Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2013
Together with his partner Sasha, English DJ John Digweed helped bring UK house to the American masses via their legendary ’90s Sasha & Digweed residency at NYC club Twilo. With the latest EDM boom in full swing, Metropolis caught up with the man to get his take on $30 million dollar DJs and hear about his latest recording.
Tell us how Versus came together…
Well it started off as a remix swap and we were going to put out an EP of a few tracks with Nick Muir and myself alongside different artists, then it just seemed to grow and grow into something we thought could become an album’s worth of material. I then decided to mix all the tracks together to try and create a smooth journey and we also worked on a CD’s worth of downtempo and electronica tracks together for those after-party moments. We are really happy how the album came together and can`t thank all the other artists enough for there fantastic contributions.
How is it an evolution from your previous works?
This is the first time Nick and myself have worked on a collaboration-style project with other artists, and we are really happy with the end result.
Tell us about the making of some tracks.
Nick and myself will start working on grooves and try and get something that we are both happy with, then it`s a case of working on a top line or other elements for the track to build on.
What in your view is the trick to getting people out on the dance floor?
It’s all about the groove. If you get that right you are halfway there, it’s so important to get that right before starting to work on other elements of the track.
What works and what doesn’t in clubland these days?
It’s all about having a good time—there is so much different music out there at the moment for people to choose from, it all comes down to personal taste. For me, I am having the best time with some amazing gigs all over the world and the music that is being made at the moment is incredible. I just try and focus on making sure my parties are the best they can be and try to be as consistent as possible.
What is your take on the new EDM wave?
It’s got the mainstream in the USA listening to the more commercial end of electronic music, so hopefully there might be a small trickle of people looking to find a more intelligent quality to their music and search out some of the great underground sounds that are out there.
How will it be remembered?
Confetti cannons, CO2 blasts, Jesus poses and cake throwing.
Top grossing DJs are currently making upwards of $30m a year. What makes them worth that kind of money?
Confetti cannons, CO2 blasts, Jesus poses and cake throwing.
What kind of gear do you pack for a gig these days?
I play off three Pioneer CDJ 2000s , an Allen and Heath DB4 mixer and I use an SD card to store all my music on.
How has the evolution of music technology affected the experience for fans?
I think nowadays the experience of going to a big event can be mind-blowing. With all the sound and lighting production of the stages, you really are going to see something special.
How does Digweed chill out in Tokyo?
It’s one of my favorite cities in the world with some of the best restaurants.
