When she's travelling the world as a brand ambassador and pop icon, Melanie Chisholm is often found DJing on the party circuit. As a self-proclaimed former raver, her transition from pop star to popular DJ was a natural one. This year alone she's played at Coachella, done shows in Leeds, Blenheim Palace in Oxford and Cambridge, and she will of course be attending Glastonbury next week too. Later on in the summer, she's heading off to play at Scandinavian festivals including Overoslo and Espoon Viinijuhlat too.
'I kicked off festival season at Coachella this year, I love it over there, beautiful sunsets, lines of palm trees and amazing shows,' she tells Grazia. 'I saw lots of great DJ’s Mele, Anna Lunoe, Dom Dolla and Chase and Status were some of my highlights. We had incredible British females there this year, RAYE and Olivia Dean were exceptional, great to see No Doubt back too.'
For Melanie's part, DJing has given her a 'whole new perspective and understanding of music' – a bold statement coming from a member of the world's most iconic girl band. 'I absolutely love DJing,' she says. 'It’s been brilliant inspiration for new music I’m working on. I’ve always loved dance music and there are amazing remixes of old tunes coming out all the time. I love the mix of old and new and always like to add a bit of Spice!'
Much like the rest of us, Melanie knows that UK festivals – and the moods of their attendees –are often at the mercy of the weather forecast. For her, preparation for all eventualities is key. 'I just bought a beautiful Stella McCartney for adidas trackie that I’ll definitely be wearing at Glasto this year. I love finding trackies with a shorts and long pant option for when it gets a little cooler in the evenings.'
Ever one to honour her Sporty Spice origins, she says 'Sporty style can be really fun and functional, there’s so many great designers out there.' Adding that, 'bum bags are perfect for festivals and my new Frank Green water bottle will be perfect to keep a cheeky little cocktail cooled.'
What about if (manifesting here) the festivals she's playing at are blessed with boundless sunshine? 'I’m quite a traditionalist when it comes to my sunglasses choices,' she admits. 'I’m a big fan of Ray-Bans both the wayfarer and aviator styles, they’re classic and cool, and seem to suit most face shapes. More recently I’ve been having fun with some sporty technical styles, Oakley have some great colour ways. I always rely on Sunglass Hut, dead easy, all the best styles there.'
As a seasoned festival goer, Melanie's top tip to anyone camping in a loud field this summer is to 'sleep when you can'. She tells Grazia, 'I’m travelling a lot this year and love my slip silk contour eye mask, it helps me get a bit of shut eye on planes, in the back of cars, wherever I can. Hydration is a big one too. I always have LMNT sachets in my bag, they’re life savers!'
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