Upclose with Jody Wisternoff
DJ Jody Wisternoff, 29, was a child prodigy who later co-founded the dance outfit Way Out West with legendary DJ Nick Warren. Estella Hung caught up with him ahead of his performance at the June 30 Handover Party.
HK Magazine: You started your music career at a very young age. What did your family think?
Jody Wisternoff: They were very supportive. It didn’t matter that I’d have to take time out from school. They just encouraged me to follow my passion. Besides it brings in money and they got 20 percent - my dad was my manager in those days. It didn’t bother Dad that I was performing at raves under-age; he practically drove me to my gigs and went all out to track down rave parties. He was kind of a hippy like that.
HK: Any advice for budding teenage DJs/artists who want to follow in your footsteps?
JW: Embrace new technology because things are always changing. One way to break through as a DJ is to start making your own tracks as I did. Alternatively, book a name (a well-known DJ who happens to be in town) and attach yourself as a guest DJ.
HK: How do you juggle production work and being a globetrotting DJ?
JW: Lots of stress! Nah, just kidding. I balance my life quite well. I seem to find time during the week to chill when I’m between airports. What’s important is that during down times, you should not do anything music-related. Go fishing!
HK: Nick Warren's a wanker, isn't he?
JW: Nah, he's lovely. We’ve been together for 12 years now. That’s longer than your average marriage. But lately we have been taking a break from each other to pursue solo work. But that’s by no indication means that we’re finished.
HK: Have you ever felt the dance scene was going haywire?
JW: A few years ago, people were proclaiming dance music was dead. Labels were disappearing and clubs were closing. The movement was on the verge of going underground. But, you know, one has to push on. One way to deal with it is to keep producing amazing tunes. Luckily, the scene is re-emerging and this is partly due to the surge in online downloading.
HK: Where is the best dance crowd?
JW: Because I’m well known in the UK, I think the scene is a bit jaded. But the crowds in Argentina and Eastern Europe are amazing. I don’t remember my experience in Hong Kong unfortunately. I was recently in Beijing and Shanghai and there is definitely something emerging there.