WHO Toronto’s Violca of DJ/producer duo MANSION is on a mission to get back to house-music basics. After all of the heavy electro-synths and -effects that have stormed the scene of late, she’s taking a different route and spinning and cranking out big-room tracks layered with melody and peppered with disco, funk and soul. Formerly DJ Van Helder, Violca has produced parties and music under many monikers since 1999. From drum ‘n’ bass raves in Mississauga to touring the country (both solo and as a former member of Fritz Helder & The Phantoms) and now abroad, Violca has played alongside veterans like Deep Dish and newcomers such as Deadmau5. Currently a resident at Wrongbar and focused on building up MANSION with her DJ partner Barletta, Violca just wrapped a successful cross-Canada jaunt called Get Er Done and plans to tour non-stop in the new year.
WHAT “Big-room house and electro-house,” says Violca, adding that “disco is a big influence.”
WHERE Dec. 31, Wrongbar (1279 Queen W) with AutoErotique, Mikey Apples and Nasty Nav.
FAVOURITE RECORD OF ALL TIME Cerrone, “Love in C Minor.”
FAVOURITE RECORD RIGHT NOW “I couldn’t pick just one, so here are three artists who are dope: Thunderheist, AutoErotique and Syntonics.”
FAVOURITE WEBSITE RIGHT NOW “
Redtube.com, [Warning: link NSFW] 'cause I hate paying for porn.”
WHAT IS YOUR MOST SURREAL OR WEIRDEST DJING EXPERIENCE? “I roll with a bunch of creeps so every show is weird or crazy.”
DIGITAL OR ANALOG? “I use both. Why limit yourself?”
WHAT IS VITAL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? “Listening to and downloading new tracks — and the usual eating and sleeping stuff.”
WHAT IS THE LAST GREAT FILM YOU SAW? “I watched
Paris Is Burning again — still amazing!”
WHAT ACTOR WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC? Robert De Niro.
WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? “The last thing I read was a ‘How To’ on setting my wallpaper on my BlackBerry. I also read and contribute to the Pool Log, which is just what it sounds like.”