Talking to: APH

I’ve known about Anna Pixie Holmes for a while now. As a lot of us come to hear about things, I first heard about Anna via instagram. First as a DJ (as drum-and-bass rising star APH), and then as owner of the beauty salon,Venom.

It’s a phrase that has become meme-ified, and rightfully so really, but the word ‘girlboss’ is what tends to place itself in front of me when I think of how best to describe Anna.

In all the voicenotes that we’ve exchanged back and forth when organising this interview, she has been immediately unafraid to be herself: warm, casual, capable. So, it is with real delight, that I present this piece to you.

From trying mixing at an afterparty in 2018, to now gracing the decks at places like Glastonbury Festival and Boomtown, Anna is on the rise. So keep an ear out, and enjoy our chat. I’m sure you’ll come to the same conclusion as me: Anna is going places.

1. Your favourite set you’ve ever played - and why?

Glastonbury, Luna stage 2025 with MC Lowqui. I worked so hard to put that set together and it was just one of those life moments where I knew that all of the stress and anxiety was so worth it. It was a real turning point in my music journey. I cried my eyes out after with pride and gratitude, danced through the whole set, drank a whole bottle of tequila and celebrated hard with the gang.

2. What’s the Bristol venue that will always have your heart?

That's a tough one, I've had some good times! Though if I had to answer… Attic Bar. It's where I played my first ever show warming up for Randall for AFT; thanks to Carasel who gave me my first ever gig! All my girls came and supported me, it was so fun!!

3. Your Mum took you to Ibiza for 3 weeks. What does your Mum’s love of the party scene give you?

I LOVE to dance; she's the reason I have the ability to beat match and bust a move. That women taught aerobics with me in her belly right up to when I was born; she gave me my rhythm. i love my mama.

4.Why Drum and Bass?

I was a House girl in my early raving days! I would be at Patrick Topping in Motion till it ended! But, for me, the DnB community, the reactions and the love people have for the music, there really is nothing like it. It is the frequency that just gets me.

5. Not only are you a DJ, you’re also the owner of Venom beauty salon. What does your average day look like?

My average day starts normally at 6am with some admin and then a workout. I then head to the salon, 10am-7pm, smash out some nails and then go home. Normally my housemates have cooked a banging dinner and we just chill and start again the next day; I'm such a workaholic! I have so much I want to do and have to do, so there is no slowing down right now.

6. When someone walks into Venom, what do you want them to instantly know and feel?

I want them to know that they are part of a community - you're venom babe! You’re in the squad. I want them to leave feeling empowered, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of their month.

7. To afterparty or not afterparty. When is it the ideal time to call it a night?

I am NOT an afterparty girl, not anymore… I could be tempted though. My friends and I have hosted some epic ones; its all about fancy dress and activities! When it’s on, it’s on.

8. Your top tip for the rave?

A fan, always. An essential rave item.

9. What would you say to a young girl who wants to get into DJing?

Learn what music it is that you love. Try it all, dive into all corners and see what connects with you the most.

10. What’s a dancefloor moment that will stay with you forever?

Jamie Jones, Glastonbury, Shangri La. First time I had watched him, absolutely pickled. Pure euphoria.

11. What do you love about Bristol’s nightlife scene?

I love how it brings people together; some of the most important people in my life I met in the clubs.

12. You’re creating a dream club night - who is on the set-list?

Oh my god, I love this question. RANDALL, MARKY, ALIBI, DIE, LTJ BUKEM, BREAK, SERUM (90S RAVE SET) WITH MC GQ, LOWQUI, JAKES, DYNAMITE, INJA on mic duties.

13. What would you say to the you from three years ago?

Thank you for being so delusional and chasing your dream life.

14. From the outside looking in, you are doing SO much. Venom. DJing. Work events. Travelling for gigs… What makes it all worth it for you? What always keeps you coming back?

That inner child who was told she couldn't, she keeps me going.

15. When you’re behind the decks, what’s going through your mind - is it instinct, energy, or something else entirely?

Don't clang, don't clang, don't clang. Does that sound right? Fuck it, here goes nothing. PHEW.