Sharam Jey: Kinky King Kong

Pushing the boundaries on the electro sound, Sharam Jey has won fans across the globe for his energetic fusion of house, tech, breaks and rock. Releasing his debut artist album ‘4 Da Loverz’ on Darren Emerson’s Underwater imprint, he’s also undertaken several successful tours of Australia and operates his own record label, King Kong. Returning to our shores in the next few weeks to launch his brand new mix CD, ‘Kink Vol 2’, Sharam talks to ITM.

I read that you are originally from Iran. How was it like, compared to growing up in Germany?

Actually, I don’t remember. I got to Germany 25 years ago when my parents left Iran. So I really was too young to remember.

You first gained stage experience as a singer for a rock band. What made you get into dance music and DJing? Which DJs and producers inspired you?

I started in that school band when I was 16. At the same time I began DJing on private parties. Then house music really got me and I began to start my professional career as a DJ. My inspirations always came from those different styles of music that I got in touch with. I think my music really represents that mixture of rock, hip-hop and funk elements.

Are there any weird experience you’ve had while performing?

I’ve had a lot of them. But I would say one I can remember was at an occasion in South Africa where it suddenly rained for an hour and the whole place was flooded. After that incident the sun came out and people didn’t care about the water, they just started to party and dance again. That really impressed me.

What music are you getting into lately; any producers or bands that you think are outstanding and influencing the global music scene?

There are so many good, talented artists and producers, but I would pick Radioslave and Martin Buttrich as my favourite ones at the moment. And in the future you should look out for my King Kong crew artists, Lou Lou Players, The Subs and my forthcoming signing El Carlitto.

I heard you are about to release Kink Vol 2. How has the mix shaped up?

Great. I’ve already done two tours with the guys and both times it was really fun. I am absolutely looking forward to this release and the tour.

Are there any remixes someone else has done that you wish you’d thought of?

Well, I think every artist and DJ has his own way to produce. So even if I like a remix I would have done it differently. But of course there are many quality remixes I think I would love to get my hands on.

How do you hear new sounds? Do you network with other DJs and producers, or do you simply rely on promos that are sent to you?

Indeed I really have a strong network with other DJs that I respect. We change new stuff and comment on each other’s releases. But of course you get a lot of promos and downloads too. So it is not difficult to stay updated.

Are there any DJs or producer that you would like to work with?

There are so many talented artists. I would really love to work with the Beastie Boys, they are legends. And I really would like to work with Gwen Stefani.

Last time you came to Australia and played in Canberra it was awesome, I couldn’t leave the dance floor and all the people in the club went mad! What do you have planned for the Australian tour this time?

I regret not [coming to Canberra this tour]. But I will be back next year in March and April. And definitely Canberra will be one stop. It was really great last time I played in Australia and this time I want the people to really get crazy and party all night.

What’s it like to play around Europe compared with places like Australia?

Actually all clubbers and party people speak the same language. They relate to good music and love to share the vibe. But I would say that the Australian people are even a bit crazier than the rest of the world… which I like.

How does DJing affects you physically and emotionally? Apart from coping with all the travel and late nights, how do you manage your work and personal life, like relationships with family and friends for example?

That is indeed really difficult. I have been touring constantly the last 2 years which is great because you see a lot of different places and meet a lot people, but if it comes to the point where you’ve got problems with your relationship or your friends, you have to take your time out. Because these are the things that really count.

What makes you laugh and what pisses you off?

What really makes me laugh is an evening out with friends. And if my favourite football team looses a match, that really pisses me off!

What are your plans for the future?

I have a compilation out called ‘Afterdark Vol 2’, and a new single which is called ‘When the Dogs Bite’. It’s the fourth release off my debut artist album ‘4 Da Loverz’. ‘Kink Vol 2’ is out now, and in 2007 we will be releasing the very first King Kong compilation and a bunch of singles which will feature classic Sharam Jey tracks with brand new remixes from some of the hottest producers. The highlight for me will definitely be the release of my second album, which I hope will be out late in summer 2007.

‘Kink Vol 2’, mixed by Sharam Jey and Ben Morris, is out now through Ministry of Sound/EMI. Sharam touches down to tour Australia over the coming weeks:

Dec 1 – GPO, Brisbane
Dec 2 – Famous, Melbourne
Dec 8 – Habit, Perth
Dec 9 – Kink, Sydney
Dec 10 – Smut, Sydney

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bj9999 says...

on November 29th, 2006

He will be back in March and April hey? Future Music festival you reckon?

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