On his helmeted look, EJ said, “It came about when I started working with Formula E, the electric street racing championship that I am the resident DJ for. I wanted a DJ persona that could grow with the championship. I was already DJing for some massive global dance music brands, and Formula E wanted a DJ to play the music to the race as well as perform at the events and after parties, as well as produce the music in the TV broadcast. So EJ was born. The first helmet was very different from the one I have now. You should have a look at some of my old Instagram posts back in 2014. It is quite funny.”
On juggling both worlds (dance music and racing), EJ said, “They have always gone hand in hand really. I am the DJ for the fastest growing and most exciting motorsport championship on the planet. I perform at each race, and well as clubs and festivals around the world. They mix very well together.”
Regarding his daily motivations, EJ said, “I love what I do so it’s not hard to get up in the morning and think ‘right, what project are we working on today.’ Whether it is working in the studio on my next Garuda release, or getting ready to fly to the next Formula E race or party, it is not hard to get motivated.”
His tracks were supported by Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance (ASOT) radio show. “I think if any DJ that you respect or look up to plays your music it is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I remember when Armin played my first release ‘Don’t Take It Away’ on ASOT and was talking about me, I was like ‘Fuck man, Armin knows who I am.’ What a buzz,” he admitted.
Digital transformation of electronic music
On the impact of technology on the music business, EJ said, “It is a lot easier to produce music and get it out there these days. I think this is a great thing. It opens up the world to a lot more talent and there is a hell of a lot of it out there. I do miss going into record shops on a Saturday afternoon though. That was a lot of fun.”
Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine, EJ said, “One of the really cool things I use is an Ableton Push unit when performing at Formula E events. I mix live to the race, but at the start, I am linked up with the TV broadcast and what I am playing is live on the TV. The Push allows me to control the music exactly to what is happening on the broadcast when the cars are on the track waiting for the green light. I build and build the tension until the lights go green then I am into the mix. It is still a pretty nerve-wracking moment, even though I have done it for four seasons now. I still get nervous.”
For aspiring DJs and producers, he encouraged them to “Keep chasing the dream.” “Hard work and dedication pay off. I am still aspiring to do better and always thinking what is my new move. I once saw a poster in a meeting I was in that said ‘Never, Never, Never give up.’ I think there were a few more nevers, but you get the gist.”
For his fans, EJ concluded, “Thak you so much for all the support so far. It is still amazing to meet you guys at the races and parties, and the love you show. I can’t wait for you to see what is on the horizon with further releases on Garuda as well as the parties we have planned. I hope to see you at one very soon. Big love.”
To learn more about EJ and his new music, check out his official Facebook page.
