PUBLISHED November 6th, 2015 06:53 am | UPDATED August 19th, 2024 02:40 am
Joshua P started off as a disco mobile jockey in 1999, which naturally makes him a veteran hero in the local club scene. His love for music and versatility gave him an edge, attracting the attention of many Singaporean clubs in Singapore.
In 2002, he founded and created his own night, Philes of Sound (POS), which successfully kicked up a storm on the floors of big clubs such as Zouk–Phuture, underground venues and earned him promising reviews from national media. Expect only the classiest of sounds when Joshua helms the decks, ranging from house, funk, soul, afro, disco, techno, drum n bass dub,jazz and breaks.
We managed to catch Joshua, who’s currently the Head of Entertainment at CÉ LA VI, when he was in Singapore to chat about the local scene, what’s happening in Hong Kong, and his curated mixtape for City Nomads Radio.
City Nomads Radio #05: Joshua P by Citynomadsradio on Mixcloud
Hi Joshua, you’ve been in Singapore’s electronic music scene for awhile now. How did it all begin?
My brother, Jerome, was a DJ and he got me interested in DJ-ing. My family had an events company and we would do sound system rental set-ups. During this time, I started to learn more about the craft, and I decided to invest in my first pair of decks. The rest was history.
My first big gig came in Union Square, where I started a night called Philes of Sound. Next thing I knew, I was getting invited to play at gigs and take up residencies. Now that I am starting to be known as a veteran, I actually feel sad because it makes me sound so old!
How has your musical style changed over the years?
I remember I was into the harder stuff – Breaks, Techno, Drum n bass – ’cause I thought giving the harder stuff to the crowd would drive more energy. Over the years, I’ve learnt that you don’t have to keep the music necessarily hard; it can be groovy and still move the crowd. I have also become quite eclectic in my style. I’m digging very different stuff from when I first started off for sure, with more groovy basslines & soulful stuff.
In your opinion, which is the best event you’ve ever played at?
It was 4 years ago at CÉ LA VI (known as KU DE TA then) during the Koup party with fellow DJs – Ramesh, Anand and myself. That night, we had one of the best vibes and flow ever. We were dropping some good tunes, ranging from House, Tech-House, Afro, Broken Beats and Disco. It felt like another level altogether, just playing alongside with these guys. The crowd was so interactive and the energy that night was amazing.
What’s your favorite track of all time?
Ame – Rej (pastaboys remix)
There has been quite a substantial growth in the electronic scene in Singapore, what’s your take on this?
It’s good to see more happening, for sure. There are up and coming DJs who are playing some good stuff and I’m happy there are more avenues for the House or Techno sound to flourish.
I’m also seeing more clubs taking risks by bringing good quality DJs that are not as well known. However, it’s still growing and I think if we keep at it, I am sure we will cultivate a good electronic scene in Singapore.
How’s a typical day at work like for you as the Entertainment Manager at CÉ LA VI?
It starts with a cup of coffee (a must!) and clearing e-mails. I spend half the day arranging DJ bookings for CÉ LA VI Singapore & Hong Kong, and the other half of the day in meetings with my dear marketing team and coming up with crazy ideas or events for CÉ LA VI. That’s the fun part – the creative aspect of it, coming up with themes or throwing awesome parties that are different.
CE LA VI has expanded to Hong Kong, how’s the scene like in this city?
I find Hong Kong’s scene a bit more open to music. People would come for DJs and check them out. We are booking DJ Yella from N.W.A for CÉ LA VI-Hong Kong in December and it’s already gaining attention. There’s a lot of energy within the clubbing area of Lan Kwai Fong.
There are some good DJs that are monumental in the scene who happen to play at CE LA VI Hong Kong, like Yeodie, Ivan-sit and Roy Malig. These DJs are extremely versatile and have a good ear for sound. Hong Kong generally has a good electronic scene with several quality DJs, both known and unknown, coming through.
Any shouts outs you would like to make?
I love this question ’cause a lot of interviews nowadays don’t ask for shout outs…so I am going to to take this advantage to thank everyone I know who have helped me as a DJ and Entertainment Manager.
Big shout out to the family who have helped and supported me, Sujana, Jeremy, Pratibha, Dillen, Kevin, to my dear second family, the CÉ LA VI DJS & Colleagues, Francesca, Anand, Ramesh, Deepak, Brendon P, Marvin, Sivanesh, Suren, Styluxtakut, Stephen Day, Andrew T, Haan, Kaye,Plako, Yedoie, Ivan-sit, Samir, Bravo, Tom, Michael Farquhar & Mae. They make work such a fun environment.
The DJs & artists in the scene whom I have learnt a lot from; Godwin, Kenneth Francis, Vijay, EJ MISSY, Michaela, Vanessa Fernandez,Uly and KFC. Thank you everyone for all the help and guidance!
Tell us about your mixtape?
It was done during a car ride! I was looking for tracks to place in this mix and I was listening to some tunes. The tunes I picked basically got me moving and grooving into the car. I came to the conclusion, if these tunes could make me move in the car then I am sure it can make people move anywhere, hence this mix. The soul and groovy basslines add more flavour.
Joshua recently released his first EP, The Password Is on Soul Shift Music (USA). Described as mid-tempo minimal, deep, afrocentric slice of simplistic yet hypnotic tech-house.
Check out his Facebook Page.
About City Nomads Radio
City Nomads Radio features mixtapes curated by regionally-based DJs, a community that deserves a whole lot more love from us.