I don’t follow Formula E. To be honest, a few weeks ago I didn’t even know what Formula E was all about. But when Leah over at Urban Rebel PR introduced me to EJ, the resident DJ for Formula E, I was intrigued. I did some research and wanted to learn more about this guy. EJ has released some music on Garuda Music, is performing in Ibiza clubs, hitting stages at some of the biggest festivals in the world, has been featured on A State of Trance and was the first DJ to play to both men and women in Saudi Arabia. Needless to say, this DJ has a story to tell. This was a fun interview and I am glad I got the chance to spend some time with him. It is my pleasure to introduce you to EJ.
What does EJ stand for?
When I first started working with Formula E it was actually Formula EJ. Just Formula E and DJ mixed together. After the first season I settled on just EJ. So there you have it! It’s now stuck and even my close friends just call me EJ.
You are the official DJ of Formula E. Tell me more about that and your love for motorsports.
Yes, I am the official DJ that gets the party started, both at the races and with my new release, Formula E: The Soundtrack. I met the Formula E team when I was working for Ministry of Sound and they wanted an artist to come on board, grow with the brand and really capture the high energy and excitement that the fans and spectators feel at Formula E races around the world. As they say, the rest is history and now we’re making history! I was recently the first DJ to play to a dancing crowd of both males and females in Saudi Arabia.
You’ve had the chance to perform at Ultra Europe. What was that experience like and did you get nervous on stage in front of so many screaming fans?
Ah, Ultra Europe! That was so much fun, I always enjoy playing to huge crowds but yeah, the nerves sometimes kick in but then turn into adrenaline, it’s what keeps me going and spurs me on.
Tell me more about your single “Follow Me.”
It’s a solo release of mine on Garuda, pushing up the tempo, progressive vibes – as a label and team, I love working with the guys over there, they never make me compromise my vision or the quality I like to deliver and I feel like we really captured it on this one!
You’ve been called “the most famous DJ you’ve never heard of.” Are you okay with that or are you looking to branch out and make yourself known?
(Laughs.) I don’t mind that but I think that was mainly because I was masked until very recently! We’ve just started removing that and revealing who I am, I want there to be a face behind the music now so that we can grow and cement my alter ego of EJ as its own being, a force of its own!
There are some big names out there showing you support. Guys like Benny Benassi, Thomas Gold and Armin van Buuren. What does it mean to you as an artist to get support from some of the biggest names in dance music?
It’s an amazing feeling, I think any artists greatest achievement is bringing joy to their fans and getting praise from peers and these are some of the artists I’ve looked up to all my life, it never gets old!
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. Any plans to produce a podcast in the near future?
I kind of do already. I have a monthly radio show called Ignition that is syndicated to radio stations, and also available on SoundCloud. We are looking to ramp this up over the next few months.
Overall, do you find that race fans are also fans of electronic dance music?
Yes, very much so – you’re not going to listen to classical music to get pumped up, are you? Fans come to the shows expecting a fun, high octane and energetic day and I’m part of that experience. A lot of fans enjoy it, from the more trance and progressive club sounds, over to the poppier, more mainstream stuff.
For the longest time no one know whom deadmau5 or what he looked like. Sounds like you’ve started revealing who you really are!
Take a look at my social media, all has been revealed!
There are a lot of great clubs in London. I can’t get enough of Ministry of Sound. Where are some of your favorite places to see a show?
Ministry for sure! I used to work behind the scenes with the guys behind the brand and it was one the best decades of my life! It’s a true British institution that is recognized the world over, now. Then one of the best shows I ever did before EJ was created was Space Ibiza. For me the best club in the world!
What’s your process for producing a new song? Where are you finding inspiration and what is your production process like?
I find inspiration from a lot of places, when I step onto the podiums at the races, music I listen to both professionally and personally, even the weather can influence the music I’m making! I am lucky to travel a lot. Currently I am in Tulum in Mexico and have already had some amazing ideas for future releases.
I am picking up some Daft Punk in your sound. Who are some of your biggest influences?
Wow! Thank you! Daft Punk are definitely up there – I once got referred to as the bastard child of deadmau5 and Daft Punk. I thought you know what, I’ll take that! Eric Prydz is a massive influence for me, and you will notice that in some future releases.
What’s next for EJ?
I’ll be playing my next Formula E set out in Hong Kong in March which is super exciting, I love exploring new cities with the team and seeing all the fans around the world. Oh, and I will be playing at Ministry Of Sound alongside the Garuda gang this month, if you are in town come check it out. Gonna be massive!
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you for listening and thank you for the love!
Connect with EJ:
Website: http://www.ejmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/formulaej
Twitter: https://twitter.com/formulaej
