Helping the Queens of House Reign Supreme

“Our experience of working with Phil has been nothing short of perfect. He’s always there with a kind word, fantastic advice and most importantly, world class audio.” Anna Cee

Great music is all about transformation. No-one is a greater exemplar of this than Brighton-based DJ and promoter Anna Cee. The story behind the Founder of the Queens House brand is one of turning challenge into triumph through the power of music.

Gillman Audio is proud to be part of that journey.

Having overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol, Anna began deejaying on the suggestion of friends, with so much success that she soon became a name in the House music club scene.

Anna quickly recognised that women in the industry were often not getting the exposure, support and recognition they deserved.

She explains:

“I said, ‘Let’s create an alternative universe where women are treated fairly and we can all express ourselves musically without the pressure we feel from the industry.’”

This led to the creation of Queens House Sessions, an all-female House music event brand where, as Anna describes, “Women are not just booked for their musical skills but also because they are team players who want to support their sisters in the music industry. Everyone gets paid the same and there’s a safe, supportive, properly paid environment where women are celebrated for their music and their merits, and support each other. I believe the popularity of Queens House Sessions is mainly because there’s such a beautiful spirit of friendship and unity, which is what House music is supposed to be about.”

With so much positive energy, friendship and music talent, the Queens were on the rise.

That’s where Gillman Audio became part of the story: “We put on regular sessions on the first Sunday of every month at the White Lion in Streatham, with different Queens playing deep and soulful House music, and a live PA. When we decided to have larger Queens events, obviously the first person I thought of was Phil because I know his sound system is second to none for our type of music. We did three glorious parties at an incredible venue just outside Brighton, right on the seafront with the cliffs behind us. Phil was able to set up a sound system that was incomparable for the quality and the levels we were able to achieve. He became absolutely part of the Queens team. We put on the most amazing, legendary parties with his help.”

Ambience is a huge part of the success of Queens House sessions, with every detail making a difference. Anna comments:

“Phil doesn’t skimp on quality and you can really tell the difference when you’re at a Gillman Audio party,”

"A lot of people say Queens has got a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a bit of a spiritual experience. A lot of that is to do with the way the speakers are set up. Because Phil understands that an important part of the atmosphere at an event isn’t just about having big speakers; it’s about how the speakers are positioned.”

Another important element of event ambience is about being able to connect with people as much as connecting with the music.

“Phil creates sound where the quality is so brilliant that it’s loud enough to dance to but you can actually hold conversations too.”

Anna is quick to point out the difference a personal approach makes to great audio:

“A lot of artists in the House and Soul House music scene don’t get much recognition. We did an event for female House performers and Phil set up a separate rig just for that 15-minute PA. Our performers knew that Phil would make them sound incredible. For anyone planning on putting on a PA when doing a House music party - the most stressful thing you can do - Phil is your man. He’ll make sure every eventuality is covered.”

That sense of security is a big part of the enduring relationship between Queens House Sessions and Gillman Audio, adds Anna:

“From a DJ perspective, Phil is always equipped, he’s always there and ready if anything goes wrong. That gives you a great feeling of security and support. And he loves the music. I would recommend Gillman Audio to anyone planning on doing an event, especially an outside or large-scale one, if they want someone they can absolutely rely on for equipment and sound that is going to deliver a world class result. I don’t think there is anyone else in the country who can match the service Phil offers.”

Every event venue presents its own challenges but even a lack of connectivity can’t stop the sisters of House from sharing the joy of music:

“Phil is able to facilitate an amazing livestream for promoters, even in areas where there is no Wi-Fi,”

says Anna. “He did an incredible livestream for us in a unique venue in Hackney that had no existing capacity to do one. Anyone wanting to put a livestream on where they’ve been told it’s impossible, it’s not impossible, they just haven’t met Phil yet. He’s a man of solutions!” 

With Anna’s mission being all about sharing and celebrating a passion for House music, having the right people on side is everything. “Phil is well loved and well respected and I would say that the Gillman Audio branding on a party is a huge selling point,” she says.

“Our experience of working with Phil has been nothing short of perfect. He’s always there with a kind word, fantastic advice and most importantly, world class audio. We’re absolutely proud to be affiliated with Phil. I consider him to be the very best in the business, not just with what he delivers but the type of person he is.”