DJ Yoda Interview 2013

We spoke to DJ Yoda before he rocked Sunburnt 2012 on Christmas Day, but now it’s time to find out what DJ Yoda’s been up to, where he’s been, and what tunes he’s been spinning. With new album ‘Chop Suey’ behind him, DJ Yoda’s a busy man, but luckily not too busy to unveil the best new music out there.

Hi DJ Yoda,

So how was this year’s Sunburnt Festival on Christmas Day and what else have you been up to since?

It was amazing – I had literally got straight off the plane from London, so it was pretty surreal to see thousands of ravers in Santa hats down at Bondi Beach on Christmas Day! Since then I’ve been doing a lot of shows – all over New Zealand and Australia – back and forth from Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and all that.

It seems like you’ve been in Australia for ages now. Do you find it easy to keep your sets fresh for the dedicated fans who might be chasing you around the country?

I try and make sure that I’m bringing something new to every show I do – and I think I’m lucky because people know me for a real mix of styles. So sometimes I might go off on a tangent, if I feel the crowd are feeling the idea of some Reggae – or Country and Western, or Drum & Bass. Whatever’s clever!

You’ve just released your new album ‘Chop Suey’, what’s the reception been like to this?

I’ve been really happy with how it’s been received, especially because it’s been so long in the making. My last full artist album before this was six years ago, and I’ve been working on ‘Chop Suey’ ever since. Admittedly slowly! The flipside of that is that I’m really happy with the results – so it means a lot to me that other people have finally been enjoying it too.

What did you want to put out there with ‘Chop Suey’?

I worked with a different vocalist on every track, and there’s a really eclectic mix of guests on the album. My idea is that I wanted to represent my full taste in music – everything from the 80s stuff I grew up on (hence Boy George and Michael Winslow from Police Academy), through to the golden era Hip-Hop I loved in the 90s (so I got M.O.P. and Greg Nice on there), and then right up to date with the people that I think represent the future, like Action Bronson, Sway and Man Like Me.

You’re renowned for splicing together the most diverse tunes, how do you decide what tunes to put together?

It’s really simple – I just keep it very honest with myself about what I love. I don’t try and play stuff that I think is trendy, or that I hope the crowd love – I just play what I really genuinely like myself. I think if more DJs did that then there would be a lot more original sounds out there.

Any new favourites tracks you’ve been putting down on the decks?

I’ve been enjoying a lot of new Hip-Hop, and also this newer genre called “Trap”. Check out artists like Flosstradamus, TNGHT or Heroes x Villains for the Trap stuff, and Chief Keef, Meek Mill or Juicy J for the Hip-Hop.

What’s your all time favourite track of any genre?

Wow – that’s way too hard a question for a DJ! I guess I grew up on 90s Rap, so if you had to pin me down to a track I’d say ‘93 Til Infinity’ by Souls of Mischief.

What’s kind of music do you listen to when your chilling at home or in the car after a gig?

I always just listen to new stuff and keep it as eclectic as possible. I just dropped a new mixtape under my R&B pseudonym ‘Sparkle Motion’ and I’ve been listening to my own mix!

Are there any emerging artists we should look out for in 2013?

In Hip-Hop – Action Bronson, Joey Bada$, A$AP Rocky – there’s a tonne of good stuff at the moment.

Obviously you’re blessed that you get to travel to a number of different countries and experience a huge range of cultures. Is this important to your sets and do you take influence from the countries you travel to?

I feel so lucky that I get to travel the world – it’s my favourite thing about DJing, and I definitely pick up ideas and inspiration from everywhere I go for sure!

What’s your favourite festival in the world and why?

There are so many great ones – in the last few years I’ve loved Big Beach in Tokyo, Bestival in the UK, Lake of Stars in Malawi. And Rhythm & Vines in NZ!

What can we expect from DJ Yoda in 2013?

I’m working on a new How To Cut & Paste mix, with a special theme. After that I want to start on my next album – I can’t let it be another 6 years!

And finally, being a Brit that is constantly abroad what’s the one thing from home you miss the most?

Cadburys chocolate and tea taste better in the UK – FACT.

Thanks Yoda

Related articles:
DJ Yoda Interview Before Sunburned
What is Trap Music
The Best British Stuff In Australia