DJ Jonti Interview

Having just released his new single ‘Saturday Night’ we caught up with Jonti whilst on his world tour with Gotye to find out just what goes into his music, his diverse abilities to create varying atmospheric music, and how he doesn’t really fit into a genre. Oh and most importantly… how he always gets caught shocking out in his dressing room to Avalanches ‘Since I Left You’ before a show, Hannah Shakir asks why…

So how have you been?

I’m good. I’m nearing the end of the tour with Gotye, which has been nothing short of a journey of a lifetime.

What’s it been like touring with Gotye?

Really fantastic. I came on my own, scared out of my mind because of the epic scope of the tour and how I would perform. But Wally, the band and all the crew have become like family and have really turned this into a special time in my life.

Do you get to hang out much with each other?

Quite a lot actually, I still kind of view him as a creative mentor and there’s been no shortage of record shopping, table tennis, music needing out and foodie hangs on the tour.

What’s the most interesting place the tour has taken you so far?

There was something surreal about some of the southern US dates. New Orleans really felt like I was in a dreamland.

Are you looking forward to being back on home turf in the New Year?

Cant wait, my goal this year was to settle in Sydney and enjoy the fruits of the creativity and excitement there but I never got the chance. 2013 though!

Have there been any hilarious happenings whilst on tour, or any embarrassing moments?

Before every show I soundcheck and then I go to my dressing room and dance to the Avalanches ‘Since I Left You’ album front to back. I go all out until I’m a sweaty beast and my hearts racing. Five minutes before show the production manager Ade would come tell me it’s showtime and literally walk in on me almost every night dancing like a madman by myself haha.

Ha that’s funny! So you’ve just re-released ‘Saturday Nights’ it’s quite different from say something like ‘Firework Spraying the Moon’ how would you explain the melting pot of genres you fuse together?

Every song is always a certain challenge and goal to myself. Those songs are kind of like opposites. ‘Saturday Night’ had a lot of new things for me like… could I write a song with just three main sounds instead of 50? No drums? A lead vocal focus?

And you did it! With ‘Firework Spraying The Moon’ what went through your mind when creating that?

I was just trying to create a little still image of two people in love on top of a hill kissing and feeling like the electricity and excitement created fireworks on top of them. Just trying to capture that feeling.

What was the furry pink suit about in ‘Nightshift In Blue’?

Was really just having a bit of fun. I just wanted to make one more video for the ‘Twirligig’ album to give it a little push.

Obviously you’re not stranger to the odd bit of fancy dress, talk us through your new video to Saturday Night? What was the concept behind the elfin/monster/face paint?

Well the songs about feeling alien and maybe what its like to be in a new place trying to fit in which is a constant theme I go through ha.

What instruments do you play?

I play guitar and piano, but I love playing non-instrument things like pedals, noise boxes and samplers.

So you’re experimental! When did you first get into music?

I think I first liked the Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers when I was really young in South Africa.

What kind of music do you listen to, and who or what are you influenced by as your music is so different and can’t be easily pigeon-holed.

Well there’s artist’s I’m sure people can tell I listen to like Four Tet, Flying Lotus, Flaming Lips, Avalanches, Gotye etc. but I listen to a lot of Antony and the Johnsons and Paul Simon. I’m hoping I can show more of that side of the next record.

What have you got planned when you finish the tour?

A bunch of Oz shows with Four Tet, Action Bronson and Toro Y Moi. A Moscow show and just recording the next album.

What can we expect from Jonti in 2013?

Hopefully the new album. Its been demoed and is conceptionally on its way but still early days.

What’s your message you want to put out there for 2013?

Sydney and Australian music is on the rise. Not in a “finally competing with the US/UK” kinda way, but in a “there is so much good original music and mad parties that your gonna wanna be apart of it” kinda way.

As for me, I’m finally learning how to make the record I wanna make and release it how I like and that’s exciting for me.

By Hannah Shakir

Check out the BBM Dance Music Podcast Featuring So Called Scumbags.