From living room decks to international stages – Meet the outstanding DJ Shannice Chinnery

In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, something sparked for Shannice Chinnery.  

What started as a casual experiment with borrowed DJ decks quickly turned into a full-blown love affair with music that would change her life forever. 

“One of my friends who runs events had DJ decks and I said to him that he could leave them at my house,” Shannice explained.  “While they were there, I just took to them so quickly and that was it, as soon as I touched them, I was on my way.” 

Shannice Chinnery (Photo from her Instagram)

For the past five years Shannice has been an independent DJ based in Wellingborough and specialising in House and Tech House music. 

Balancing her craft with a full-time job, Shannice describes DJing as “the hobby that pays,” but she knows it’s only a matter of time before it becomes her main gig.  

“I didn’t do great in school, but I always knew I was going to do something big. As soon as I found DJing, I knew that was my calling. Music is my escape; it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever come across.” 

Growing up, she was no stranger to a bassline. “My mum and dad were hardcore ravers,” she says.

While she initially found herself drawn to Drum and Bass, it was at around 13 or 14 that House music found its way into her life. “I’ve always loved that dirty, vocal, sexy house music,” she said with a grin. 

And she didn't just listen, she danced. Shannice and her friends would travel from place to place just to cut shapes, living for the rhythm, the atmosphere, and sharing the joy of music.  

At 16, a video of her dancing went viral on Facebook. “That’s how I always knew I was going to be in the music scene,” she says. 

Photo from Shannice's Instagram

Once Shannice got her own set of decks in April 2020, the hustle began. She religiously uploaded mixes to SoundCloud every two weeks, building a loyal following with every drop. And soon enough, gigs and international bookings started rolling in. 

“Playing in Amsterdam was one of the best moments of my whole life,” she says, the memory still fresh. “For someone who’s come from nothing, to step into a big event and play it was crazy. I bursted into tears.”  

That moment remains a core memory, not just for the crowd she moved, but for what it meant to her personally: “Realising my potential, having people sing and dance with me, knowing I could do something that big… it was just incredible,” said Shannice. 

What is next for Shannice? Creating her own tracks and stepping into the world of music production. “I want to sing, I want to produce, and I want to bring people together,” she says.

“Music is a powerful tool, and I want to teach the younger generation of ravers about the older generation, there’s such a rich history, and I think it should be embraced.”

For those just getting started, her advice is simple: “Be yourself. Play what you want to play. That’s how your journey will evolve. Being a DJ is more than just playing bangers, it’s about your vibe.” 

You can find out more about Shannice and her music on her Instagram @shxn.cdj.

Check out Shannice's Sound Cloud below.