Guy J Interview

Catch up Our Exclusive Interview with Guy J!!!

Guy J Interview

Guy J Interview. Israeli DJ and producer, Guy J, has been making waves on John Digweed’s Bedrock Records as well as with his own sub-label, Lost & Found. Since producing at the tender age of 14, he has dedicated himself to his craft, releasing his first material at 21-years-old, the incredible ‘Save Me’ in 2007 and his debut album in 2008, titled ‘Esperanza’. Prior to his upcoming set at Hole And Corner this June, we caught up with the man himself to talk legendary parties, ‘90s Trance and summer in Ibiza.

Hi Guy. How are you?
Very good.

Where in the world are you right now?
Home, just back from a mini tour in the US.

How did you get into music and who are some names that influenced you from a young age?
I got influenced by Trance music and Progressive in the late ‘90s. Progressive at that time was touched a lot by Trance music and I loved it.

How did growing up in Israel affect your taste in music?
Israel is very welcoming to Electronic music, so you could find it easily. A lot of DJs came every weekend and I got to hear them play and get influenced.

What is the music scene in Israel like?
Great! You can go out every day and hear any kind of music you like, there are interesting names coming every weekend. I love it!

You’re known as a leader in the underground Dance scene. How does it feel to be so established in your field?
I’m lucky and appreciate where I am now and it makes me work harder to keep delivering good music to the crowd and to my gigs.

What was the recording experience like when it came to your full-length ‘Esperanza’?
I loved it; it was challenging to do the first artist album and to find a way to express myself. I’m looking forward to doing another artist album.

You’re signed to John Digweed’s label, Bedrock. Can you tell us a bit about how you were picked up by them?
My manager at the time sent them my music and we got a positive reaction and I kept sending more and more. I finally got some comments from the man himself and learned from it.

How would you say your production and beats are different from other DJs?
It’s hard for me to say; I try to make my music as honest as I can to my feelings. I think this is what you want to achieve as a musician and I’m working on it every time.

You have a crazy schedule that allows you to travel all over the world. What is your favourite country to travel to and why?
There are a lot of places I love to go: Australia, Argentina, America… it’s hard to pick one over the other gigs-wise! I have to mention, though, that Argentina is quite mental!

As you’re always travelling, do you ever find time to enjoy countries when you’re touring? What’s your favourite thing to do abroad?
Sometimes I have time and if it’s more far off destinations, I spend a bit of time to recover from the travel. I love walking around, taking pictures, trying to find what’s going on where I am and how things work. Every place is different and there is always something to learn.

What has been your most memorable live performance to date?
I’ve had some great gigs that I’ll always remember. Argentina has a lot to offer and my last visit there for Ultra Festival was one of those inspiring gigs.

You’re coming to Australia in June for Hole And Corner. What can we expect from your set?
I’ve worked on a lot of music since my last visit to Australia so there is a lot of new music I’m looking forward to playing on my tour! That will also include some upcoming music from my label Lost & Found too.

It’s a pretty great line-up. Who are you looking forward to seeing play whilst you’re there?
I’ll try to catch everyone as there are some great musicians on the line-up. I’m also excited to meet them and hear what they’re up to.

What are your plans for the summer and where can your fans catch you?
I’ll be back in Ibiza this year for Carl Cox’s night at Space, and I’m going to Argentina in July as well as some other cities around Europe.

Let’s get to know Guy J a little better…

Coffee or cigarettes, both or neither?
Coffee, no cigarettes at all for me.

Summer time in Ibiza or clubbing in Berlin?
Summer in Ibiza, just because I love the summer.

Greasy burger or chicken salad?
Vegetarian [grins]

Cold bottle of beer or a dirty Martini?
Beer it is.

Catch Guy J alongside Hot Chip DJs, Henry Saiz Live, Matthew Dear, Cosmin TRG, Xosar Live at HOLEANDCORNER 7th & 8th June in Sydney and Melbourne. Visit holeandcorner.com.au for more info.