For artists like Guy J, not being creative is not an option. Even when he is relaxing at his family home in Malta, the Tel Aviv producer still finds the time to share his experiences and knowledge with others.
We caught up with Guy J, who currently spends his time working on new projects, as well as DJing across the globe, all whilst staying as humble as ever. You can catch Guy J at Ibiza's Lio for Be Crazy! come 29 June.
When was the first time you came to Ibiza?
The first time was six or seven years ago for Carl Cox's Revolution. Ibiza is a lovely place to play and the hype there was built from the great parties. I feel lucky to be chosen to play there. However, my favourite place to play is Argentina, I just came back from Brazil where we played three parties. Every party we played was just… wow. You can play there for five hours, whatever you like, people there are so open minded!
You're from Tel Aviv. How important are your roots to you?
For me, Tel Aviv really turned me into what I am and designed my personality, I believe. It goes with you for life. I haven't lived there for years but I always visit, it will always be home and the place that inspired me. Trance music used to be really big over there. We're talking about Armin Van Buuren and Tiesto, but not so much now.
You've opened for John Digweed and you're huge in Argentina. Can you pinpoint a moment in your career that felt the most rewarding?
Meeting people like John is hugely rewarding. People like him, besides their career, can push you to go further. You learn a lot about them, they have amazing personalities. Having a release on Bedrock Records was also one of the biggest moments for me, but overall I just feel lucky to be surrounded by good people.
I was speaking with Ellen Allien the other day and she mentioned how you make beautiful music. How important is it for you to support other DJs?
Oh wow! For me, it doesn't matter how successful or talented the artist. At the end of the day, it's about your personality. It's a community and it's your work. You want to be surrounded by people who are actually human beings! I'm always on the look-out for talented people, DJs and producers always wish to meet other artistic people, it brings inspiration.
"I just feel lucky to be surrounded by good people."
You just played Electric Garden Festival and got some great feedback, playing B2B with Hernan Cattaneo. How do you prepare for B2B sets?
We're not actually that prepared! First of all, we [Hernan Cattaneo] play similar music. I can say we are close friends, and we talk about a lot of stuff, mostly music! We have a good connection. Once DJing we stay relaxed; we don't need to put make-up on!
What other festivals do you have planned for this year?
This year my label Lost & Found has a daytime festival in Toronto, I'm also playing a festival in Bulgaria and I'm going to Croatia in two weeks. It's looking good this year. When I play Argentina it's like a festival every time anyway.
You mention your label Lost & Found and I recently listened to Eli Nissan's Liquid Stars EP. It's a beautiful EP. How is the label currently doing?
The label has been running for four years come July. I think the idea of the label was just to release good house music. Eli's release is different from what is usually being released .Timo Maas is doing a remix, as well as Patrice Baümel. It's very versatile.
What do you look in for when releasing another artist's music onto your label?
Just good house music. House can be progressive, deep, techno, whatever! I just want to hear something I've not heard before.
You've just started a new record label that's not as focused on electronic music, Armadillo Records. What made you take the leap to such a different label?
I love downtempo music. When you're producing club music, sometimes you'll end up creating something great, but it doesn't fit the club. It sounds more experimental for example, so you just leave it aside. So I thought why not take these tracks from other producers who have done the same and release them. I want to show the other side of producing. You can have artists who only makes hardcore techno music, then they'll make some amazing, beautiful, melodic stuff that they don't do anything with, so why not release it?
So what can we expect from the label?
The schedule is looking nice at the moment, we have a release with Eitan Reiter who has an album coming out soon. He makes techno stuff and this album has 11 songs with singers. It's amazing for the production, really beautiful. We have this and Jamie Stevens, and lots more in the future, so it's looking good!
You sound like a busy man! How do you keep your life balanced and relax?
I moved to Malta two and half years ago with my wife and daughter. I think this was a good decision to find a place that I can come home to after travelling, somewhere to relax. I don't want to leave a gig then go back to a city like London where you go from madness to madness! I'm still learning though. I'm young and have a lot to do learn still!
"You can have artists who only makes hardcore techno music, then they'll make some amazing, beautiful, melodic stuff that they don't do anything with, so why not release it?"
What advice would you give to a young producer who is setting up his/her own label?
Experience as much as possible. Be original, find your own sound. What's most important is to stay with your head, with your feet on the ground! If you get one good gig it doesn't mean you're a superstar. Try to always get better. Speaking from 10-15 years ago, today the success comes fast and it also goes fast. It's important to stay creative and take it seriously, like any other job if you want to make it.
Grab your chance to catch Guy J at Lío on 29 June.
