HTF were lucky enough to catch up with turntable master DJ Yoda (aka Duncan Beiny). Known for his unique mixing and cartoony style, Yoda has been violating our ear drums with his genius since 1998 and entertaining crowds around the globe.
We chat to Yoda about how his year has been, how it all started and what the future holds!
DJ Yoda will be headlining and judging the Red Bull Thre3style DJ battle final at Southampton Oceana this evening (26th Oct). Check out details here – http://www.oceanaclubs.com/southampton/event/95105/fuzzy-logic-presents-red-bull-thre3style
You can check out more from DJ Yoda right here – http://www.djyoda.co.uk/
HTF: DJ Yoda! How are you?
Y: Truth be told, absolutely fine thanks. Hungry.
HTF: Hit The Floor managed to catch the last half hour of your set at this years Boardmasters festival, and what a half an hour that was! Where was your favourite festival to play this summer and why?
Y: Wow – so many festivals, sometimes it all becomes a big blur of mud and
speakers! I got to play a festival in Japan this year for the first time, so that definitely stands out, as I love Tokyo. But in the UK – Glastonbury and Bestival were my favourites – just amazing crowds.
HTF: When Hit The Floor caught you there we noticed the pleasure you got from the crowd, taking in all as you switched up the mixes and constantly surprised and excited us. Does the passion for this always grow?
Y: Of course! I can’t ever complain about this job, because I’m always happy if you stick me behind some turntables. Whether there’s 10 people or 10,000 – I guess I just enjoy being in control of the music. And video too now.
HTF: Why do you enjoy teasing and surprising old and new fan’s so much?
Y: I guess it’s just all about keeping things interesting and fun. I get bored listening to DJs who play all the same kind of thing.
HTF: What would you do if the passion ever died?
Y: Stop, obviously! You can’t really do this job if you don’t have a passion for it. I’d find something else that I’ve got a passion for like chocolate or trees.
HTF: What initially inspired you to produce and mix?
Y: Just wanting to put together all the different music that I liked, like making a mix tape for your girlfriend or friends. That, and some of the more inventive early hip-hop DJs like Ron G, Kid Capri, Steinski and Q-Bert.
HTF: Why ‘DJ Yoda’? We think it sounds a bit like a video game?
Y: Ha-ha. I guess it does. I never chose the name, it was chosen for me by a friend, and I guess I just got stuck with it. All DJ names are a bit silly really, but after you’ve heard them a couple of times you just stop noticing!
HTF: So is there a next ‘How to Cut and Mix’ mix tape that we can look forward to? What adventure will you be taking our ears on next?
Y: I have a new mix CD with Dan Greenpeace called “Unthugged 3D” that we are about to put out, and then next up will be my new artist album, called “Chop Suey”. Then I’ll do another “Cut & Paste” mix!
HTF: What haven’t you accomplished yet that you want to?
Y: I think of things like this every year, so I can try to constantly challenge myself. That’s how I got into the Audio-Visual show thing. Also this year I’ve been collaborating for some shows with the Trans Siberian March Band, who are like a massive brass band!
HTF: What comes most enjoyable to you now, your live shows where you mix, video or mixing on radio?
Y: I just like to keep things varied so they stay interesting. A bit of everything.
DJ Yoda 10 Minute Mix by LaceyG
HTF: What can we see you sampling next, what’s the next plan for Yoda?
Y: I’m just putting together the latest in my “YouTube Fridays” mixes – which I’m putting out every week. And this one seems to be a bit Wu-Tang themed. Other than that – a lot of shows! You can see where I’m playing on my website.
HTF: Who’s still top of your ‘collaboration to do’ list?
Y: I recently put that list together to make this “Chop Suey” album, and I’ve managed to get an incredible mix of vocalists. You’re going to have to wait to find out who they all are though!
HTF: So you’re a London man, is Fabric still a favourite?
Y: For sure, but there are so many great venues in London. I played at The Roundhouse in Camden in September and it was one of my favourite gigs ever.
HTF: One crucial bit of advice you would give to someone just starting out?
Y: Just stay true to yourself and be honest about your tastes – that way you will automatically sound original.
HTF: Thank you DJ Yoda. Any last words?
Y: Froot Loops are an awesome breakfast cereal.
Interviewer: Sacha Moore
