UK based Josh Butler has been one of the most consistent producers on our radar over the past 12 months with a series of house groovers on landmark labels like Avotre, Noir, Cajual and Lost Records. A regular on the White Isle last summer and recently tipped as one to watch for 2016 by DJ Mag USA, Butler is leading the way for a new generation of house artists from the UK’s burgeoning scene. Ahead of his visit to Dublin on January 23rd where he will perform at Dublin’s Hangar (When We Dip will also be hosting Room 2 – The Gallery on this occasion) we caught up with the main man and got the full update!
Josh has also taken the time to put together this week’s podcast, an hour jam packed with his stylish house cuts.
1) Josh, a standout year by all standards in 2015 with some fantastic EP’s on the likes of Noir, Cajual and Avotre. How do you follow that up?
Thank you! Well first half of this year I’m releasing on Kerri Chandlers new Kaoz theory. Kerri has become a good friend of mine over the years so its a pleasure for him to ask me to join the label along with artists from the last release, Seth Troxler, Davide Squillace, Martinez Brothers etc. I have also just remixed a track from Namito & Jonny Cruz’ which is out on Kling Klong’s sublabel, Gold.
2) The last 12 months saw you playing outside of the UK more regularly than ever, how has your music been received in foreign lands? Do you tailor your sets differently?
I try to tailor a set for wherever I am depending on the venue, crowd and of course my mood at the time. Its been really good experience for me to play in Europe and eastern Europe though and the response has been unreal. Im back in Serbia in a few weeks for the 3rd time, I seem to have made the right impression there 🙂
3) Ibiza formed a big part of your summer schedule last year frequenting Sankeys a number of times. Is it still the spot to find the world’s most educated clubbers or is that more of a myth these days?
I think in certain spots, there are defiantly some of the worlds most dedicated and educated crowds. Unfortunately it seems like these spots are becoming harder and harder to find.
4) Are we going to see you back there this summer and where?
You will definitely be seeing me back this year but maybe a little early to announce anything
5) Presumably you will need some new weapons in your arsenal for the summer months, what’s the new shiny piece of studio equipment you’re currently enjoying?
I recently bought a UBK Fatso which Im loving!! Great for bottom end.
6) Your Kahu project has come to light in recent months, can you explain a little about it for those who may not be in the know?
At the age of 13 our family moved out to New Zealand, a small rural town in the Bay of Islands called Kerikeri. I spent pretty much all of my teenage years over there and Maori culture became a big part of school life. The name Kahu derives from Maori mythology. The project on a whole is about me looking back on my years in NZ and musically exploring more tribal and percussive rhythms.
7) For someone with such a consistent studio output, is it necessary to have side projects like this to keep the creative juices flowing?
Exactly. I make all styles of music in my spare time and always enjoyed experimenting with different styles. I have 4/5 alias’ of different music, mainly unreleased stuff but it defiantly helps me stay inspired.
8) Saturday the 23rd sees your return to Dublin at Hangar, its one of numerous visits for you to our capital in recent years. What have you learnt from the last few shows?
That Irish are fuckin wild and I’ve had some of the best gigs of my career in Dublin!
Josh plays Hangar Jan 23rd for Strictly Deep while When We Dip will be hosting Room 2 with a lineup that also includes Dublin’s rising Cerillo. Tickets: Josh Butler at Hangar