Sonny Fodera Interview

With acclaim from the major players of the house genre, Sonny Fodera has become a standout producer and DJ. From hip-hop to house, he’s gone from strength to strength, playing at the best underground clubs and biggest festivals from the UK to North America. Releasing on Cajual Records and Defected, we talked to Fodera to find out about playing for the powerhouse Simon Dunmore-label in Melbourne on New Year’s Day, his life on the road and what else he has planned for 2015.

Hi Sonny, how are you?
I am good! Just been working on some new tracks for my 3rd album on Cajual Records

Where in the world are you?
I am in London right now in my studio in London Fields.

Going back over the last year, there doesn’t seem to be one week that you weren’t playing a DJ set; are you a bit of a workaholic?
I think so! The last year has been amazing; I have travelled to so many different locations all over the world. I love my job. In this industry you are always working really, if it’s checking promos, emails, socialising at events, it is always working.

What is it that continues your drive of wanting to do gigs? Has it changed at all since the beginning of your career?
I guess playing my sound to different people around the world and those special moments when you get that perfect mix and the crowd gets it too. DJing is really something special.

While some artists and musicians may get to tour Australia once in a year, you’ve visited twice in 2014 already, in February and October; what do you enjoy about playing Down Under?
I love it! Being Australian, I get to come down and see my family and friends while playing around the country. I still see myself moving back to Sydney or Melbourne in the next few years for the summer.

Is travelling a lot an advantage that you have as a DJ?
I guess, sometimes you really don’t get to see the cities you visit, it’s usually a hotel room then the club then the airport. But I have made a lot of nice extended stays to some locations to make sure I get to properly experience it on a tourist level.

What has been your favourite show or career moment of this year?
Playing at Warung Beach Club in Brazil 4-7am sunrise set out on the terrace. It was truly amazing! What a party!

You’re kicking off 2015 in Melbourne with Defected in the House; what’s to be expected with such a party?
This is going to be a big party! I can’t wait to play this one. I lived in Melbourne for 2 years so I have a lot of friends there, I think it’s going to be a great start to an amazing year!

If you have any time off, what would you like to get up to?
Lately I have been just chilling, catching up on TV series’ or playing PS4! I like to go out and check out other DJs too playing in London, hear what tunes they are playing.

How does your solo tour compare with your appearance for Defected in the House? Is Defected like playing with one big family?
Yeah, Defected is a big family; I am really close with a lot of the staff and other DJs. The parties are really something special; the vibe is always amazing. This will be my first series of Defected parties in Australia, can’t wait to see how they go!

What else do you have planned for 2015?
A new album on Cajual, release on Visionquest, also some big festivals and events coming up, you can check out all my dates at facebook.com/djsonnyfodera.

If you could take two weeks off anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Malta to the blue lagoon, I have seen photos and it looks amazing! Definitely would have to be in the summer.

If you could ask any artist/DJ one question what would it be?
I would ask Maceo Plex what he uses for his amazing basslines.

Thanks, Sonny!

Want to see Sonny Fodera join Franky Rizardo, Oliver Dollar and Crazy P in Melbourne on New Year’s Day? There’s still time to get your tickets for Defected In The House right here.