DJ Ellie Prohan - Interview

Hailing from West London, Ellie Prohan, has fast cemented her name in the industry. Raised in a single mother Persian household, Ellie outplayed the odds, by coming out with her sexuality and pursued her dream of being an International DJ. In a short span, Ellie has organised charity events through her series Ellie Prohan & Friends for world mental health day, started a club night ‘Glo’ for the LGBTQIA+ community, created a series of DJ showcase nights and started her own cultural discovery show ‘Eat, Dance, Discover’.

Ellies has captivated crowds from London to New York as well as an impressive festival circuit. Championed by brands such as Nike, Milk Make up, JD, Bumble, Puma and Flannels to name a few. 

You can hear Ellie live as one of the voices to The Apple Music 1 List show out of the London studios. The show brings The Apple Music’s 1 List playlist to life and showcases the world’s best new music.

As a highly talented gay middle eastern woman, the importance of being an active representation within the music and entertainment industry is of upmost importance to Ellie. As her ambitious career continues to grow from strength to strength, Ellie Prohan is one to watch.

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music? 

Music was always part of my life growing up. It's what I listened to when my mum was out hard at work. The first mistake I made that cost my mum money was when I used to call up “The Box” at £1.50 a minute. One of my favourite songs at the time was the Milli Vanilli song and I called up a lot for this song! Then dealing with the trouble I was in when my mum got that itemised bill. I would say from that era my love for music was born and I became obsessed.

2. You are currently a host on Kiss FM with a very popular Tuesday night show, how did you get involved with Kiss?

I demo’d for Kiss maybe 3-4 years ago and at that time the producer asked me what do you want to do? And I just said I want to play music.  In hindsight it probably wasn’t the time right for me, and a couple of years later, tirelessly working on my craft, refining my passions and being my biggest cheerleader led to a level of self confidence that was super handy & helpful when Kiss got back in touch, and the rest as they say is history.

3. During the coronavirus pandemic you created a new series called Eat, Dance and Discover, can you tell me a bit more about this and how it came about?

I would say I’m a workaholic and life had taken a funny turn and had slowed down massively. By slowing down I had more time to do things I love. Eating well, spending time with family and with being Persian got to tap back into my culture and felt like everything I loved came together food, culture, music and then Eat, Dance, Discover was born.

4. When it comes to DJ’ing, what is your preferred format to play on and do you have a favourite kit brand?

Shout out to my Pioneer family who have supported my journey so heavily and are so up for everything I do. Also the best DJ equipment ever! My first set of decks were the CDJ1000 MK2 I bought from Ebay and I still have the same decks! But I now use the Pioneer DDJ Sx3 for all my mixing needs and I love it!!

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as a DJ?

Dj’ing in another country and still being able to turn the crowd on its head plus securing two huge radio shows in such a short space of time. And then, as a DJ being that representation that I never saw growing up in music and entertainment.

6. You are very open about your sexuality and you heavily support the LGBTQI+ community, what do you think can be done to help the community within the music industry?

I think the community itself can really help with this and stop segregating and bounding groups to stereotypes such as what type of music we listen to. Supporting more artists who aren’t bound by their stereotypes, for example rap and drill artists that we don’t push but we should be and there is an audience out there for them. Normalising the tone around sexuality so that people from this community can be accepted for who they are and not defined by their sexuality.

7. Is there any advice that you could give to any female DJs out there who may be struggling with how to take their DJ career to the next level?

My initial advice would be asking that DJ a question and my question would be what part are you struggling in? Is it getting your mixes out there and are you sending them to the right people? Not sure how and if you’re utilising online platforms to getting your profile out there? Are you utilising social media to share content, clever new ways to get noticed like tiktok which is great to break new music? Understanding where you feel you are struggling and building from there is really key. 

8. What tracks are on heavy rotation on your Apple playlist currently?

LOVING N10 his track New Kid On The Block! Certified freak Carla Pratta and black card by Wavey The Creator.

9. What do you like to do when you're not DJ?ing?

Am I boring if I say when I’m not Dj’ing I’m working. I'm a workaholic. In between this I like to listen to music looking for the latest and hottest artists, planning world domination and have social time with my friends and family.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when you’re DJ?ing?

My dicers, my phone to capture and my hands to bring a vibe on the decks.