The Guardian Interview

The track I’ll be opening my next DJ set with
King Chip: BLK On BLK

 

Most clubs got too many lights in them. Also projectors shining in my face, I hate that. So maybe this if I’m starting the night.

The track I always play to rescue a dancefloor

 

It really depends on what city I’m playing in. I play techno and house 90% of the time, but in the US sometimes I have to keep playing rap or else the dancefloor will empty out completely.

The track I wish I’d signed to my label
Erykah Badu: The Cell

 

There’s so much unsigned music that has yet to be released. I’d prioritise that before anything that’s already been put out. But for this, I choose Erykah. It would be sick to hear an extended drums/bass-only version. The lyrics are perfect. I love her.

The track I think has been unfairly slept on this year
Sun An: Afternoon

 

Sun An makes some incredible ambient music. I want his songs to be permanently on loop in my brain. Some other slept-on artists I recommend checking out are REKchampa, Martin Bell, Quavius, Brown Recluse Alpha, Miruga, Morgan Louis, Alvin Aronson and Takuya Matsumoto. I wish all the best for these artists.

The track that should have been a crossover hit

Only A&Rs and journalists think about crossover hits. It’s why popular music just keeps getting worse and worse. Why cater to someone who shouldn’t care about you? I would rather a track be a good fit than a good hit.

The track I’d play to show off my eclectic tastes

 

Eclectic is the default. Got to switch it up no matter what.

The ideal festival track

 

People seem to get so drunk that it doesn’t even matter what you play, especially if you’re on a big stage far removed from the crowd. DJing can feel very impersonal and pointless at a festival.

The track I’d play at my auntie’s wedding
Marvin Gaye: I Wanna Be Where You Are (Unedited mix)

Vibes, plus plenty of moments to do little monologues on top.

The track I’d play at sunset in Ibiza
Ducktails: Letter Of Intent

Good for passing out on a beach chair.

The track I’d play at my funeral
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony: Get Up And Get It

An inspirational and uplifting song. I will rep my hometown of Cleveland till I die.

Galcher Lustwerk plays XOYO, EC2, Sat