The Forever Young Havana Brown
It’s going to be a big couple of months for DJ/Singer Havana Brown, she has released her first track under her newly established label Havana Brown Entertainment (HBE), ‘Forever Young’, while also preparing for a nationwide tour as part of the ‘Fridayz Live’ National Tour which is happening this November. We caught up with one of Australia’s favourite female DJ’s to chat about ‘Forever Young’, her new label and what she has in store for Fridayz Live attendees.
Havana, you have just released your new track 'Forever Young,' Tell us about the new song.
Really excited to be releasing new music again, it’s been awhile. I wanted to go back to my dance roots. I’ve been hearing a lot of techno and trance playing in the clubs lately, the crowd is loving it, and it has been inspiring to me. I really want to incorporate that sound into ‘Forever Young’ and add a bit of my own flair to it as well.
For ‘Forever Young’ you worked with Sydney production duo DNA, how did this collaboration come about?
The DNA boys have crafted some of Australia's biggest hits over the years, and I've always wanted to collaborate with them. We were both keen for it, but political reasons behind the scenes initially hindered our partnership. However, as soon as certain things changed in our deals, we jumped at the opportunity to work together. Getting into the studio was a swift process, and it proved worthwhile because we clicked right away.
“I am excited about the prospect of discovering and signing new talent to my label.”
‘Forever Young’ is your first release under your own Record label ‘Havana Brown Entertainment.’ Has creating your own label always been part of the dream or was this a new addition to the accomplishment list?
It's definitely the natural progression as an artist in this day and age. The music industry has changed significantly, artists have more power, not only to create music but also to have greater ownership and influence over their careers. My time with Universal Music has been incredibly rewarding, and together, we achieved amazing things over the years. However, now feels like the next step in my career to set up my own label, allowing me to explore new creative horizons and take even more charge of my artistic journey. Additionally, I am excited about the prospect of discovering and signing new talent to my label.
As a DJ you remix a lot of people's music, so who in the music world would you like to see have a crack at remixing your originals ‘Big Banana,’ ‘We Run The Night' or ‘Warrior’ and why?
It would be amazing to have Skrillex remix one of my songs, I think he would do an amazing job on a song like WARRIOR. I was so impressed with his last album, Quest For Fire, his sound is on point and so innovative. I also like fellow Aussie DJ producer, Dom Dolla. Would be cool to hear a remix of Big Banana!
“it’s exciting to be back on the Fridayz Live tour”
November sees you hitting the road for the Fridayz Live tour, with shows scheduled right around the country, how are the preparations for this massive tour coming along?
Yes, it’s exciting to be back on the Fridayz Live tour. It was so much fun last year, and traveling around the country with such great artists is an amazing experience, and we ended up feeling like a big family by end of the tour. Personally I cant wait to see Boyz II Men!
I’m still in the process of putting together my show, I usually wait until the last week before I fully lock in the set list. However, I have been working with a stylist and designing some custom new outfits especially for this tour. Cant wait for you guys to see.
Do you ever get star-struck being on a bill with such massive international names?
I don't usually get starstruck, but the first time I did was when I toured with Britney Spears on her ‘Circus’ tour throughout Europe, and being the only official support act for the tour for an artist like Britney made me pinch myself.
“I can say one of the best tour experiences I’ve had was with Pitbull”
Without naming names what's the craziest or funniest thing you have seen happen backstage at a festival?
Well, I can’t really share some craziest moments on tour, but I can say one of the best tour experiences I've had was with Pitbull. The first time I toured with him, there would be the most fun directly after the show, backstage. The whole crew, his band would come together to party, play loud music in the hallway and run around the venue, having an absolute blast. I was pleasantly surprised because I had assumed that after the show, everyone would head back to their hotel and wind down, but they just kept the party going for hours backstage. It was at that moment I knew I'd get along with Pitbull and his team. I admire that he knows how to have a good time while putting on such a big tour.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
I have a very good support system with me, including my manager/partner Vince, (he gets enough credit, so we will leave him out, ha). Technically, this person is not officially on the crew, but in a way, she is. I have to mention my mum. She's always there for me, and I can seek comfort from her no matter how good or bad things seem. After chatting with my mother, I always find a good reason to face whatever comes my way. She never really gets the credit she deserves.
What's next for Havana Brown? How’s your 2024 looking?
I'm working on more music, with potential EP/Album releases in 2024. I'll certainly be doing more shows and tours, and I plan on spending a bit more time overseas collaborating with amazing artists.
Interview by Michelle Symes
October 23