We sat down with house music superstar Josh Butler ahead of his monster all night long B3B with Chesster and THEOS at XOYO for Dansu Discs this Saturday to chat about choosing between mainstream success and staying true to the underground, rising artists to look out for and his favourite collaborations to date.
Josh’s rise to fame came in 2013 after his huge deep house hit “Got A Feeling” took the scene by storm and is still widely regarded as a timeless classic. Since then, he’s continued to release an ever-growing catalogue of sought after music, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the game and taking his sound around the world, performing to crowds in every corner of the planet.
Hey Josh, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.
Let’s start at the beginning, when did you realise that music was going to be more than just a hobby for you?
Thinking back now it was probably as I was coming towards the end of my school years. Music was a hobby since I was a kid and was getting pretty good by the time I was 15 or something. So when it was time to decide what to do after I leave school I decided to enroll in a music technology course and see if I can continue to learn. Music producer/DJ was never really my goal as a career actually, I liked the idea of working in TV/Film or Radio. But funny how things turn out!
Did you have any jobs before you became a successful music producer/dj?
I had a few student jobs and when I left uni did go for a few post grad job interviews. But that was at the time my first big release dropped and I quickly leaned into that more, as you do haha.
After the success of your huge track “Got A Feeling” your career has skyrocketed and you’ve stayed a prominent figure in the house music scene. How do you stay relevant with the evolution of house music?
Immediately after Got A Feeling I consciously wanted to take my music back underground. Although it did a lot for me at the time, I didnt love all the mainstream attention that was getting. I had some offers from big labels to re release that and I turned them down. That was a big step in me playing ‘the long game’. Aside from that I’m not too sure, I just sort of followed my gut, made some great friends in the scene and continued to make the music that I enjoyed.
It’s safe to say you have one of the most prolific catalogues of music in the industry, whilst also staying very consistent in the quality of your output. What drives you to keep pushing out countless bangers and how do you stay motivated?
Well actually there was a point around 2019 – 2022 where I was questioning if I wanted to continue dedicating so much of my life to House music. I wasn’t really feeling that early wave of minimal tech and to be honest I had achieved all my career goals, plus more. But in the last 2-3 years I feel reconnected with it and more excited about House music today than I have been for a long time actually.
You’ve had some great collaborative tracks with different artists. Who has been your favourite artist to work with and what made that particular release so special?
The Kerri Chandler Collab is a huge one for me as he’s been a mentor to me over the years. Also working with Marshall Jefferson was really special as we used to hangout quite a lot outside of the studio when he was living in Manchester. At one point we were going for pizza together every week haha. Crazy to think back on that now to be honest!
Are there any rising stars you’ve noticed recently that we should keep an eye on?
Of course Chesster and THEOS who have become good friends the last couple of years. Also loving what Danny Snowden and Kamorah are doing. We released some of their music on my label last year now both guys have gone on to sign music on Josh Bakers label, who of course is flying right now. So I have high hopes for both Danny and Kamorah!
You recently collaborated with Chesster on Dansu Discs and are playing a monster 5 hour b3b with him and THEOS this weekend. How do you approach these marathon B3B sets vs a normal solo performance?
This might sound a bit mad but there is no plan! We all know our music inside out and that will allow us to create magic in the moment. I actually like these things to be spontaneous and surprising, not only for the crowd but for me too haha! I often approach my solo sets the same, sometimes I might have the first record planned in my head but other times just go in an see what feels right in the moment.
Your release “Get Movin’” is a high energy banger. How did the idea for this collaboration come about?
Chesster and I connected online and arranged for him came over to mine for a few days. After getting to know each other a little more we went into the studio and finished each of the tracks in an afternoon. We were in a really good flow!
After playing all over the globe, are there one or two cities that stand out for you?
So hard to only pick two haha but the ones that immediately spring to mind are Montreal and Melbourne. But man Im so grateful to have travelled to so many wonderful countries and cities at this point.
Finally, what’s your favourite track by another artist that you wish you’d made?
Tough question!! Maybe Groove Armada – Super Stylin. But also if I’d made it, it might not be the same haha!
Follow Josh Butler on the links below:
Instagram
Spotify
Soundcloud
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