The main man from Israel showcases his Lost & Found label live and direct in London
Hey Guy, welcome back to DMC. You grew up in Israel, how much of an influence did the scene and social situation around you have on your path towards music?
“Israel is a very influential place, there is a big of mixture of people with different opinions, different religions, music tastes, taste in fashion, with different roots and many more things. There is always a movement going on, especially in Tel Aviv, so you are always motivated. Sahar Z used to be resident in one of the best clubs in Israel in the past “Haoman 17” and the way he used to build his set, always choose the right music, was a big influence on me.
Take us back to that first release…
“My first vinyl release was “Never Say No”. For me this was a big record as it gave me more confidence for my music. To hold a 12” record that I created, meant that I was capable to do more. I think big my break was releasing my music on Bedrock, it gave me a lot, meeting John, the people I know, I learned a lot from it and it helped to me also design my sound and work out where I want to go.”
This is your first London label showcase party for Lost & Found @ Egg – how excited are you and what made you choose Egg to showcase your sound?
“I’m very excited about it, London has always been like a capital for any kind of music, so to have a label night here means a lot for me and for Lost & Found. I’ve played a few times already at Egg and I just love it, the atmosphere and the crowd is just amazing, I know it will rock!”
How does playing in London compare to other cities or countries?
“London is indeed one of my favourite places to play, I visited the city many times before my first gig here and was thrilled about how everyone is open-minded and really clued-up about music. I wished that one day I would be part of it all, and now that it is happening, so it is really exciting every time I come here.”
What have you got in store for us on the big night?
“Like always, I will be playing some new productions and new upcoming releases on Lost & Found. My special guests for this night are Guy Mantzur and Sahar Z, each one is just the best for the times they are playing. Sahar creates amazing opening sets and Guy Mantzur is known for creating brilliant closing sets, so with me playing between them, we have a perfect combination.”
I understand you have been working on two new tracks to be released on Lost & Found to coincide with this party. Can you tell us a bit about the tracks and how you came to make them?
“The next release will be LF004 on 10th December, so it will be the same week as this party. It will feature 2 tracks of mine, “Vaga” and “We Do It Best”. “Vaga” is a pure progressive trip that lasts around 7 minutes, “We Do It Best” is a techno track with a more old-school feel, both have been great cards to play in my sets recently and I can’t wait to get them out there!”
Almost the end of another year so can you tell us what have been the highlights for you in 2012?
“I think one of biggest steps for me this year was launching the label under the Bedrock wing, it means a lot for me emotionally and for my career. Bedrock has always supported me and I see this opportunity as a gift and also a way for me to go on to the next step in this industry. Gigs-wise, Warung (Brazil) with John Digweed – to play at the “Temple” with John Digweed, I don’t think I can express that in words!”
What have been some of the highlights from the past decade?
“My first gig abroad will always be very special, to know that you are getting a bit of attention and being picked up to play in a venue is the best feeling. It is a feeling that is still here, I must say. Then, there’s my first release on big labels like Bedrock, Tiga’s Turbo, Azuli and more. All these things that have led me to where I am now have been great moments and I hope they keep on coming.”
How do you manage to keep your music fresh and relevant? Is there any pressure on you with so many producers coming through?
“I don’t find it’s a pressure that is coming from the outside, it’s from inside as a producer that you want to prove things to yourself. We create music so others can hear it, but when you do it with love you also want to prove something for yourself?
Which track are you most proudest of to date?
“I’m proud of all my tracks, but of course, some are good and some are less so. But each track reminds me of a day or something that was going on in my life at the time, they are memories expressed through music. There is always something new, I’m working on music every second I have available!”
Who are the UK producers you are giving high fives to right now?
“James Holden has influenced me a lot with his music and production style.”
What are the future studio plans for Guy J?
“I have some great music ready to be released on Lost & Found from other artists and myself, which is very exciting. For next year, I hope to make another artist album. The best thing is I never know what next day will bring!”
And before you leave us, can you tell us something you think we should all be listening to before we come to the Lost & Found party on Friday December 14th @ Egg?
“I recommend you go and check Guy Mantzur and Sahar Z on Soundcloud to hear their sound and know what to expect. It will be a truly musical night!”
http://www.facebook.com/guyjofficial
You can listen to Lost & Found here: http://soundcloud.com/lostandfoundrec
Egg Presents…Lost & Found Launch Party with Guy J, Guy Mantzur and Sahar Z, plus System Of Survival in Room 2 on Friday December 14th @ Egg.
