The Mayorettes have introduced you to MAFIA before (as if you don't know who she is). Now here is one amazing lady, I feel a little twinge of guilt when she tells me about all the work she's doing, she goes harder and longer than the Duracell Bunny. Here's a little update for y'all, check out what she's doing now....

 

You are one busy lady, what have you got on your plate at the moment?

Hon, there’s not even enough time for me to even think of something witty to write in this interview…I’m totes burned at both ends and loving it. Dec/Jan were like a blur of DJ gigs with all up 58 gigs in two months. INSANE. Feb is a lot lighter on the load thank fuck, but I have this nagging ability to keep my fingers busy (stop thinking dirty thoughts Hayley!) so I’ve taken on board a new position at The Vine as their female streetwear blogger, which has been the most amazing opportunity. The number of hits that site gets and their traffic is mind blowing so it’s absolutely fan-fabulous being part of the team.

I’ve also started Panda Party for my own outlet, as I am writing on specific subjects with Sneaker Freaker and The Vine, so it’s more for me and what I want to read and divulge to my own readers.  

 

Panda Party – what's it all about?

It started out cos I bought a new SLR Canon Camera and decided that I may as well start documenting the amazing gigs I have suddenly gotten booked for. Let’s face it, everyone loves seeing themselves on the internet, as proven by the fact that Facebook crashes every hour on the hour as mug hungry peeps try to find pictures of themselves to tag and show their mates (and enemies), just how much fun they are having. I got over seeing my face on there and wanted a new outlet to celebrate my party photos.

It’s called Panda Party, because I am intensely obsessed with Pandas, to the point that I think I may just be one. Think about it…cute, cuddly and funny, but if you get too close I’ll scratch ya fucking eyes out! It was initially just going to be photos from all my parties, but to tell you the truth, sometimes after my gigs, especially in the last month or two, I’ve had no time to get the camera out and shoot before I’d have to run off to the next gig. So there are some random posts about things that excite me, but the majority of it will be about the photos.  

 

What inspired you to start taking party pics?

After interviewing A-Trak while he was down for his Melbourne show, he got me thinking about documenting this amazing time of our lives, not just to show other people how lucky we are to be living a dream (although my level is around a 0 compared to his lifestyle!) but also to have a sort of photo album of the things we have done. Lets face it, time is moving faster and faster as we get older, and who is going to remember what happened yesterday let alone a year ago. He’s a weird guy with a very exceptional way of thinking about the world, that no one else understands and I find that so intriguing.   

 

Last time we spoke, I asked if you had any secret skills. You told us about your double-jointed fingers and acting, but you didn't mention photography. Were you keeping this secret a secret? I thought we were friends!

Bahahaha, I would so not call myself a photographer, although everything that I have come to earn money off or want to be has been self taught. I guess it goes back to being a breakdancer and not having an outlet to learn from anyone. I had to sit in front of my fold out ‘how to breakdance’ sheet that came with a record I begged my mum’s friend to bring back from the US for me, and learn myself. Same with dj’ng. Copped two belt-drive turntables from the op shop and busted through around 98 needles until I even could try to mix. If I like something or want something I just go buy it and hope for the best. It usually works out fine…but by no means am I a photographer. I just like making people happy and what better way to capture that smile than with a lasting image (cue vomit!)

 

What kind of camera do you use? Do you use it for good, or evil?

I only have a bottom of the line Canon 1000D SLR, but I tell you what, so many people email me or hit me up on FB to find out what camera I’m using. I guess you kind of have to have a good eye,..that really helps. Everything is used for good, Hayley…never evil……I use my body for evil!  

 

Do people approach you when they see your camera?

Holy shit yes. When I was at Summerdayze, I grabbed the cam after my gig and started shooting, cos lets face it, perfect crowd!!!! This is where the whole Panda Party thinking really took off, cos people were asking where they could see their photos, thinking I was a professional. Time to get those lil business cards to hand out yo!  

 

Do you have any favourite shots/events so far?

I love taking photos at Hoochie Mama cos lesbians are so hilarious. They are the biggest posers you’ll ever meet. They want you to take multiple shots and with every single different girl in the joint. They love getting their hair right and looking like a fucking L-Word model. It’s hysterical, and they are all hot anyways so it’s easy work!

I'm hanging to shoot pics with Coolio…as I just copped support for his Melb show in March. First Vanilla, now Coolio……I just need someone to bring out Bell Biv Devoe and I can die happy yo!