NEWS : Jodie Harsh Talks 5th Anniversary of This Is Circus, Christmas No.1s and Old Skool Rap

Written by Danny Walker on 28 Sep 2011

When we’re not stalking MCs on Twitter, mingling with actors or gaming we’re out in the clubs partying. Someone who is also synonymous with nightlife is DJ, This Is… Circus and Room Service promoter, Jodie Harsh. The super hostess tells us all about this Friday’s extravaganza…

[The office phone rings and a bright and bubbly pre-noon Jodie Harsh is ready to let loose...] Is this early for you or is this good?

Well I was up until 4am, but I was literally working on my laptop until 4am, we were working on all of the RSVPs and things, for the exhibition that is on Wednesday, so it’s a bit intense work-wise at the moment, I just got up like an hour ago. My assistant starts work at 10am so she’s just brought me a big Starbucks… a skinny cappuccino, which is fine by me. Quite simple. I don’t really get the mocha-choca-latte thing. With syrup… it’s just weird.

So tell us about the big 5^th birthday event?

Ok, so [This Is... Circus] is five, so we’re celebrating five years of my night club. It just kind of encapsulates the world I’ve kind of created. The brand is getting a lot bigger and it will develop out further, more than just a London nightclub/ event. It will potentially be clothing and music and all of that kind of stuff. We’ve moved over to Café de Paris now, which is my dream venue… it’s a beautiful space, it’s my ideal club, it’s really kind of palatial, it’s a great size, it’s steeped in history as well… my nan used to go to Café de Paris, she’s 90. I was rambling on about my club life – she likes to hear about it although she doesn’t have a clue of what I’m going on about – and she was like, [does impression] ‘I used to go there when I was younger’, so that was pretty major.

Who will be there on Friday…?

Erm… we always get… one of my friends Mika was at the last one… ahhhh, I’m not very good and dropping names, kind of everyone has been to Circus really. Everyone from Kate Moss to Debbie Harry, Mika, Jamie Winstone…

Jamie is in the campaign, right?

Yeah, we used to get Jamie in when she was just old enough and that would get me into trouble, back in the day. Who else? Nick Grimshaw, when he was also an intern at MTV…

Brilliant, before the hair…

Yeah [laughs], before all of that. He used to be a resident on Fridays. Even from designers like Alexander McQueen used to come in, Patrick Cox and people like that.

What is the difference between Jay and ‘Jodie’?

[Jodie has] Lots of make-up and hair. There is not particularly that much to be honest.

Who is more outgoing? Who is more social?

That is an obvious one…. Jodie. It’s not like I’ve got a split personality, it’s just me doing my work really. Just like a work suit.

And what is next for Jodie Harsh?

Circus is gonna get bigger and bigger. Erm… there are some music projects going on at the moment too. Don’t worry, I’m not going to be singing.

[Laughs] Oh no, we just pictured you and Katie Price battling for Christmas No.1…

Erm… there is a lot of touring too and a lot of festivals, we did Lovebox this year.

What is a typical set from you like?

Long and hard [laughs]. I’m quite housey, I’m really into rap as well. I would describe the genre in general as dance music. But I really like rap music as well. Old skool rap. I love Lil Kim, I love Da Brat and Foxy Brown, Eve, Tweet and all the rappers like that. And Missy. I love it. I don’t mix it but I’m into that influence. I’ve got some great N*E*R*D remixes too.

Sounds good.

To find out what Jodie had to say about her worst night out, the best hangover cure and much much more pick up the November issue of RWD, out at the end of October

This Is…Circus

The 5th Anniversary

30/9/11 – 10pm – 4am

Cafe De Paris – 3-4 Coventry Street, London, W1D

Full line-up (which does not include special guests)

Music: Kris Di Angelis – Jodie Harsh – Joshyou Are

Performance: Scottee

Glamour: Alexis Knox – Daniel Lismore – Munroe Bergdorf – Mika Doll – Johanna – La Pequena – Kingsley

Room Service (In the PRIVE): James Pople – Fat Tony

Tickets: £12 on Ticketweb.co.uk: £10 at Unconditional+, 16 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden : £15 on the door