-- Could you introduce yourself and tell us the story behind the name DJ Youngisland?
I’m from Yeongdo in Busan. “Do” means “island,” so I took the name Youngisland from my hometown.
-- Could you tell us what inspired you to start Patina Sound System, who its members are, and what you currently do?
Patina Sound System started with the idea of sharing good music through good sound.
I worked in clubs for a long time, but I eventually got a little burned out and found it difficult to keep working in one venue. I wanted people to focus on good music, but it was hard to create that kind of environment in a club.
The four core members are Cityboy from Seoul, myself, Hanbyul and Hyunki. We also work with our resident DJ, Gio.
Rather than staying in one place, we move between different venues, collaborate with brands and organize events such as disco parties and listening sessions. We want to share good music and DJ culture with people who may not be familiar with it.
-- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
Hearing stories from friends who had visited Ella Records and seeing the atmosphere of the record shop in videos made me want to express that feeling in my own way.
I heard that it had been raining in Tokyo right up until shortly before the shoot, so I selected tracks with the atmosphere of a quiet city after the rain in mind.
-- Could you tell us about the final track you selected for this set?
This track features vocalist Allan Harris and was remixed by Joe Claussell as part of a special jazz project. A staff member at the Korean record shop Mosaic Records recommended it to me, saying, “Youngisland, this is a really good jazz track.” So I chose it as the final track for today.
-- Can you tell us about your usual approach to creating mixes?
I try not to think about the details too much.
Once I started to realize how much things can change depending on how I feel that day, the weather and the atmosphere around me, I began by picturing an overall mood, then thinking about what I could put together to express it.
-- What do you think is the appeal of DJing with vinyl?
This might be a very personal feeling, but for me, the appeal is that it helps me relax.
In the digital age, everything is so stimulating and changes at an incredible pace.
But when I play records, I feel like I can step away from all of that for a while. I think that is probably what I like about it.
-- When you DJ with vinyl, are there any details you pay particular attention to? (For example, using original pressings whenever possible, or being selective about cartridges or headphones.)
Seeing this question made me think about it again... I might never have paid attention to anything like that before.
Now I am starting to wonder if I am the strange one! (laughs)
If I had to choose something... maybe the height of the DJ booth? (laughs)
-- 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?
Whenever I have time, I make sure to visit record shops, and I also search for and listen to music from all sorts of places online.
I would not say I prefer one over the other!
-- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
I feel like everything I do when I am not DJing gives me some kind of inspiration.
Walking around the city, meeting friends and talking, or even lying around without thinking about anything!
What I notice and how I feel are different each time, so I think any moment can be inspiring.
-- What kind of mindset is important to you as a DJ?
If you truly love this culture, do not do anything that harms it. I think that is important.
-- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
I think it will be a long journey, so I hope you approach everything seriously!
And, as I said in my previous answer, please do not do anything that harms this culture.
-- What plans do you have for the future?
I want to make music with a friend as a duo called Cash Only.
We actually talked about working together two years ago, but my friend had a baby, so things were on hold for a while as they focused on raising their child...
So I am thinking it is about time we got started again.
I would like to try making all sorts of music without limiting ourselves to a particular genre.
