GUAP Party is here, bigger and better and what better way to celebrate party number 5 than with a guest mix by Jay Dolce a 25 year old DJ from Islington/Hackney who you can catch on the decks on the night. We had a catch up with Jay about her career and life plus TV shows.

Check out the interview, mix and tracklist below.

Where did the name Jay Dolce come from?

I was out shopping with my friend and I wanted a catchy name for my Twitter handle, back when it was at its peak in 2010 (before I was DJ’ing). So we decided to have a look at lipstick names in Selfridges and I picked up one that said “La Dolce Vita”, which means “The Sweet Life” in Italian. I just felt that ‘sweet’ resonated with me as I’ve got quite a “happy-go-lucky” disposition. Also, my first name begins with a J so a lot of my friends and family refer to me as ‘Jay’- that’s how Jay Dolce came about.

How did you get into DJ’ing?

I’ve always been a lover of music, so my library has continuously grown over the years. However, I never actually considered touching decks until last year, when I saw a video of a couple going back to back in their bedroom and it literally became a eureka moment for me – I knew I wanted to learn how to DJ from that point. I wasn’t aware that DJ’ing equipment could be so accessible. I  researched suitable controllers for beginners and ended up buying one off my friend for about £100. I started teaching myself, and practicing in my spare time, to the point where I felt comfortable enough to release a mix. From then on, people were aware that I was DJ’ing and it was actually my friend, who organises his own events, who put me on the line-up for his event last December, which became my first official gig. I had the best time and, from then, I just knew that DJ’ing was something that I wanted to pursue professionally.

What’s one thing you have learnt since being a DJ?

Not to compare myself to anybody else, as I’m on my own journey and no two journeys are ever the same. I’m learning to just focus on being the best version of myself, hoping that success will follow as a result.

What’s your go-to track?

My personal go-to is “Lost Ones” by Lauryn Hill – need I really say any more? She was spitting some real truth on that track.

Tips for upcoming DJ’s?

Practice makes perfect– I can’t stress this enough. DJ’ing is an art form, just like producing music or painting. It’s so important to work hard on perfecting your craft.

What can people expect from your mix?

Expect to hear a variety of current UK head boppers, from Jesse James Solomon to J Hus. You won’t be able to keep your neck still – you’ve been warned.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

My laptop, for sure. It literally has my whole life on there – my pictures from way back in the day, all of my music, my DJ software, without it, I am nothing.

My Wife and Kids or One on One?

This is definitely a toughie. Jay and Michael from My Wife and Kids would have me crying real life tears but I did have a big crush on Flex from One on One. Based off the fact of me watching the majority of the re-runs on Comedy Central, I’d have to go with My Wife and Kids – you can’t deny its legendary status.

What do you want from 2018?

I want to be booked and busy this year. I would also love to secure my own radio show, sharing the good vibes on air for the whole world to hear.

 Where can people find you online?

@Jaydolce_

Tickets for GUAP party here: bit.ly/guapparty5 

Tracklist:

1. LANCEY FOUX – ABOUT IT
2. OCTAVIAN – LITTLE
3. JESSE JAMES SOLOMON X SUSPECT – SON OF THE ENDS
4. SL – TROPICAL
5. A$AP ROCKY – PRAISE THE LORD (FEAT. SKEPTA)
6. AVELINO – SO FINE (FEAT. HAILE FROM WSTRN)
7. J HUS – DARTH VADER
8. RAYE – CONFIDENCE (FEAT. MALEEK BERRY)
9. LEVELLE LONDON – LA VIDA
10. LIL BABY – YES INDEED (FEAT. DRAKE)
11. YOUNG THUG – WITH THAT
12. CARDI B – DRIP (FEAT. MIGOS)
13. JAY CRITCH – DID IT AGAIN (FEAT. RICH THE KID)
14. SAM WISE – DO OR DIE
15. DANIEL OG – WHEN I (DUMPY)
16. CLOUDE ATLAS – BRAINWAVES
17. PBGR – SMW (FEAT. MIKE BAGZ)