ELLESSE’S SS23 VISIONARIES: MEET WORLDWIDE DJ KIM TURNBALL
Summer’s come early in Ellesse’s ‘Visionaries’ campaign. Featuring five diverse ‘Visionaries’ who each represent the brand’s ethos, visuals for Ellesse’s SS23 collection transport us to the setting of a sunny padel court in a nostalgic, playful, and retro-style narrative. The campaign itself encourages team-work and cooperation alongside self-confidence and individuality, all things that are perfectly reflected through the carefully curated selection of Visionaries the brand elected to represent the campaign.
Kim Turnball, a DJ based in London but performing all around the globe, is one of the five featured in Ellesse’s ‘Visionaries’ campaign. We met up with Kim to discuss life DJing all over the world, what it was like being a part of Ellesse’s campaign, and advice she’d give to anyone looking to join her behind the decks.
Hi Kim! Can you give us a little introduction?
My name is Kim Turnbull and I’m a 23 year old international multi genre DJ and model born and bred in London.
As a worldwide DJ you’ve played some huge gigs, including Ministry of Sound and Paris Fashion Week, but how did you first get into DJ-ing? Did you always know you wanted to do it professionally?
Ministry of sound (opening for DJ Harvey) was actually my first ever proper live show, which feels like a lifetime ago. I got into DJing after just picking up as a hobby from my dad who is a sick DJ. We always had a sick vinyl set up but when I started showing a proper interest in it he got some CDJs in the house when I still lived with my parents, and it was a wrap from then! I actually never thought I’d do it professionally. It just happened really naturally for me, I was practising everyday during covid & then one day I started getting offered jobs and I realised oh- I can actually make money from doing something I enjoy and feels like fun which was mad. I’d been djing for 2 years probably before I even took a proper job because I didn’t want to rush it.
We all know too well that sometimes certain crowds simply aren’t the vibe. What’s your go-to track to get a dull crowd hyped up?
All crowds are different but a go-to song of mine I play in basically every set and always gets the crowd hyped is Premier Gaou. Oh or like any Chief Keef lol.
You’ve played some pretty wild gigs, from club nights and festivals to exclusive events, but where has been your favourite crowd to DJ for?
Honestly I think the best crowd I’ve played for has been Fete De La Musique in Paris, that one was really wild.
Having DJ’d all round the world you must’ve picked up some tricks of the trade along the way. What’s a tip you’d give to the wannabe DJs out there looking to follow in your footsteps?
A tip I’d give is not to rush it. Take time to practise and most importantly to research and to know your music.
They say some cities are simply a better night out than others, and if anyone knows which it has to be the person behind the deck! Which city’s your favourite to play in?
Honestly I’ve had a sick time Djing in loads of places. Playing in Lagos was pretty amazing but to be honest I’d have to say my favourite city to play in if I had to pick would be London. There’s no place like home !
Summer music festivals are practically a necessity at this point. Do you have any coming up for 2023 you’re excited to attend?
Hopefully I’ll be playing at a few festivals this summer. I have some exciting ones lined up but unfortunately can’t tell you about them just yet.
Travelling out to Portugal with Ellesse in January for the campaign must’ve felt a bit like summer come early! What was your favourite moment in shooting the campaign?
The whole campaign was pretty fun so I don’t think I could pick a favourite moment.
Did you have a favourite item from the Ellesse SS23 collection? Walk us through how you’d style it?
There were a sick pair of track pants that Jasmine wore.
Finally, the golden season of nights-out is fast approaching! Where can we expect to see you DJ this summer?
This summer I’ll be all over the place but you’ll catch me in London for sure. Keep an eye on my Instagram for my next show announcements.
Lastly, what kind of impact do you hope your work is able to have in the future?
I hope that my work can inspire other people and show other kids they can do it. I had super bad imposter syndrome when I first started out as I’d grown up around so many sick djs so putting myself out there was daunting at first. But you just have to go for it!
Check out the full collection at ellesse.com
