Josh Butler is an artist who’s cemented himself as one of the scenes most consistent producers, offering up a selection of house cuts over the years that have honed his style perfectly. ‘Got a Feeling’ was the dynamo that really got things moving, but since then there’s no doubt Josh has carved his own sound into the house soundscape, serving up funk infused rhythms that still retain a certain grittiness to keep you moving right through till sunrise.
And it was last year now that the man from Leeds launched his own project Origins Rcrds, with two of house musics most anointed figures already appearing on releases: Kerri Chandler and Marshall Jefferson. Now that’s exciting.
So we caught up with Josh on the back of his movements around North America. Catch the chat below!
“I don’t want to release too much music on Origins Rcrds, I’d rather take my time and keep the quality high”
WWD: Hi Josh Olly here from When We Dip, thanks for having a chat with us and we hope you’re well today! Where are you in the world right now? And what have you been up to recently?
JB: Any time! I got home yesterday from just under a month in North America, Mexico and Canada. Its been such an amazing trip of meeting new people, sharing music and generally getting up to no good.
WWD: Wicked stuff, we’re glad you’ve been having a good time! So to kick things off, in terms of your productions, your collaboration with Kerri Chandler a couple months back is one of our particular favourites, that piano roll is sublime! How did that partnership come about? And do you plan on teaming up again?
JB: Thank you, glad you’re enjoying it! Kerri and I have been friends for a few years now, and he’s taught me a lot. When I came up with the idea for Origins Rcrds and the Heroes of House series, Kerri was one of the first guys I called to see if he wanted to be involved. I’d absolutely love to do something else with him, so lets see what 2018 brings.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/357350744″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
WWD: Excellent we’ll keep our eyes out. Now then your own label Origins has been putting out some serious EPs since its inception last year, with greats such as Marshall Jefferson appearing on releases. Can you tell us who might be releasing on the label in future? And are there any plans to do a label showcase in the UK soon?
JB: Next up for the label is a VA compilation of tracks from some up and coming guys that I’ve been supporting. I’ve also just signed a wicked EP from Huxley, so that’s the first few months of next year covered. I don’t want to release too much music on Origins Rcrds, I’d rather take my time and keep the quality high. There will 100% be some UK label parties next year… I will let you guys know in a couple of months when I can say more.
WWD: You’ve got us excited! Now we wanted to ask as an established DJ and producer, and for any up and comers looking to break into the scene, do you feel production is as important, if not more important, than being able to DJ? Or are both as vital as each other in today’s scene?
JB: Both are equally important these days. Music production/DJing have become so much more accessible, even in the 15 years I have been making music, things have rapidly changed. But this accessibility drives demand for higher quality work, and the bar has been raised as a result of so many people being exposed to DAW’s, CDJs, traktor etc.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/360329555″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]
WWD: Absolutely, no doubt. And here comes two quick fire ones to finish on Josh: If you could go back to back with one DJ, from the past or the present, who would you go for?
JB: Larry Heard could be fun!
WWD: Ah the legendary Mr. Fingers! And what is the most memorable gig you’ve played at?
JB: Tough question. Playing b2b with Marshall Jefferson at the Origins Rcrds ADE showcase was pretty special!
WWD: We bet! Cheers for speaking to us today Josh, we’ll see you at Minstry NYE!
JB: See you there.
Catch Josh playing at Ministry of Sound on New Years Eve for the Defected Records takeover. Tickets here.