“Life goes by really, really fast. Life is short. It thunders by. If you like the music, you gotta get up and dance.”

Words & photography: Chloe Jackson-Nott

Professionally known as Annie Mac, the internationally renowned broadcaster and DJ visited Cardiff to spin some tracks at her event night ‘Before Midnight’.

As DJ Paulette warmed up the crowd, by 8:30pm, Annie Mac popped up behind the decks making her entrance and presence known through her mix. Starting off slow and wearing a black hoodie, she allowed the crowd time to get into the groove and prepare for a heavy next few hours of vibes.

As Annie took control of the decks, she electrified the crowd creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation of the next track. She created a journey of sound to keep the audience entranced and built up the sweat and good vibes as the night continued. Annie certainly knows how to keep the crowd under her spell as the audience responds with cheers and pumped-up dance moves for hours.

Outside her music, Annie is also an advocate for positive and inclusive change. Her popular podcast, ‘Changes with Annie Macmanus’ welcomes guests to chat openly about changes they’ve faced and challenges they’ve overcome.

With 20 years of work experience in her back pocket, Annie Mac has created a strong legacy as a key music industry figure championing female artists and the LGBTQ+ community in the space.

‘Her Before Midnight inclusive clubbing concept that she launched in Spring 2022 has proved hugely popular and sells out within seconds.’