Jody you've been to India countless times, yet we never tire. Do you remember when was the first time you came and how was the experience then?
First time was back in 2004-05 maybe, I remember the party was in a conference hall, it wasn't a proper club. I played in a room, it was like a functions room, but there was an after party next door and they played indian music and I thought I cant keep up, I have bangers to play. But it was good fun, I had a realy good impression.
How much do you think the Indian Dance Music space has changed since the time you first came compared to this visit?
It seems to be developing in line with the scene as a whole globally. Ther's always been a strong Anjuna following, possibly down to the fact that the name Anjuna beach can go a long way. Also Above&Beyond's event in 2007 set a strong precedent. Recently Its a bit of a shame that a lot of people are in to the cheesy kind of techno which I don't like, the commercial kind of things. The always seems to be a strong core following of music lovers here and the crowd is really vibey and a great place to rock out.
Here’s a comment that I found on YouTube- James & Jody are top-notch magicians, creators of musical odysees. Could you share something interesting about your relationship with James ?
I can tell you something about James' brother Jono, he used to be a magician. When he was a kid he was all into magic. But more to the point, me and James both have a common vision when it comes to music that we create, core melodic and emotional stuff or some bangers, but kind of melt it somewhere in the middle, conjure some spells.
Your label, Anjunadeep, has been pivotal in promoting progressive and deep house. How do you envision the future of these genres, and what role do you see Anjunadeep playing in it?
The main idea is blending, all the stuff that comes out on Anjunabeats would also be suitable on Anjunadeep and vice-versa. I think there is so much cross-pollination with the stars at the moment, people are less fussy about what class of music it fits in, plus BPMs are faster after the pandemic. There are also new styles coming out with versions of house, techno and breaks. The breaks things is huge, I don't think the breaks which are kind of Reggae vibes isn't taken off in India yet, which is a shame because that's half of the stuff I play. I like to play break beats, so when I come here it confuses people, but Mumbai got it this time. Like when Nick Warren played breaks in South America they didn't understand at all, but in London or America they love the breaks because of the hip-hop culture.
Can you highlight a particularly memorable or challenging moment in your career that significantly influenced your approach to music?
Probably when the internet came out, everybody suddenly stopped making money. The challenge is when you start thinking about the business side of thing it clouds your creative mind. It is the opposite of end of the mental realm. You need to be financially stable and that's always not possible, you know for the ones starting up, it's a hard one to juggle. You have to make music for the right reasons, which is pleasure, you have to enjoy, like solving a riddle or a game that never ends. But the challenge happens when you hit a creative block, it can be horrible, or you're depressed. But then again when you're at your lowest you make the best music, it's a very interesting thing.
You started your career at a very early stage- is there a piece of advice you wish you had received or something you would tell your younger self?
Probably wear ear plugs (haha). Also maybe some sort of lessons, it gives a head start.
Jody Have you picked up any local dialect or words and sentences to get by quickly at bars or with cabs?
Just "Kingfisher please", i should pay more attention actually but everyone here speaks such good English.
Tell us how you manage to look after your physical and mental health while being on tour so often in multiple time zones.
It's all about having a good woman behind you. You just have to have all the elements together in one piece, really look after yourself, hit the gym, some cardio everyday, lots of sleep.
We loved your Way Out West show back in 2017, when can we see you back with Nick next? Is that on the cards?
We are working together, we have a Way Out West projects folder, we are gradually working together on new materials, it is a tricky one because we both are so busy in our own rights, with both touring. We have like an album's worth of material.
Tell us about your relationship with Nick Warren.
It's good man, he lives in Bristol just 10 minutes away, I met him when I was a lot younger. But I never see him as we both are always on tour and being in the same continent at the same time physically is rare, its a but frustrating.
Your favourite Indian food dish? Is there a constant dish you go back to in each country and play it safe or do you experiment with food choices while on tour?
So in the last three days I have literally had only curries and I loved the ones with cottage cheese, a rich curry. And the obvious ones like Biryani and butter chicken, I might have one when i get back to the hotel.
I like to try everything, I've had stuff I didn't like but variety is the spice of life, you have to try everything once.
Your message to the fans
Happy Christmas Guys! I hope Santa brings you everything you wished for. On the music front me and James and even Nick have loads of stuff to show you in the coming future.