“I like to believe that nerves are just excitement in disguise… and I am beyond excited for it”
Liverpool DJ Anna Eager
From Ibiza’s famed O Beach to Creamfields, Kirkby’s Anna Eager, 32, is having a super summer. Clubs Editor Emma Johnson finds out more about her.
Tell us a bit about what made you want to be a DJ, Anna… I’ve always loved music. I would be about six years old and recording tracks I liked from the radio on to cassette tapes, then I’d make CDs of my favourite tracks, then MP3s. Then it was iPods, and then on my laptop, phone and SoundCloud. I’d constantly be listening to it.Becoming a DJ first entered my mind by going out and hearing DJs at clubs like Circo and Garlands, and at events and festivals like Creamfields, as well as going to Ibiza. Yet, it felt impossible to get anywhere near being a DJ myself, let alone make a career out of it.But somehow I always found myself in charge of the tunes at any party. Everyone would say to me: “You should be a DJ!”.So I suppose the DJ in me was always there. I just needed the decks to make it official.
When did you start DJing?
Towards the end of lockdown, my favourite local female DJ, Billie Clements, was doing DJ lessons and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try DJing and see if it was for me. I loved it!
When lockdown ended, normal life resumed and it was put on the back burner for a while. I eventually found the time to buy decks and practise. I was DJing for friends and family to begin with, posting pictures and videos on Instagram, and quickly became busier with events and bookings.When did it become serious for you?
I DJed my first brand event for [fashion brand] Boux Avenue in Liverpool One in May 2022 and had to take time off from my full-time job as an architect to do the gig. I realised I enjoyed DJing so much more, but didn’t have enough time to do it.
By July 2022, I left to become a full-time DJ, and I couldn’t be happier.What have been some of your best moments as a DJ?
O Beach, Ibiza, is one of my favourite places to DJ. I played there for the first time last summer and have been back to DJ there again this year. It’s incredible. Supporting Gok Wan at Carriage Shed in Chester this year was also fantastic, as well as being asked to play Creamfields this month.Creamfields must be exciting…
I’m so excited! I’m playing Saturday on the Main Stage (The Arc), supporting The Swedish House Mafia, MK, Clementine Douglas and Third Party, alongside Liverpool’s Ian Longo, Tommy Mc and Ricco. I’ve been to Creamfields lots. It will be surreal to be on the other side of the stage – a dream come true.Do you get nervous before a big set like that?
I like to believe that nerves are just excitement in disguise… and I am beyond excited for it.We have a lot of female DJs doing well here in Liverpool. Why do you think that is? Have you worked with any of them?
We do. It’s great. Liverpool has always had a strong music/nightlife scene. I think social media has played a part in sharing the visibility of female DJs, as well as the rise of more places offering DJ lessons.
It’s shown other girls that female DJs are out there and that they can get involved too. I’ve worked with lots of other female DJs in the city, and it’s lovely – everyone is supportive of each other, which adds to everyone’s success.How would you describe the sort of music you play?
I love to play uplifting, vocal house music, especially with a Balearic/Ibiza vibe, as well as funky/disco house, old skool/classics, tech house, and R&B house edits. I have a soft spot for soul/Motown music too, influenced by my mum and dad’s music collection.Which musicians or DJs inspired you?
Avicii, The Swedish House Mafia (SHM), Calvin Harris, MK, Sonny Fodera, and Martin Solveig are amongst the first DJs I admired. To now be sharing the Main Stage at Creamfields this year with SHM and MK is just insane. As for musicians: Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Beyonce.
You are the resident DJ at The Ivy. That’s a glamorous gig…
I am, yes! It’s a stunning venue. It’s amazing DJing for events in the private dining room there.
Do you produce your own music?
I have stepped my foot into the production world, and there is definitely more to come from me. Watch this space…
Any other dates/shows we should be looking out for from you?
After Creamfields, I’m excited to be DJing at the Café Mambo Ibiza Classics takeover at Mansion, Liverpool. I’m supporting Mark Knight, who is headlining on October 11. There are loads more exciting things in the pipeline as well. Keep your eyes on my socials (@anna_eager_dj).What is the dream for you in terms of your career? How would you like to see it progress?
It would be great to have my tracks signed and in the charts, and to continue playing more events and festivals locally and globally.
Anna plays Creamfields on Saturday, August 23 and Mansion on October 11.