Jody Wisternoff Interview 2016
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With over 25 years experience Jody Wisternoff is a veteran of the electronic music world. That doesn’t mean he is not moving with the times as he is still a regular global traveler and guest at some of the planet’s most prestigious events and clubs. In light of the news that there will be a new Way Out West album very soon (the project he co-produces alongside Nick Warren), we caught up with Jody about his upcoming Australian tour which includes a headline slot in Melbourne for the Mahala crew’s 1st birthday party at the Railway Hotel.
You’ve been down to Australia a few times before, first in 2001 and most recently in 2014. Have you personally seen a shift or change in the dance music scene here? What are you looking forward to most when you get back?
Yeah I’ve been coming out pretty regularly over the last 15 years and I’d say the scene is pretty much in sync with the rest of the world/UK to be honest. Obviously the whole festival thing, and the risks that can come with this. I did think you guys got slightly more into dub (bro) step a few years ago than most of us though (laughs)
Your very early roots are in hip hop – you’ve referred to SpecDrum on ZX Spectrum as your first ‘beat box’ not to mention heading to your first hip hop comp at the DMC Rapping Championships when you were 13. Do you listen to much hip hop now? Do you think there is any chance your production could head in that direction in the future?
Yep that’s right. The SpecDrum was so raw, proper 8 bit. Might have to use those sounds again actually. My old 5th gen iPod (still works..) is totally full of oldskool hiphop , some of that early Mantronix stuff still sounds incredible. I always have and always will take inspiration from the hiphop mindset (sampling, audio collage etc), it’s in my DNA.
You were around for the 90s UK rave scene which is both enviable and amazing. What is your fondest memory from then? Do you think there will come another time in electronic music that is so revered and fawned over as that period of time?
Yeah it was amazing to experience at such an age and on quite an incredible magnitude. Things were changing so fast, it was exciting and inspiring to say the least. Its pretty much the reason I left higher education, I blame the rave (laughs). Fondest memory is probably learning how to make tracks, yeah the parties and whatever were great but it really was all about the creativity for me.
When do you think the turning point was when you thought ‘I’m going to make house music now’?
Around 93,94 when I hooked up with Nick and the rave scene was starting to get pretty dark (violence / gangster element moving in etc). The music was also sounding pretty evil which I kinda liked, but the stuff Nick was playing me had a really airy / positive quality that captured my imagination again. There also more girls at house clubs (laughs).
So it looks as though you’ve spent over 25 years in the music industry, what a feat – congratulations! What are the 3 most important things you have learnt in that time, big or small?
Holy shit, is it that long? Ouch… Ok.
1 – Be true to yourself, musically. If you are trying to write what sells, you will always be one step behind. Stick to your guns and you might accidentally make something game changing (haven’t actually learned this yet, but it seems like good advice…)
2 Don’t let the lifestyle become more important than music. I’ve seen people get carried away, and where are they now??
3 Be the guy promoters will remember, friendly and positive. Give as much vibes and energy as you can whilst DJing, people have paid good money to see you so make sure they feel the love.
In that time of course, you’ve almost done it all – DJ, producer and now A&R of Anjunadeep. How are you finding your role at Anjunadeep? What other jobs/roles are you looking to take on, or even try out next?
Yeah, everything except club promoter really… I love working with the Adeep crew, such a great bunch of music lovers under the caring wing of the superpower that is A&B. The sound of the label is developing in a really cutting edge way and its great to be involved. As for taking more on, absolutely no time at the mo what with writing/touring and being a family man…
Making music seems to be one of those things that don’t have an expiry date. You can be 85 and still be able to sit at home, clacking away at your laptop and pushing buttons on your synths and make a banger. Do you foresee an end to your career or a time you would want to stop all the touring and producing or will you be that 85 year old with dentures on their rider?
Nah man, not a good look at all! Don’t really wanna be touring and old enough to be everyone in the clubs granddad! Will def be time to concentrate on other musical escapades; there are many avenues 🙂
Mid-2015 you said your album was nearly complete? Everyone is waiting with baited breath, when will it drop?
Ah man these things take so much longer than expected… Final touches being put to it now, so we are looking at a late summer release. Tuesday Maybe, the first single, is released any time now so the wheels are definitely in motion.
If your studio was on fire and you could only save 3 things what would you grab?
Jupiter 8, Prophet 5 and the Macbeth M5N (although all a bit heavy…)
Lot of people ask in interviews what DJs/producers would be doing if they weren’t making music… that question kind of seems silly to ask you when you’ve been making music since you were 13. But what do you do when you try and get your head out of music? You do take breaks occasionally, right?
The honest answer to this is no, apart from the usual stuff. I have a couple of kids so full on family vibes, which is a lovely way to have enforced breaks, but no time wasting hobbies as such. Tried fishing/ golf / cooking – not feeling it(laughs).
What do you have planned for 2016?
Besides the WOW album, balancing this with my solo career, Anjunadeep08 and plenty of touring that is pretty much the year taken up. I’m also interested in these new ways to connect to your audience/fans through platforms like Patreon. Exciting times
Catch Jody live:
4th March- Railway Hotal Brunswick, Melbourne
5th March- Capulet, Brisbane
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