Jo Mills, the popular house DJ who is now the partner of one of the biggest partner promoters in Ibiza, Charlie Chester, has made a name for herself, as one of the mostly consitenly performing house DJ's, rocking clubs and parties from the Spanish islands to the Asian mainland.

Currently travelling the globe as part of a Circo Loco world tour, taking the vibe of the Monday DC10 Ibizan party throughout some of the worlds best clubs, RA spoke to Jo about all things music, essential mix and more:

From the first time you tried to mix, did you ever envisage traveling the world, playing next to the likes of Sneak, Oakenfold, Humphries etc? What had you planned to do with yourself, before the Djing bug took control?
No not in the slightest ! i just wanted to learn how to mix as i was working in flying records an independent dance record shop in london at the time, which i loved i didn't expect it to move onto djing i just loved being around music.

This tour is part of an IDJ magazine Jo Mills diary. Who’s idea was this and do you find it hard to put your thoughts onto paper whilst on tour? Who takes the photos whilst your playing etc?
My partner Charlie (Chester) takes a lot of photos for me but i also arrange for the club to sort out a photographer if possible because of cause it benefits them also.

i travel with a lap top and note book so right notes in those in between my travels! the next edition is going to be a corker as it involves bring interrogated in Jakarta for five hours! Funny enough we picked up a copy in ibiza and was really impressed with the magazine and read it back to front on our travels so Charlie (Chester ) contacted the mag and thats how the idea came about

Describe the feeling when Pete Tong rang up and asked if you were keen to do an Essential Mix. Did you put the phone down, then pinch yourself, jump up and down and then ring your friends?
I took it in my stride at first, Pete’s a very cool down to earth guy who i have spent time with on a social level so i wasn't too worried, until it come to it, then i started driving myself mad with what records to choose!

Jo Mills

Circo Loco and the insane DC10 in Ibiza is gearing up for its 6th year. Can you pinpoint why DC10 is building the reputation as ‘the party in Ibiza’. Is it as hedonistic as one is lead to believe?
No i can't pinpoint it if i could i would bottle it and be very rich! It’s a great venue for starters with a huge terrace kick arse sound system and some of the most stylish headonistic up for it clubbers on the planet. With a strict music policy that keeps it fresh and on the cutting edge of hip year after year, dancing on the edge of a runway in the sunshine adds to its individuality too!

You have an upcoming Circo Loco party at Home Nightclub in Sydney, what can those in attendance expect to hear? Will you be bringing a bit of the DC10 vibe downunder?
Musically i can bring some DC10 feel to the club and i am sure whoever has been there in Ibiza will come along too.

What do you have in the pipeline in regards to studio work and album projects for this year?
I have just been in the studio with Peace Division which i am very excited about , also i have a single coming out on Junior [Records] which i produced with Steve Mac. I have also invested in a new g4 i book so am hoping to be laying down ideas as i go along.

Do you think being a female DJ has helped or hindered your rise up the DJ tree?
i think being it does help in some way but no matter what sex you are you need to be good to succeed, it ain't that easy!

Some DJs concentrate on keeping the dancefloor, others prefer to take on the role of an educator. Then there are those who are more ‘the entertainer’. There are hundreds or thousands of good DJs out there but only a handful of truly great ones. What do you think makes a great DJ?
Having an natural ear for music and rhythms, being crowd responsive, politeness and a good personality!

Are you itching to get back to Ibiza for the Spanish Isle party season, and if so why?
I am itching to get back to Ibiza as we have an apartment there we brought last year which i adore, also i miss my friends and the family feel of the place, its unique and a very special place to me and Charlie.

Those in Sydney will be the next to see Jo Mills, as she plays at 'Circo Loco @ Home. nightlcub' on Saturday Feb 21.