Honey Dijon and Mix-stress on Homobloc, Manchester nightlife and more

We sat down at Manchester’s iconic Star and Garter with the legendary Honey Dijon and Manchester’s own, Rebecca Swarray aka, Mix-Stress for an exclusive interview ahead of Homobloc 2025 to talk about all things queer culture, house music, and the future of clubbing.

From Chicago to Manchester, the pair reflected on the roots of the scene, finding joy in dark times, and why the dancefloor remains a sacred space.

Put simply, it was fascinating to see the pair dive deep into the culture.

Sharing a drink in the historic Manchester city centre pub, here’s how the chat between Mix-Stress and Honey went down…

Mix-Stress meets Honey Dijon – the interview

‘Every time I play Manchester, it’s just always a vibe’

Mix-Stress (MS): Welcome to The Star and Garter. Manchester and Homobloc obviously holds a special place, and you’ve played here a few times. Can you tell me about any sets that stand out that are staying with you over the times you’ve visited here?

Honey Dijon (HD): I always have a great time when I play Manchester. Every time I play Warehouse Project, it’s just always a vibe. The crowd is just so enthusiastic and so fun and just so up for it. And Manchester and Chicago have a long history with house music, so it’s always fun to come here and represent. It doesn’t matter where, when or how – all my sets here have been incredibly fun.

‘So much has changed over the years – it feels like a different century’

MS: This will be your fourth time playing Homobloc in December. You played in 2019 when it started, then two post-pandemic shows. What do you feel has evolved over the years, musically, spiritually or sonically?

HD: So much has changed over the years. I mean, pre-pandemic, it was such a different world. It feels like it was a different century, actually, and we had no idea what we were going into.

At that time, we were just coming from the MeToo movement and the lack of diversity in dance music, so there was all this political awareness around club culture, which was really great – because so many voices that started this global movement have been queer people, people of colour, a lot of women.

The funny thing about diversity is about who’s having that conversation, because my friends and what I grew up with have always been diverse. So it was a different landscape.

During lockdown, there was a shift. If you were like an 18-year-old kid, there were two or three years where you couldn’t experience anything except online. That’s when this major shift happened – things became much more corporate, much more sanitised, and more about metrics and numbers.

There was less focus on, in my opinion, the heart of it – and it became big business. What I try to do as an artist is remind people whose shoulders I stand on and where I learned my craft, and to bring people together from all walks of life. There’s a new generation coming through, but it always goes back to the house.

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‘Dancefloors are sacred spaces’

MS: We’ve seen dancefloors across the world put out safe spaces policies. What does a ‘safe space’ mean to you today, and how do you create that energy?

HD: I try to play music that uplifts and celebrates. I think, with just the artist that I am, I try to make everyone welcome. It’s about joy, celebration, and release. Dancefloors are sacred spaces in a lot of ways, and I think through the music vibrationally that I play and what I speak on, it attracts a certain crowd.

For me, safe spaces aren’t just about not being harassed – it’s about being able to show up as yourself without being judged.

A safe space is where all feel welcome, where people can be free and not judged or harassed based on gender or sexuality. Dancefloors do what government and religion can’t – they bring people together from all walks of life to celebrate through music.

As the world moves further right, these spaces are becoming more important than ever. None of us are free until all of us are free – so I try to do that through my work, through the music and what I speak on.

‘Look into the darkness, but don’t stare at it.’

MS: The world is heavy right now – historically and currently. Where do you find joy, and how do you filter that into what you do?

Honey Dijon always gives an insightful interview.

HD: Where do I find joy? Turn off the internet. Be aware. I love this quote from RuPaul: “Look into the darkness, but don’t stare at it.” That really resonates with me.

Music is powerful – that’s why far-right governments fear art and music, because there’s so much power in it. I find joy in love, in freedom of expression, and in self-autonomy. Those are the things I try to facilitate through my art and through my music.

‘If Homobloc was a fragrance…’

MS: If Homobloc was a fragrance, what would be the concoction?

HD: Armpit, asshole, and lip gloss.

If that isn’t an advert for a memorable night at Depot Mayfield, then we don’t know what is.

You can see the full lineup for Homobloc 2025 and grab your tickets to see Honey Dijon in Manchester and plenty more right HERE.

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Featured Images — Press shots/Jody Hartley Photography (supplied)/The Manc Group