10 Questions with Guy J

The ability of electronic music to be shaped into whatever the creator desires is the true beauty of electronic music. And few have embraced this with more precision and care than Tel Aviv’s Guy J.

On the path to becoming one of the premier artists of this electronic generation, Guy J has amassed a vast discography showcased within an eclectic list of world-renowned labels over the past decade. His disregard for boundaries has catapulted his genre-diverse Lost & Found imprint into one of the most highly regarded brands in the underground, and his live and studio mixes are beloved by house, trance and techno enthusiasts en masse.

With his upcoming gig at Kilo Lounge on 20 January, Guy J shares with us his guilty pleasure, life growing up in Tel Aviv and DJ sets that have  impressed him over the years.

When did you started DJing and who were your early influences?

I started to DJ around the age of 15 in Tel Aviv, and was influenced by all genres of house music at the time – mostly progressive, trance, and techno.

What was it like growing up in Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv had and still has a very rich nightlife, and it is multicultural so it was great growing up there, with all the crazy things that were happening around that time. I loved it a lot, the people are very warm and open, yet close-minded at the same time. You could find anything if you wanted to look for it, the same as with electronic music.

What’s your guilty pleasure (music wise)?

Hard to say, I loved some “commercial trance” at the time when I was growing up, but I think it was still quality commercial trance, not like today.

Do you have any pre/post shows rituals?

Pre-show ritual is working a lot on music, producing—this is my ritual. After the show, I love to eat!

When writing music, do you always start with a specific idea, or do you just experiment until you find something you like?

I love to experiment. Electronic music is endless – I turn on my computer, my synths, my FX and just let it flow. There is no limit to what you can do with electronic music and I think it’s better not to have a structure.

What’s next in store for Lost & Found?

To begin the year I have a release of my own: “MDQ/Diagonal”. It’s a 2-track that will be also be on vinyl. They mean a lot to me and I thought it will be worth to give them some plastic love. After that Stereo underground is making his debut on the label, Remix package for Khen’s album “one day of independence” that just came out, and many more.

How do you select artists for your label and in what particular has to stand out for you?

I select artists based on how original the music is. It’s hard to find music that you believe is timeless, or music ideas that you didn’t hear before, and some of the artists are people that I want to have on the label because I respect and admire their work.

What are some of the DJ sets that have personally impressed you over the years?

There are a few but to name 2 that are some of my favourites:

Guy ember – first time on John Digweed’s Transition radio show, he made a mix full of original material and that made me want to do that as well when I play. It was a beautiful mix and I was shocked it was all made by him.

Second is Richie Hawtin @ Maida Vale in 2004. I just love the flow of that mix, I think it was minimalism at its best.

If you could go back to back with literally anyone (non-DJs included), who would it be?

John Digweed. After doing it with Hernan Cataneo, it would be a dream.

Are you excited to be back in Singapore?

Very much. My last visit was very good, so I’m expecting the same for this one and I love walking around Singapore.

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To keep updated of Guy J’s upcoming gigs or latest mixes and tracks, follow him here:
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