- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
I wanted to present a variety styles and eras all brought together with a 4/4 beat!
- Can you tell us about your approach to creating mixes?
I usually like to have a softer start and finish while the rest of the mix moves between different tempos, genres, and atmospheres. Juxtaposition, drama/contrast are important.
- What methods do you prefer when searching for new music? Do you still enjoy browsing for music in record stores, or have you come to prefer online purchases?
I do still browse and shop at record stores, but not as much as I used to. I use Discogs quite regularly for older stuff or sometimes a record store’s website - in Japan I sometimes buy online from places like Record Shop Rare Groove in Osaka or EAD Records in Tokyo. I also use Bandcamp a lot because it’s the best way to get money to labels and artists!
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
Mon - Thurs I get up early and try and spend a couple of hours each morning working on new musical ideas and developing things which seem to have promise. Trying things I haven’t done before. I think a lot of people have the idea that art comes from ‘inspiration’, as if the artist suddenly has an amazing idea for a piece of music, or a book, a painting etc, but I don’t think it works like that. You need to do a bit of work every day (if possible), whether you feel in the mood or not. That is how I stimulate my creativity.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
That’s a difficult question! The DJ ‘world’ has changed a lot over the last decade, but I think trying to start your own regular events/parties is still a good way to start. Invite DJs from other cities to come and play, try and develop a network. I also think it’s important to build a large and varied collection of music in any format. If you can find tracks that work for you, but that nobody else seems to play, then you should play them often and make them ‘yours’. Try not to play just one style in your sets. Take risks when your playing, don’t be scared of changing tempo or style, focus on the energy of the music you’re playing.
- What plans do you have for 2024?
I’m planning some vinyl releases for my label, Jansen Jardin, we haven’t pressed vinyl for several years! I hope the first one will be released in June or July. I have a new collaborative project that will be making it’s debut on Paper Recordings very soon, keep an eye out for that! Also I have another 12” coming up on Is It Balearic? Recordings and I may start work on a new album later this year.
※"Marbaix Memoranda / Der Kaputte Bananenwagen" and "Lobster Boys" are both available now.
