Read these DJ interviews and get inspired

We all have our favorite DJs and producers who inspire us with their creativity and passion for music. Here are five of the best DJ interviews we’ve found, along with some excerpts that offer a glimpse behind the DJ booth.

Carl Cox interview with DJ Mag (2018)

In this interview, legendary veteran DJ, Carl Cox talks about his long and illustrious career, his thoughts on the state of the dance music industry, and his advice for up-and-coming DJs.

“Music is the most important thing in the world for me, it’s what drives me every day. I don’t really care about the accolades, I don’t care about the fame, I don’t care about the money. I just care about my music and making people happy with it.”

Nina Kraviz interview with The Guardian (2018)

This interview with Russian techno DJ and producer Nina Kraviz provides insight into her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

“I always have to prove that I’m worth my position as an artist, and that’s tough. It’s much tougher for women. A guy can be a d***head, but if he’s a good artist, everyone will still work with him. For women, it’s different. You can be a super-nice person and a great artist, but people will still treat you like s**t.”

Richie Hawtin interview with Resident Advisor (2017)

In this in-depth interview, techno icon Richie Hawtin discusses adapting and carving a niche around the changes in DJ tech.

“When we started playing in clubs, everything was vinyl, but then we got to a point where it was all CDs. I started making my own CDs, which then led to me creating my own software to perform live. Now, everything’s laptop-based, but the creative process is still the same.”

Peggy Gou interview with Mixmag (2018)

Peggy Gou opens up regarding the challenges she has faced as a Korean DJ in a Western-dominated industry.

“I want to do something that I’m proud of and something that people will remember. When people see me play, I want them to feel happy and have a good time. That’s the most important thing for me.”

Laurent Garnier interview with Red Bull Music Academy (2014)

In this interview, French techno pioneer Laurent Garnier reflects on the impact of Techno music and the culture that grew out of it.

“I think techno was about bringing people together and sharing something. We were not just talking about music, we were talking about people and the future. It was not just about having a party, it was a social statement.”

So why read these interviews? For one, it’s an opportunity to learn from the lived experiences of both long time scene veterans and the talent of today.

The interviews contain a wealth of diverse perspectives that- more than just inspire, they lay bare both the challenges and the rewards of being a DJ along with cementing the legitimacy of the DJ as an artist with a dose of brutal but needed honesty.