Musician, DJ and musical director Lou Hayter recently released her second solo album Unfamiliar Skin: a sexy, spacey affair that takes sonic cues from electronic soul and Y2K R’n’B, primed to soundtrack many a Christmas gathering. She wrote, performed and produced the record; but these are the mere opening bars of her creative talents.
The former keyboardist for New Young Pony Club is now one half of the band Tomorrow’s World, setting the musical beat for fashion shows, the British Fashion Awards and the opening of Damien Hirst’s Treasures of the Wreck of the Unbelievable at Venice, among other achievements.
She gets the party started at venues around the world, plus her residency at one of our most exclusive London hotels is always a crowd-puller, so we got the lowdown on her hotspots, advice for travelling musicians and unexpected tour-bus antics.
Favourite museum/gallery
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, [in her] house in Venice.
Book that shaped you
Lolita, not because of the storyline, but because Nabokov is such a craftsman of language.
Accent that turns you on
Maybe a northern or slightly Cockney London accent…
Favourite song/album
Steely Dan’s Black Cow and Prince’s Sign o’ the Times.
Favourite music festival
We Out Here in Dorset.
Quote to live by
Keep it moving.
Favourite artist
Prince.
Favourite bar
The Ladder Shed Bar at the Chiltern Firehouse, because I’ve DJ’ed there since it opened, so I can walk in at any time and find someone I know there.
Favourite place you’ve DJ’ed at
The — now closed — End Club in Covent Garden. I miss it!
Favourite cocktail
An espresso Martini because it keeps me up as long as I need to when I’m DJ’ing.
Comfort food
Grilled cheese sandwich.
Most memorable meal
I had a lovely dinner at Luca in Clerkenwell last December. Staff opened bottles of 1994/95 and 1996 vintage wine for us with a big cheese plate — it was very cosy.
Worst holiday hangover
I nearly passed out in Deià, Mallorca, trying to climb up a hill to the airport hungover, lugging my suitcase in the blazing heat.
Guilty pleasure treat
Nik Naks.
Best vintage/antique find
A wooden mid-century-modern office chair from Berlin. I was supporting Katy Perry on tour with my old band and she let me bring it home on the tour bus.
Architecture that awes you
[Anything designed by] Oscar Niemeyer — I’m obsessed with him.
Homewares you hunt while travelling
Murano glassware.
Your design inspiration
Houses by Charles and Ray Eames or Oscar Niemeyer.
Interiors account to follow
@themodernhouse
Your airport look
A blazer or trench coat, black roll-neck, black jeans, ankle boots or Converse, and something cosy like a cashmere scarf to sleep on. With a little vest underneath so you can strip off at the other side if it’s hot.
Your must-pack outfit
Ballet flats, denim Seventies skirt or jeans, a swimsuit and big Celine shades. I have a navy Vivienne Westwood cardigan which goes everywhere with me and suits almost every outfit.
Essential accessory
Red lipstick.
Most stylish city
Lisbon.
The wildest thing you’ve seen during your Chiltern Firehouse residency
Hah! Sadly I’m not allowed to say; discretion is a big part of my job. I’ve seen it all though!
Favourite gig venue
I like going to the Barbican to see someone [whose music is] nice and relaxing, like Steve Reich or John Adams. It’s the opposite of what I play when I DJ. I recently saw experimental jazz musician Nala Sinephro there, who was incredible.
Best tip for travelling DJs
Back-up your music.
City you’d move to
Lisbon.
Best beach you’ve ever found
[Either those in] Comporta or Corsica.
It’s not a holiday without…
…chips and dips, a sexy swimsuit and a good playlist.
Check out ‘Unfamiliar Skin’ here
Lou Hayter was photographed by Max Dillon at the Broadwick Soho hotel, London.