Hayley Zalassi's Hogmanay Playlist
Ahead of her appearance at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party, Glasgow DJ Hayley Zalassi picks 12 tracks to see in the New Year with
Glasgow’s Hayley Zalassi has been a firm name on the clubbing circuit for some time now. Described in her RA bio as a ‘dynamic selector’ and ‘groove specialist’, outwith Scotland she’s become a staple at the legendary Pikes Ibiza and has appeared at nights like Fabric, Phonox and Warehouse Project. This New Year’s Eve she’s bringing her infectious energy and tunes to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party where she’ll share the stage with Belgium’s renowned Dewaele brothers, aka 2manydjs. Ahead of the big night, Zalassi selects 12 tracks she plans to play/would hope to hear on the big night, one for each of the bells at midnight.
Jeff Mills – The Bells
The ultimate NYE techno classic. No matter where you are in the world, someone’s playing this bang on midnight. It’s dramatic, powerful and just exactly what I’d expect to hear. Bit too heavy for my sets, but still iconic.
Hayley Zalassi & Beverley Knight – Texting at Midnight
Well, I kinda had to include this one, didn’t I? My tune, literally called Texting at Midnight, and it came out this year on Sarah Story’s label STORIES with the legend Beverley Knight. It’s new but old, full of emotion, and fits the moment perfectly.
Auld Lang Syne
Can’t have Hogmanay in Scotland without this. It’s emotional every single time – makes you want to hug everyone around you and appreciate where you’re at. Gets me every year without fail.
Hayley Zalassi & Big Miz – Strange Faces
This one’s basically my signature tune now. Doesn’t matter what kind of crowd it is, this one always has a moment and I love that people are getting to hear it for the first time.
Wham! – Everything She Wants
One of my all-time favourites. It’s smooth, soulful and the perfect break from hearing Last Christmas on loop all month. George Michael always gets a shout out around this time of year.
Ruze – What a Girl Do
Ruze have smashed it this year. They’ve got that bouncy, classic house sound with a modern twist. Their edit of Fatima Yamaha’s tune always gets people moving – proper feel-good and infectious.
The Trip – Feel 4 Me
A track I’ve loved playing this year! Big house piano and emotional vocals and a proper dancefloor moment – a peak energy track for the dancefloor.
Marius Acke – Tell Me
Love this one – it’s got that proper old-school house feel. It got a re-release this year and sounds just as fresh. It gets me moving which means the crowd will be too.
Macka – Piccante
Scottish producer who’s been smashing it lately. I love supporting local artists doing cool things, and this one’s a belter – full of energy, fun and big crowd reactions.
Bob Sinclar – World, Hold On
Still such a tune. Positive, uplifting and, honestly, a message everyone needs right now. You can’t help but sing along – it’s one of those tracks that brings everyone together.
D Stone – Move Over (ft. ELY)
Been obsessed with this one. It’s that sweet spot between house and pop – warm, catchy and feels good every time. Definitely one of my faves this year.
Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone (MPH Remix)
A Scottish classic, reworked perfectly. The nostalgia hits as soon as it comes in, but it still feels fresh. It’s that tune everyone instantly recognises and gets a buzz from.
Hayley Zalassi plays the Party Zone at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party, Princes Street, Edinburgh, 31 Dec – tickets via edwinterfest.com