Honey Talks Life as a DJ
The Lebanese-American DJ takes us through her experience and what it’s like to be in a male dominated industry.
Los Angeles-based DJ Honey got her start in the scene in 2015. The Lebanese-American grew up between Dubai and Los Angeles, absorbing the range of music and fashion in the melting pots of creativity and culture.
Honey has opened up for talents like Drake, Justin Bieber, Cardi B, Virgil Abloh, Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, Gunna, Migos, Young Thug and more, as well as for celebrity afterparties such as The Weekend and Billie Eilish to name a few.
Honey brings together hip-hop, disco, pop, afro-beats and house and is currently writing and producing original music that is expected to release at the beginning of 2023.
Hypebae caught up with the DJ during her stay in Dubai for the YSL Libre Le Parfum gig to learn more about the talent and what’s to come. Continue scrolling to read our conversation with the artist.
How did you get into DJing?
Music has always been a part of who I am, but it all changed for me when I was 18. I moved to California from Dubai and I fell in love with the music festival scene and rave culture. I went to my first electronic music festival and I couldn’t believe how a DJ was able to move a crowd of thousands of people from all over the world and bring them all together with a set. It inspired me beyond what I can put into words. That moment really changed my life.
I have been pursuing DJing since that moment. I am self-taught. I studied, practiced and believed in myself to make this dream come to life. My skill set has taken me all over the world and I’ve learned so much about music and who I am through the journey. I’m forever grateful for all of the experiences that being a DJ has brought into my life. I hope to inspire other girls to start DJing.
What do you hope to achieve with each set and mix?
Music has been my greatest love and escape. I hope to give people that same experience when they see me DJ. It’s about a moment of love, unity and music. It’s that time when we can forget about everything else that’s going on in our lives and be present. I love that people are able to connect with each other during my sets. Music is what brings us all together.
In a male-dominated industry, we’ve seen a growth in female DJs over the past few years. Do you feel like there’s still more room for development?
100%. Personally, I’m constantly expanding my mindset of what I am able to achieve. I’m learning that my purpose isn’t just about my success anymore, but about the success of women in the music industry. I want to share my knowledge, talent and growth with other women. I hope to connect with other female artists and build a safe environment where we can create, inspire and empower one another.
You recently DJ’d at YSL Beauty’s Libre Le Parfum event in Dubai. How did it feel working with the brand and getting to go back home for the experience?
It was an honor to be the sole DJ for the evening at the YSL Libre Le Parfum event. There is no greater feeling for me than being able to come back home and DJ for the community that raised me and made me who I am today.
Working with YSL has been a dream experience especially because of the message of the Libre Le Parfum which is very empowering. I felt beautiful, strong and proud while DJing and wearing it – the scent has become a part of who I am.
Growing up in Dubai surrounded by different cultures, do you feel like your approach to music sets you apart?
It has definitely made me who I am today. Dubai felt like the world’s biggest melting pot. I had friends from all over the world, literally! It was definitely one of my favorite things about living there. I would always be learning about new music with my friends. My DJ sets are now filled with music from all over the world. Dubai filled me with a love for international music.
