Yoji has got to be the most flamboyant and theatrical performers that hard dance has to offer, but after many years in the game he’s also one of its consummate veterans. What better a judge of your success than being responsible for coining your own sub genre? According to Yoji (now minus the ‘Biomehanika’ moniker), the term he uses to describe his sound has been picked up in all sorts of different places.

“I describe my sound of music as a fusion of techno, tech trance, hard dance with a very techy sound, which is why I call it ‘tech-dance,’” He told ITM. “It’s funny that a lot of people are using the name ‘tech dance’, and even record labels have started to call it that as well.” It’s become prevalent enough that Yoshi was commissioned by Ministry of Sound to mix the Tech Dance Euphoria release, a special 3-disc compilation that will showcase the sound. He’ll also be back to go head to head with fellow hard dance don Scot Project at Melbourne institution Pharmacy’s eighth birthday bash. ITM delves into all things tech-dance.

What do you think of the current progression in dance music?

I think that the there has been a lot of changes over the years and lots of new producers come up with what they call ‘new styles’ of music. The technology of today gives everyone a chance to make music, but not everyone knows how to make good music. So I think that the scene continues to grow and change, but at the same time, there is a lot of music out now that should not really be out.

How do you stay so youthful and energetic both onstage and off stage?

My cheeky kids keep me young hahaha. Well I really enjoy what I do, in the studio, when I am traveling and playing at the gigs, I like to give 100 per cent into what I do, and when I get the same back from the fans, it gives me more energy. Even though I am so busy with my label, productions, and everything else, I still like to have fun, and I guess that helps. Make sense?

How do you describe the Yoji sound? And how has it matured since you first started producing?

I describe my sound of music as a fusion of techno, tech trance, hard dance with a very techy sound, which is why I call it ‘tech dance’. It’s now funny that a lot of people are using the name ‘tech dance’, and even record labels have started to call it that as well. I have always had to change with the scene, and it is very important to do that if you want to keep up to it. My sound has changed over the years but I think I have done it at the right times, and in the right way, because people still like to dance when I play, which is good.

How do you feel the Hellhouse label is developing and what plans do you have for its future?

I am quite happy with how Hellhouse has developed, and it has given me a lot of freedom to do what I want to do when I want to do it, which is really nice. I have a great artist called Remo-Con, who is a very good producer and produces some really good music to release. I also have a lot of flexibility with my own sound and productions, and people I want to work with, it’s very nice. I have also recently finished some new tracks that will be coming out soon, plus we just released Fabio Steins song Techtris, which I am very happy about too.

What motivates you?

My family, my music, making people dance, and making music, there are lots of other things too, but I do not want to share all my secrets, hahaha.

What advice would you give to those wanting to make it in the music industry as a producer /DJ?

Work hard and do it for the passion of your music, not to make money. Of course we all need to make money, but if you believe in yourself, work hard and enjoy what you do, then focus on that. Of course everyone wants to become a big DJ and travel around the world and play gigs, but that should not be the only reason why you want to do it.

Do you draw or reflect on things in your personal life when producing?

Sometimes, but I can get inspiration from many different things in my life. Driving my car, traveling, talking with my friends. I play around a lot in the studio and sometimes discover new things by accident, so yes and no.

Do you ever have days where you try to write music but can’t? If so, how do you overcome this?

I think everyone has moments like this, and the best thing to do is either try a different direction or come back and try again later. As I said, sometimes I just find things by accident, so it is different but for now, I still have lots of ideas.

What are your thoughts on the impact on music sales due to illegal MP3 sites and music downloads?

I think overall, of course as technology has changed, and helped our industry in a lot of ways, but the illegal downloads of music have hurt the industry overall. Back in the day, if someone wanted music and did not want to pay, they would basically do the same thing, like record a cassette tape and then give it to their friends. So that hasn’t changed, but now how people have access to music is very different. You can pretty much download music from anywhere for free, and people don’t understand how much it hurts our industry. For only a few dollars you can get any song you want and support your artists legally. People pay lots of money to buy tickets to come to the shows, so why can’t they spend a little bit of money and show their favorite artists that they appreciate what they do? It’s unfortunate, but it is how it is.

How has the breakthrough in music producing technology affected you? Have you changed the software you use?

Well it has made it easier for me when I travel, and of course in the studio as well. I enjoy working with my external hardware, but also enjoy my software, and the ease of use. You still have to come up with the ideas of the songs which is the hard part, and then creating it of course.

Yoji will be starring at Pharmacy ‘Hells Bells’ 8th Birthday this Friday 19th September at the Palace Theatre, Melbourne.