Welcome to a new edition of When We Dip where we have the distinct honor of interviewing one of the music industry’s truly pioneering forces, Guy J. Known for his unique blend of progressive and deep house, Guy J has left an indelible mark on the electronic music scene. Today, he joins us at a defining moment in his illustrious career – the closing of a significant chapter, marked by the 100th and final release on his esteemed label, Lost & Found.

Lost & Found has served as a platform for innovative music, garnering a dedicated fanbase and influencing countless artists in the scene. Its conclusion signifies a major shift, not just for Guy J, but for the entire progressive house community.

Join us as we delve into the motivations behind this pivotal decision, reflect on the lasting legacy of Lost & Found, and look ahead at the future of Guy J’s musical journey. From memorable experiences to future aspirations, it’s a candid exploration of the mind behind one of electronic music’s most respected labels.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get an intimate look at the culmination of a defining era, and the birth of a new chapter in the story of an industry trailblazer.

WWD: Hi Guy, welcome back to When We Dip. It’s a big moment for you, announcing the 100th and final release on your label, Lost & Found. How are you feeling at this pivotal point in your career?

I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I’m happy about what the label achieved and I’m happy that I can take this step when I think it’s the right moment.

WWD: Can you recall the moment you decided that the 100th release would be the last?

The thought about closing the label started floating around a year ago in my mind, but in the last months, it felt like it is what I have to do. I always follow my feelings in life, and most of the time it leads me to the right place in terms of me feeling 100% ok with it this is one of those decisions that I’m feeling complete with.

WWD: You mentioned wanting Lost & Found to end at its peak. Could you elaborate on why this was important to you?

I’ve seen what Lost & Found became over the last year. It was becoming more than a label for many people and also for me. Closing it after a very symbolic release will give the label an ending that won’t repeat. And ending it when it was at its peak meant everyone who loved it loved it and was part of it all the way when it was amazing all the way.

WWD: How does it feel to see the chapter of Lost & Found come to a close?

It’s mixed emotions, I know I’m going to miss the “Lost”, but also now that this chapter is about to end I’m feeling in my mind and heart that I have space to create something else.

WWD: What are some of your favorite memories from running the label?

The most favorite moment is the people I got to know through the label, producers that I admire and admired now that I can call them friends of mine. This is priceless.

WWD: Can you share a bit about how Lost & Found influenced your personal growth as an artist?

Running the label from day one with Scott and now with Yaniv taught me a lot about the music industry in general. It led me to choose to run the label differently from other labels. I released only music that I love regardless of who is the producer and I run the label the same as I run my career and how I do music. It made me more connected to what I do as an artist.

WWD: What do you believe was the biggest success story from Lost & Found?

Well if I can come back to you in the future I would say closing it and getting so much love for it and a lot of messages from people that say they understand this move. But not coming back from the future, my reply is that the fact that I got to host Lost & Found events and gather people together is the biggest success. The label grew into a beautiful community.

WWD: You mentioned fans who got tattoos and made music specifically for Lost & Found. How does that level of dedication from fans impact you personally?

It is very overwhelming to know that someone who chose to make it on them for life is so unique. I received many photos of people who did that and it is also what led me to this decision, that I need to respect that and gift them the closing. This way Lost & Found will remain always good. I think for these people looking at the tattoo will only bring good memories in a few years.

WWD: How difficult was it to keep the closure of Lost & Found a secret?

I kept it ultra-low profile and also was discussing the decision with myself and also with Yaniv who help me with the label I think big decisions like that are good to keep fewer people involved as it can mess up with your mind. I know a lot of people are thinking it’s crazy but to end it like that is once in a lifetime opportunity.

WWD: Are there any releases or artists on the label that you feel didn’t get as much attention as they deserved?

I believe all the artists on the label gave the label attention cause of their music and sound. Many of the artists on the label did more than one release because I loved, and still love, what they were doing. The list of producers is very long, but each has its sound. Looking at the roster of artists on the label, I think most of them are very well-known in the scene and doing great.

WWD: Lost & Found became a community of its own. How do you hope to nurture that community going forward?

I believe the community will move forward with what I want to do next.

WWD: What would you like Lost & Found’s legacy to be?

I want it to be an era of amazing music.

WWD: Do you feel like Lost & Found accomplished everything you set out for it to do when you first started it?

I didn’t have big plans as I didn’t know much. I learned along the way from John Digweed and Bedrock. You have to consider that Lost & Found was born and grew into the social media era. This is something relatively new in the scene. It wasn’t something you could plan at that time.

WWD: As the label wraps up, is there anything you would have done differently looking back?

I wouldn’t have done anything differently. It had been a perfect setting and a journey that led it to this perfect ending.

WWD: You mentioned starting a new chapter after this. Can you give us any insights into what’s next for you?

What I’m planning is still in process. I need the emotions to sink and a clear mind about what I want to do. I loved running the label, and there it is an addicting feeling to have a platform that is a channel for outstanding music, so wait with me and see what comes.

WWD: Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to the fans, producers, and everyone who was a part of Lost & Found’s journey?

I want to thank them eternally for believing in me. Everyone involved gave something to the label that it couldn’t do without them. It’s a circle that if you remove one part it doesn’t connect. Waiting to go on the next ride with you.

WWD: Thank you Guy J

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