When it comes to deep and progressive house music, in 2008 all eyes have undoubtedly been focused on Israel. Any number of top quality producers having sprung from the local scene, including Guy Gerber, Chaim and Shlomi Aber. At the top of the list, however, you can’t go past Guy J. Releasing his debut artist album recently on John Digweed’s legendary Bedrock imprint, he’s found fans in tech, minimal, progressive and deep house. He’s one of a new raft of producers intent on bringing the melody back to forward thinking electronic music, and we caught up for a game of email Q&A recently.
What was your overall approach for your artist album ‘Esperenza’?
My overall approach was to deliver a project that gives the listener a clue about my sound and my thoughts and my point of view about music… the album says a lot about who I am and what my sound is, it’s meant to pleasure the ears!
It’s released on the Bedrock label, and it’s an imprint that holds legendary status in house music. How does it feel having your debut released on such a label?
It’s a huge honour since Bedrock have always been a massive inspiration for me as a producer, so to actually be part of the huge list of artists that release their music on Bedrock – it’s a real big deal to me.
How would you describe the sound of the album?
The sound of my album is very warm. There a lot of melodies and depth to the album, it’s not just a dance album. It also includes new versions for ‘Geko’, ‘Underpressure’ and ‘Save Me’.
Would you say your musical style as a DJ is accurately reflected?
Yes, what you hear in the album is the vibe I try to deliver in my sets. You can hear lots of different styles of house music in my sets, but it’s all connected by the same sound, and that’s what’s happening in the album; each track is very different but they are all connected and it flows, it’s still consistent.
Was musical diversity an important concept to address for you while making the album?
It was – I tried to make each track very different, but also to grab elements from each track and incorporate them into other tracks. This was to make them flow and also to maximise listening pleasure.
There have been a few DJs and producers to emerge from Israel in recent years, such as Guy Gerber, Chaim and of course yourself. Would you say that there is a signature sound that can be associated with Israeli dance producers?
I don’t think our sounds are similar at all. There’s lots of music coming out of Israel, but sound wise we are quite different. It is just a coincidence that we all started to get noticed around the same time… I don’t think our sounds are dictated by our postcodes, but I really like Chaim and Guy Gerber and think they are great at what they do.
What’s your take on the house scene at the moment, in terms of the quality of musical output?
I really hope that it makes a bit of a u-turn and goes back to some great house music. Back to a more melodic sound, with more tracks that are memorable. I really feel the scene lost that ‘big’ track feel this year, and people miss that. I say bring the melody back!
What styles of electronic music would you cite as key influences in your productions?
I would say in my productions you can find elements of house, with minimal, progressive deep house and techno. You can also hear snippets of ambient and dubstep, some really leftfield stuff.
Off the back of the album release how packed is your DJ schedule?
At the moment it’s getting more and more packed! My manager James is doing a great job on the album tour.
Are there any upcoming shows that you’re particularly looking forward to?
I have a gig at Ministry of Sound in London on the 19th September which I’m really looking forward too, as it’s my first club gig in the UK after Global Gathering, which was my really first gig in the UK! I find each gig exciting as it’s about going to new places and meeting new crowds.
Do you have a preferred method when you’re DJing; vinyl or CDs?
I would love to use vinyl but I am using Ableton at the moment… so unfortunately there’s no place for vinyl in that!
Do you have an all-time favourite club to play at?
Ageha in Tokyo. It has the best vibe I’ve ever witnessed. Amazing people in an amazing club..!
What about a favourite producer at the moment?
Jimpster. He is very different from what I’m doing, but the sound and the groove of his tunes are something you just want to move to.
And finally, what’s been the worst experience you’ve had behind the decks?
My Mac crashed once in middle of a gig. I can’t even talk about it!
Guy J’s album ‘Esperenza’ is out now through Bedrock.
Tennessee says...
i was dissapointed with his set at brown alley a few months ago.
avatar_karma says...
loved his set at laundry.