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 on the line-up for this year's Parklife, taking place at Heaton Park on Saturday and Sunday.

Hannah, real name Hannah Alicia Smith, said: "This will be my second time playing Parklife, I was fortunate enough to play last year too.

"I remember playing relatively early on in the day so I wasn’t sure what to expect but the tent was absolutely rammed and the vibe was insane, I loved it!

"I then went on to play the after-party in Sankeys and Annie Mac, MK and a couple of members from Boyzone all came to rave, it’s safe to say things got a little crazy! It was a memorable day and night."

A child of the garage generation, she will be bringing her hard-hitting, bass-driven sound to thousands of dance music fans.

She 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."

A huge fan of music, will she get chance to slip off and see anyone perform at Parklife?

She said: "I rarely get to spend much time at festivals, y’know, my schedule is pretty hectic so I have to really plan in advance if I want to stay.

"I’m aiming to get at least half a day at Parklife though so, set times permitting, I’d love to catch NAS perform Illmatic because that’s like a once in a lifetime thing and Jamie Jones and Maya Jane Coles because I’ve never actually seen them DJ and I really want to check them out."

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’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."

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."

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."

For tickets, visit parklife.uk.com.