Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2013
English impresario Gilles Peterson is legendary as a tastemaker, not only for his BBC 6 and J-Wave Worldwide Showcase radio shows, but also for his Talkin Loud label, which loosed on the world artists like Roni Size. We tracked Peterson down ahead of his annual J-Wave Worldwide Showcase to hear about decades of restless experimentation and the special relationship he’s cultivated with Japan.
How did you go about putting together this year’s bill?
Every year I come back to Tokyo, it’s always a challenge to pick artists that represent different aspects of my musical palette. I love to see new Japanese projects, so this year I’m very much looking forward to Toshio Matsuura’s Blue Note project. Also from Japan, and always a pleasure to listen to, is Jazztronik, one of the most important musicians to come out of Japanese club culture and a world-class keyboard wizard. My friend for many years, who’s been to Tokyo with me many times as frontman in Galliano or MC Earl Zinger, is William Adamson. Watching him collaborate on stage is always full of surprises. Finally, one of the most talented groups to come out of California is the Stepkids, whose second album is unbelievable. I’m just about to record with them at BBC Maida Vale, so by the time they play Liquidroom, the session will be on fire!
J-Wave is 25, and WWS is 9. How are you “aging gracefully” together?
We believe in good conversation, great food, sumptuous wine and amazing music—these things are the basis of longevity. Let’s hope we can say the same in 25 years’ time.
Digital is transforming radio. Tell us what that has meant to you and your career.
For me it’s been a good thing in the sense that through my BBC 6 music show I have been able to reach many people who haven’t heard my show before and don’t have such platforms as J-Wave. I also feel that there is a similarity between new internet platforms such as East Village NY or BoilerRoom, which remind me of the spirit of the early pirate radio stations where I learnt my craft—so I would say it’s all good!
Where will WWS be at 10 or 20?
Hopefully all over Japan in search of the perfect beat, sharing the good music and inspiring a new generation.
