IT was while visiting a nightclub as an underage teenager that Hannah Wants got her first glimpse of life as a DJ.

The talented DJ and producer is coming to Horwich next weekend for a bank holiday clubbing extravaganza with dance music duo Gorgon City and David Zowie.

A child of the garage generation, she will be bringing her hard-hitting, bass-driven sound to the Bolton Whites Hotel on Sunday, May 3.

Hannah, real name Hannah Alicia Smith, said: "I’ve been DJ’ing for over a decade now.

"I’m not exactly sure why but, ever since a young age, I’ve loved music a ridiculous amount.

"I remember visiting a club underage and, from the moment I saw the DJ, I knew it was what I wanted to be.

"He was in a booth above the dance floor and I was mesmerised by how he had the crowd in his hands, how he was in control and how it was his job to ensure all of the people went home having had a great night. I wanted that job.

"I received some belt drive Numark vinyl turntables and mixer for my next birthday. I went and bought some vinyls, locked my bedroom door and taught myself the art of DJ’ing."

Last year saw Hannah crowned dance music magazine Mixmag’s Best Breakthrough DJ and Star Of The Year.

Touted as ‘one of the UK's most sought after artists’, how does it make her feel after years of hard work and honing her craft?

She said: "It’s feels amazing but, at the same time, very surreal.

"I set out with a goal in 2010 to gain recognition as a DJ first and foremost — as opposed to a producer — and to become known for my live DJ sets.

"At a time in the industry where the lines between DJ’ing and producing are so very blurred, I knew it wouldn’t be an easy thing to achieve but the support I’ve received over the last few years has been incredible and I’m so grateful.

"I’ve enjoyed every step of the way of my journey up the ladder. I think it’s really important to learn your trade, earn your stripes and be 100% ready for the crazy roller-coaster you’re about to ride."

Having dedicated the summer of 2010 to Ibiza, and with a number of competition wins under her belt, it was on the White Isle that Birmingham-born Hannah really started to make a name for herself.

Looking to the months ahead, she said: "This summer is going to be my busiest yet.

"I’m currently in the US half way through my North American spring tour and, as soon as I land back into the UK, it’s head first into a crazy five month summer schedule.

"I’ll be living out of a suitcase and DJ’ing around the world at lots of different events and festivals.

"I always really look forward to my Ibizan dates, it’s one of my favourite places in the world.

"This year, I have a monthly residency at Amnesia for Together on the Terrace for Defected which is going to be massive.

"I’ve also got two What Hannah Wants events at Ibiza Rocks in July and September — Monki, Mele, My Nu Leng, Redlight, DJ Barely Legal and Timanti will be joining me to provide two amazing and unique parties.

"Off the top of my head, a few other dates I’m super excited for are Hideout (Croatia), Hard (USA), Creamfields, Reading & Leeds and Bestival."

Known for her hard-hitting bass house style, the self-taught DJ enjoyed listening to a mix of music from a young age.

She said: "I listened to a vast range of music growing up. My mom had a very eclectic taste and anything from The Cranberries to Fleetwood Mac to Radiohead to R.E.M to Enya would be blasting through the house each weekend.

"As a teenager I was really into RnB, dance and garage music — I had every DJ EZ Pure Garage compilation known to man!

"Then, as soon as I started DJ’ing, I immediately fell in love with speed garage, UK garage and bassline house.

"From the age of 16/17, music and DJ'ing — along with football — was my passion.

"I lived for the weekend and I DJ’d for the pure love of it. As soon as I started to learn about the possibilities that could come from working in the music industry I remember wanting it more and more."

It is a number of years since Hannah has appeared in the area, having played a New Year's Eve party in Bolton, and she is looking forward to next weekend's gig.

She said: "I'm really happy to be getting back to Bolton after so long. I’m looking forward to checking out the crowd and I’ve got some new solo material to test too.

"I’ve yet to meet David Zowie but I do know the Gorgon boys quite well. They’re lovely lads, doing really well for themselves and I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone in Bolton."

Looking to her bright future behind the decks, she said: "I want to grow and continue improving as a DJ, I want to grow my brand What Hannah Wants which aims to throw the sickest parties with the best hand-picked DJs who really know how to provide the best raves, I want to enjoy life doing something that I love — that’s what it’s all about."

Exploit Events Presents Gorgon City, Hannah Wants and David Zowie will be at the Premier Suite, Bolton Whites Hotel, on Sunday, May 3.

Visit skiddle.com for tickets.