Jon’s life changed back in September 2002 when he won a DJ competition for Passion and M8 magazine, beating 300 other aspiring DJ’s. Godskitchen soon offered Jon a residency and the prospect of a fledging career as Britain's next DJ sensation.
“This is how trance is meant to be: beautiful bosh that takes you to another place” Mixmag feature February 2003.
Appearances on the Essential selection and Fergie’s Radio 1 show as well as a trip to Holland for a guest mix on Armin van Buuren’s popular’ A State of Trance’ show propelled his name to a wider audience.
In 2005 Jon made an appearance on the world famous ‘Essential Mix’ and in 2006 Radio 1 offered Jon a slot on ‘The Residency’ alongside 6 other DJ’s including Eddie Halliwell and Nic Fanciulli in which they presented 6 of their own shows, broadcast live on the UK’s most listened to radio station. He also became involved in Radio 1 events such as ‘One Big Weekend’ in Sunderland and Radio 1’s ’10 years in Ibiza’ live from Space, Ibiza, this showcased Jon’s talent to a huge audience. After the success of ‘The Residency’, Jon started his own monthly show ‘Ways & Means’ which continues to grow in popularity with listeners and with various worldwide radio stations airing the show on a regular basis.
You've just had your debut artist album signed to the massive Vandit label, what can we expect to hear on the album are there any tracks that you are especially pleased about?
The album is very much in the style of what I play in my DJ sets, basically good quality trance, from the melodic progressive to the uplifting stuff and a couple of experimental tracks thrown in, but even they are classed as trance I would say. I’m really proud of the whole album to be honest. I go through stages of having favorite tracks from it though, at the moment I can’t stop playing ‘I Need You’.
Myself, like many expected the album to be forth coming on your own label Conspiracy Recordings. How did having it signed to Vandit materialize?
Yes, originally I planned for it to be on Conspiracy, but thought I’d give it a go and send it over to a few labels. I didn’t receive much feedback after sending it out, although vandit mentioned they wanted to release some singles only from the album, which I was really pleased to hear! Then a few days after hearing that news, they approached me asking if the album was free to sign, I was and still am over the moon about signing the album to such a well respected record label.
You are playing at the next Vandit night in Berlin in May with Paul van Dyk and Sander Klienenberg. I’m sure that this will be a high point in your career so far but what other moments stick out?
I really can’t wait for the Berlin gig! This certainly will be one of the highest points of my career so far. Other high points have been winning the passion dj competition right back at the start of my career. Becoming Godskitchen resident, doing ‘the residency’ show on radio 1 as well as the essential mix. Also there have been many memorable gigs, including playing in New York on New Years Eve 2005 alongside Paul van Dyk on my 21st that was pretty special.
2008 is shaping up to be the year of the Conspiracy with the label having started the year with a bang with some top releases. It's proving to be one of the most consistent labels around at the moment. What can we expect from the label for the remainder of the year?
We have been really pleased with the year so far, its been great to hear the feedback we have been getting. Expect more of the same regarding the quality of releases from fresh, talented artists
Back in 2003 you won the Passion DJ competition and secured a residency at the massive Godskitchen in Birmingham on the back of that which gave you the platform to play in some of the best clubs in the UK and abroad, what are your favorite clubs to play in and what makes them so good?
It’s always good to play at Air in Birmingham and Passion in Coalville, the 2 places where it all started. Inside out in Glasgow is another venue that stands out! Also Eastern Europe is the place to be at the moment, there are some really great parties happening in that part of the world. It has to be the atmosphere in the places I’ve named that makes them stand out.
Some people are critical of trance at and refer back to the glory days of the 90's and complain that today’s music just isn't as good, what are your opinions on the music out currently?
There is still plenty of quality trance music out there, both from the guys who were producing it in 99 and from the emerging talent as well. Many different styles of trance keep emerging and that keeps the sound fresh, also producers are getting more clever with their FX and production which still keeps things very interesting.
Most Dj's these days have an internet radio station meaning that they can get their music to a wider audience. Your own show Ways & Means is currently going out on 9 stations, how much has this helped your career?
It does seem like every dj has their own radio show these days, but that’s a good thing, it does get their music out to a wider audience and I’m sure the listeners love the choice of shows to listen to. I regularly get emails and messages praising the ways & means show, these mean a lot to me, I’m pleased so many people feel the same way about the music as I do. There is no doubt the show has helped push my name around and hopefully more stations will be broadcasting ways & means in the near future.
Do you read trance message boards to find out what the opinions of others about your mixes or tracks are and if so what things do you take on board from the opinions of others?
I’ve always been told not to look at the forums, but sometimes I can’t help but look to see what’s being said. It’s a real boost to see so many great messages about my mixes and productions, but I understand they won’t be to every ones taste, so I don’t take any bad comments to heart.
You have collaborated with producers such as Activa, Gareth Emery and Airwave, Are there any more collaboration’s lined up and is there anyone you would love to do a collaboration with?
I’ve learnt so much from working with those guys, Rob (Activa) is a very talented producer and it’s a pleasure to work alongside him both with studio work and also running the label. I have no collaborations lined up, but I’m sure something will come up soon. It was awesome to collaborate with one of my all time favorite producers Airwave, I’d love to do a collab with Paul van Dyk! It’s amazing that he has remixed my new single ‘Ways and Means’ (out May 8th), to do a track with him would be unreal!
Which producers are doing it for you at the moment and are there any that we should be keeping an eye on for the future?
I’m going to mention Rob again, really big fan of his productions under Activa, Solar Movement, Mekk etc! Definitely one to keep an eye on now and in the future. Also keep an eye out for a few guys on the Conspiracy label, Underwater and Derelict to name a few, it’s really exciting to hear music from this fresh talent.
Some quick fire questions, some of which are pointless....
Who framed Roger Rabbit?
Danny Devito?
What is your favorite ever tune?
It changes every year: Sasha - Xpander
If you were to be a tin of soup what flavour would you be?
Heinz Tomato, sometimes plain, but never boring!
What was the last tune you listened too?
Sinatra - I've Gout You Under My Skin
Who let the dogs out?
Me, At night so he can go to the dog bog
If you could be any person in the world for a day who would you be?
James Gandolfini, so I can go round pretending to be Tony for the day.
If 4 out of 5 people dislike diarrhoea does that mean one in 5 enjoys it?
In this world, most probably.
What 3 things could you not live without?
Internet, Music and Seeds of change sauces
If swimming is considered the best form of exercise why are whales so fat?
Say that to their face.
Info:
Jon O'Bir's next single "Ways & Means" will be out on Vandit on the 8th of May on Vandit Records with remixes from Paul van Dyk, Neal Scarborough and Tyler Michaud exclusively on Beatport.
His debut Artist Album will also be out on Vandit records on the 11th July.
You can catch his radio show Ways & Means on the following stations:
BPM - Every 1st Saturday of the month 5pm GMT
ETN - Every 2nd Tuesday of the month 8pm GMT
Vonyc - Every 2nd Thursday of the month 4pm GMT
Tilllate - Every 2nd Thursday of the month 4pm GMT
Deviant Audio - Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 8pm GMT
Dream Radio - Every 3rd Thursday of the month 5pm GMT
Liquid - Every 4th Tuesday of the month 3pm GMT
1 Mix - Every 4th Tuesday of the month 3pm GMT
Puresound - Every 4th Friday of the month 9pm GMT
Or catch him live at the following events:
10 May 2008: Vandit Night - Berlin Arena, Germany
14 June 2008: Global Clubbing - Moscow, Russia
13th June 2008: Godskitchen - Leeds, England
5 July 2008: Detox - Durham, England
12 July 2008: GKGG - Kiev, Ukraine
19 July 2008: Loveparade - Dortmund, Germany
1 August 2008: Nature One - Hamburg, Germany
2 August 2008: Escape - Swansea, Wales
7 August 2008: Cream - Amnesia, Ibiza
9 August 2008: Energy Event - Zurich, Switzerland
21 August 2008: Cream - Amnesia, Ibiza
Links
Jon O'Bir.com
Jon O'Bir Myspace
