What is it you think that makes Guy J an ideal winter visitor to our clubs? Perhaps his languid deep explorations are suited to the colder months, or maybe it’s that bookers and promoters know that the secret weapon of John Digweed’s Bedrock artist stable is guaranteed to warm up any dancefloor he enters. While we, and even Guy J himself, may never know what brings him back to Australia during the winter season, the Bedrock don is indeed back in our midst for a long weekend of clubbing fun. To talk about the tour and his recently released 1000 Words LP ITM booked some chat time with the Israeli star.

First up, you’re coming back to Australia for a few dates this month, what’re you most looking forward to doing while you’re here?

“I’m really excited about the gigs I’ve got booked. Australia is a great destination for everyone I know in the DJ community and I always hear from friends and DJs that they love going there for clubbing and gigs. Other than that I’m also looking forward to relaxing and catching up with some Sydney based family of mine”

You seem to get back here almost annually, what is it about Australian crowds that keeps you coming back – in our winter, no less!?

“It is a mystery why I always come back in winter! Every tour I’ve had in Australia has been great though; the crowd is full of energy and very open minded which is not something you find in every country. That willingness of the crowd to trust me really is the reason why I know Australian tours will be fun!”

Guy J – June Set

What does the northern summer hold for you this year? Is it a case of gigging as much as possible while everyone’s out and in good spirits?

“Summer is looking very busy! I have a few festivals in Europe – Extrema, Global Gathering, 10 Days Off, Salvationz and I will also visit Ibiza this year. In fact, I’m visiting some places for the first time so I’m very excited about that.”

I wonder if you’ve taken any notice of the rising trend of ‘live’ shows for DJs. It seems as though people are adding bells and whistles onto their sets to differentiate themselves from the pack. What do you think of that?

“Well I think it’s good as it adds another layer to performances. Some artists might find that live shows are the best way to express themselves and others might not get any value out of it. Whether it’s necessary I’m not sure, but you can’t deny that it’s definitely an added dimension for both the artist and the crowd. If I can find the right set up I would love to do it as well.”

You’ve been a large part of Bedrock’s growth and development in recent years, how do you see yourself in that family of artists and being a part of it?

“There are so many great artists part of the Bedrock stable and to be among them is a great honour! Working with Bedrock for a while now I can safely say that it’s just really exciting to be part of a label that respects the artists and their music. That’s the most important thing.”

You released your new record, 1000 Words, earlier this year. What were some of the goals and motivations behind the creation of that one?

“The goal of 1000 Words is to deliver a story through music and to give the listeners a picture of what I’ve been through musically and creatively in the past two years. I produced many tracks for this album and really tried to use the tracks that compliment each other to deliver a complete journey. Hopefully I have managed to do that and people understood where it came from! So far the reactions have been really positive…what makes me the happiest though is that it’s finished and out there for people to listen to.”