but I love to throw in a few curveballs, so I’m currently getting some pop classics together, all with a bit of a twist… expect the unexpected!

What do you love about performing at Tillingham? Is there something unique about the venue that stands out to you?

Tillingham attracts a lovely crowd. I think the unique atmosphere of the place, the amazing food and wine, the location, the stylish interiors, and the fabulous festive decorations all make the environment at Tillingham very special. I know the guests—whether staying, dining, or just coming for the party—will want an evening that is super fun, fabulously funky, but also very stylish (with good wine!), and I like that.

New Year’s Eve is all about celebration—what are your personal must-haves for the perfect NYE party?

People—of course. You need friends, old and new—and always be open to make new friends on the dancefloor! Good wine (or cocktails) flowing. A fabulous outfit (and shoes you can dance in!), a great venue (obvs!), and a really good sound system!

You’ve performed in some amazing places. How does Tillingham compare, and why is it a place you wanted to come back to?

I just love the vibe at Tillingham—it’s always got a great mix of lovely, like-minded people, the staff and team are super lovely (which is so important for the DJ!), and it’s on a vineyard… I mean, what’s not to like!?

As a DJ, do you have any rituals or routines before a big event like New Year’s Eve?

I spend the day before getting my set list in some sort of order—I usually plan the first 45 minutes of my set and then see how people are responding and take it from there. You need lots of choices so you can follow your mood and take the dancefloor in different directions during the evening.

Lastly, any advice for those coming to Tillingham’s New Year’s Eve party on how to get into the party spirit?

Good friends, a few drinks (even 0% ones!), and lots of sequins.