Sharam Jey is a world renowned DJ, Producer and the label owner of Bunny Tiger. In anticipation of his ‘Love Hurts’ remix package, we’ve been able to delve into the mind of the German artist to talk all things lockdown, music and motivation. We’re also very pleased to be able to present the Phonique remix as a premiered track too. Read the interview in full below.
WWD: Where are you, are you locked down, how has it been so far?
Yes, we are in lock down as well but fortunately I was at home when this all started. And not on tour as it would be horrible to be stranded or in quarantine somewhere in the world and not being able to get to your kids and family. So I am copying quite ok with this situation.
WWD: Have you continued to stay creative and upbeat despite the effects it has had on the industry (such as events)?
At first it was of course a tense situation as I was about to tour 25 gigs in the US and South America. And like so many artists and musicians that was of course a huge setback. Lots of things needed to be managed. But for 2-3 weeks now I am trying to make the best of this situation. For example I am working on tracks and projects I wanted to push for a long time now.
WWD: Tell us about your Love Hurts remix package. The original track was a hit, some incredible remixes have been completed, how do you feel about it?
Love Hurts is a special one for me. It was supposed to be the first Bunny Tiger release, due to some scheduling issues it ended up being the no. 2. But still it’s in my top 5 Bunny Tiger tracks. I love the simple, melancholic and deep vibe of it. It also got huge support back then from e.g. Jamie Jones, Solomon, Green Velvet, Patrick Topping and Richy Ahmed. So I thought some remixes would be perfect now.
WWD: How did you select remixers for the EP? Did you pick artists based on their sound or was there more behind it?
It’s a special song and of course I was looking for remixers who really dig the track. And eventually the ones involved are all buddies of mine with which I am in contact regularly. So it was a gut-decision.
WWD: What gear do you use to make music, hardware or software, and how has your setup developed over the years?
For me to achieve the best sound is to use a mixture of both, analog and digital gear. And I am actually still using my favorite analog equipment like the Juno 60, Jupiter-6 and the OSCar (Oxford). Also I am really into the Roland-cloud where I find all my favorite plug-ins.
WWD: What motivates you after so long in the game?
Well, that’s really simple, it is still my love for electronic music.
WWD: Despite the disruptions, what are your further plans for 2020, have they changed or do you still have projects scheduled?
Release-wise I still have lots of stuff coming. The already mentioned Love Hurts plus a collabo-track called Rise On My Soul with Andruss and Bob Musella on Toolroom are up next. And of course I am hoping for a full re-schedule of my shows as soon as all will go back to normal.
WWD: Following this abrupt change to the music industry, do you feel it will go back to ’normal’ or do you think there will be fixed adaptations?
We’ll see. Everybody is speaking about live-streaming at the moment but who knows if this will become something permanent.
Pre-order: https://www.beatport.com/release/love-hurts/2932481