On January 29th 2016, the monthly electronic music event Melodic is turning 4 years old! This highly anticipated celebration will be held in Dublin venue The Sugar Club. A screening of Paul Kalkbrenner’s film Berlin Calling will take place at 9pm sharp and will be followed by acts from no other than Neil Flynn and Guy J. If all this information was not enough to convince you guys to buy your tickets already, then maybe this interview with the night’s maestro Guy J, can change your mind… If not, well that’s your loss!
Hey Guy J, thanks for joining us, ahead of your gig at Melodic in Dublin, how are things going? where in the world are you right now?
I’m just on the way back from Argentina, had a weekend with John Digweed there, it was mind blowing!
Your last time at Melodic was back in 2014, what can we expect from you this time? Have you developed a taste for the Guinness?
My taste for Guinness is in advanced mode, I think I can deal with it well now ! :-), I have much more new music since last my visit to Dublin, can’t wait to share it with the good people of Ireland
Do you have any plans in the near future that you are really excited of, that could surprise us?
Will have first Lost & Found Stage in a festival this summer, have amazing releases lined up on Lost & Found also this year.
We see you touring more and more around the world, which includes some performances alongside the well-reputed Hernan Cattaneo. How is the chemistry between you two?
Chemistry between me and Hernan is great, we have very similar taste in music and he is a wonderful person, so our back to back performances have great flow. I love him as a human being and as a DJ, it’s always a pleasure to play B2B with him.
We’re also seeing you behind the decks with other very talented artists like Guy Mantzur and Jeremy Olander, what are you guys trying to reach when performing a back-to-back?
We try to mix our taste to give the crowd something unique, both Jeremy and Guy are very talented producers so it’s fun to play together, they always surprise with fresh music and ideas.
We know John Digweed played a major role in your music career, with your first track released on John’s label Bedrock was “Save Me” back in 2007. How has John Digweed influenced your path? Is he someone who still has an impact on what you do?
He sure does! I used to follow John when I was younger before I started traveling, and listened to his sets. I can say that from him I’ve learned most about building up a set, he is one of the best out there no doubt. I listened to him play on the weekend on both gigs and he was beyond great, it’s very inspiring.
Your new LP The Trees, the Sea and the Sun, released on Bedrock was really different than what we usually hear, what inspired you to record this album?
I’m always saying I’m inspired by my travels and personal life and experiences, I go all over the world and meet a lot of people and see different cultures. I try to use music to express my feelings so every time something different will come out.
Now if you permit, let’s get to know you better! Besides electronic music, what other music genre do you like listening to?
I love downtempo, I love rock, I love good music what ever it is, along as it’s original it is interesting, even pop music can be good.
What do you like to do with your free time when travelling to a city or country you’ve never been to?
I love touring, I love to see and walk around tourist sites. I ask a lot of questions about every place I go to get to know the culture better and understand the people. We have small planet and it’s fascinating how each place is different and dealing with different stuff. I sometimes even take a tour bus.
We probably assume music is one of your most-valued passions, but do you have any other hobbies or passion you would like to share?
I love photography a lot, but recently didn’t have the time to dedicate to it. I love cooking also, I try make food whenever I can, it is similar to creating music.
Is there something else we don’t know about Guy J?
My real name is Guy, a lot of people ask me if it’s my real name.
Thank you very much Guy J for your time, any parting words for the young producers out there hoping to be the next Guy J?
Be yourself not Guy J, be original! Love Ireland, see you soon 🙂
More info: Melodic Fourth Birthday with Guy J
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