Jodie Harsh is a DJ, club promoter, drag queen, and recording artist who has made a name for herself in London’s nightlife scene. Born in Canterbury, Kent in 1985, Harsh moved to London at the age of 18 to study at the London College of Fashion. It was there she first appeared as Jodie Harsh and was quickly swept away by the city’s drag scene. As one of the noughties’ prominent party DJs and promoters, she became a tabloid fixture as the drag queen soundtracking London’s thriving nightlife.
For Harsh, the clubbing scene was a place of belonging and community, where she finally felt like she was home. She had battled with her sexuality for years but walking into a club filled with people like her, dancing and kissing, changed everything. Despite some turbulence with her family due to her sexuality and clubbing exploits, Harsh found acceptance and a chosen family that surrounds her.
After spending so much of her career playing other people’s songs, Harsh started recording her own music. Her new single, Hectic, is out now, and she is working on her own original songs. Her ambition has always been to create something that would make people smile, and to put positivity out into the world.
Harsh has become an inspiration to many in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for those who may be struggling with their identity. She advises queer kids to find a few tough, scary girls who can be their crew. Harsh’s drive and determination, and her desire to give people a good time, stem from her experience with her father, who never fully accepted her.
Despite the ups and downs, Harsh has made it her mission to go out every single night and strive to be anything but normal. She is a true showbiz icon, known for her signature look and style that has remained consistent throughout the years. And who knows what will happen with the wig. Fast-forward 10 years and it’ll probably be a tiny bob. No volume at all – just turning up the music.