I had the amazing opportunity to sit and speak with Guy J after his set at day 2 at Escapade Music Festival in Ottawa, Canada. A man of few words and soft spoken, Guy was very gracious and gave us a short interview as he was late leaving to catch a flight.
Hailing for Tel Aviv, Isreal, Guy J’s take on progressive house, tech house and techno have made him a household name for his sophisticated, sensual, ambient and very hypnotic take on the genres. With a discography full of tracks that tell only a little bit of his genius, Guy J has only begun to show the world that he is a force to be reckoned with. Guy J began producing at 14 and his first track Never Say No was release in 2006 on Deep Records. 16 years later, just after celebrating his 30th birthday, Guy J is ready to, once again, take the electronic music by storm.
1. How was playing you first Canadian festival? Has it differed from other festivals you have played before?
Good. First time playing at a festival and I loved every minute of it.
2. On your Facebook page you said you created the July Summer Moments mix as a soundtrack “for the times you want to remember.” Any memorable moments from Escapade?
It’s all very new but exciting.
I know my audience at Toika. It was a very intimate set and I was able to play for my fans. Today was a little different. I still played for my fans but I was also reaching out to those who have never heard my music before.
I never really had a method for preparing for gigs. I like to be in a quiet place before I go on and I go from there. It’s all about confidence.
4. Your first release Never Say No was released in 2006. What are some of the changes to the dance music scene that have resonated with you? Production? Crowd?
There any different genres and sub-genres that exist today. There is also better equipment. The crowds have generally remained the same, but with this increasing popularity with electronic music over the past few years, it’s nice to see such an influx of people but sometimes things get out of hand.
5. How do you feel you have grown as an artist from your first release?
I have matured, and so has my music, I am able to express myself better and in different ways. I changed with my music.
6. When you first started producing were you immediately drawn to the house music and it’s sub-genres or did you another genre grab your attention first?
I grew up on a mix of music. Trance was what I first listened to and produced then it evolved to progressive. The quality of music in these two genres is not what it used to be. There is a lot of saturation in the market right now.
I would be a photographer or a cook. I like to experiment with food and love to cook Indian and Persian cuisines. I’m a vegetarian and a fan of olives, feta and raw veggies.
8. What is the pizza that is close to your heart?
Pizzeria Libretto. I love their margherita pizza…crush tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s delicious.
9. What are your goals for the next 6 months, the next year, the next three years?
Finish my album, which is a work in progress. I also want to bring Lost & Found to another place. Other than that just continue to make music that I enjoy.
10. Anything to say to your Toronto fans?
Toronto…it’s always a pleasure playing in the city, I love you guys. I will be playing a boat cruise in August so keep an eye out for those details shortly.
Looking back on the interview it was almost philosophical when I spoke to him. It was inspiring to be able to speak to such a talented producer. Guy is very wise, beyond his years, and that will only help him to further himself, his career and his music. I hope he had a wonderful time continuing his birthday celebrations and I hope to see him again when he is back in Toronto in August.
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Natalia Toussaint – EDM TOR
