Join the DIVA Community over on Facebook for a special DIVA disco on V-Day
BY DIVA STAFF
Did you hear about our Valentine’s Day plans for the DIVA Community? This Sunday at 8pm we will be going live to help one of you lucky DIVA readers find love in a Blind Date style dating show, which will then be followed by an exclusive DJ set from the talented Karen Dunbar.
Karen Dunbar is one of Scotland’s most recognised comedy actors. She is particularly well known for her hit BBC sketch show The Karen Dunbar Show, which received two Golden Rose nominations. She is a familiar face on stage too, having performed at Donmar Warehouse and the National Theatre as well as all around Scotland and New York too. Her career began as a DJ and in 2004 she recorded her own album At This Moment.
We caught up with Karen to find out more ahead of Sunday’s V-Day celebration. We’ll see you there! 💕
People obviously know you as a comedian and not as a DJ. How long have you been interested in music?
Since birth! My older parents playing Easy Listening, one sister into motown and the other progressive rock, all wrapped up in my 80s teenage obsession with pop.
How did you get into DJing?
I hosted a hugely busy women-only karaoke night and my boss realised he had a pub full of punters who could easily be transferred to his club afterwards so he encouraged me.
What’s your most memorable DJ gig?
Playing at Saint Anne’s Warehouse in Brooklyn with Phyllida Lloyd’s women-only Shakespeare company. At one point the whole cast lifted Phyllida up and carried her to the track I’ve Had The Time Of My Life!
Do you get nervous before you perform?
Yes I do but then I remind myself that it’s just adrenaline and all it means is that I really care about people enjoying the night.
What’s your favourite genre of music?
It’d be easier to tell you what my least favourite is! Hardcore techno doesn’t really float my boat. If I could only listen to one genre for the rest of my life it’d be disco.
Who are your queer music icons?
Joan Armatrading is right up there. I got to work with her a few years ago and she’s just genius. I always had a soft spot for George Michael, too. In my teens I wanted to dress like him!
What song do you always know is going to get the crowd going?
There’s a lot to choose from! My top three would be: Kiss by Prince, Don’t Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston and Vogue by Madonna.
Join the DIVA Community here today to watch our DIVA Blind Date Valentine’s Day special, followed by an exclusive DJ set by Karen Dunbar.
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