Exclusive Interview with JP Candela
JP Candela is a Resident of the Pacha Ibiza World Tour events series and David Guetta's DJ of choice for his exclusive "F*** Me I Am Famous" parties. He is a well-established and influential figure from Ibiza's electronic music scene and he has performed alongside artists such as David Guetta, Chuckie, Pete Tong, Showtek, Dennis Ferrer and many more. His remix of Kaz James' "Kids" was charted by Pete Tong as one of the ten best tracks at Miami WMC in 2012.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with JP Candela, shortly before his performance at Insanity Nightclub on 29th January.
You are a renowned DJ & Producer from Spain and exclusive resident at David Guetta's legendary "F*** me I'm Famous" parties at Pacha Ibiza. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you get into DJing and music production?
My first introduction to electronic music was at the beginning of the 90s, I was always passionate about all types of music, but Electronic music captured me very quickly. That's when I started buying my first records. The first time I played was for some friends in private parties and after that, I started to have contacts with club promoters and played in my city, Madrid. My first club residency was in Pacha Madrid in 2002 and from there I moved onto Pacha Ibiza and FMIF. I started producing in 2002; this is an important part of our job and in today's world it is a fundamental element to grow in the sector. During this time I have released with labels like Spinning, Dirty Dutch, What a Music, Oxygen , MOS, Sony and EMI.
You play and produce House, Electro House and Progressive House. How would you describe your own music, what is distinct about it?
I make music that fits well with me; I do not make music to follow trends. I think the producing music gives me a lot of creative freedom, which is something I enjoy.
Your remix of Kaz James' "Kids" was charted by Pete Tong as one of the 10 best tracks at Miami WMC in 2012. What other tracks, remixes or mix-sets would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I think the important releases in my career has been the David Guetta remixes. I have already done 3 for him including Memories with Kid Cudi, Turn me on with Nicki Minaj and Bang my Head with Sia. I have also done some important remixes for Showtek with their hit Booyah or my collaboration with Albert Neve called FutureRave.
What is on your agenda for the near future and what are you currently working and focusing on?
I am currently touring in Asia where I will perform in Bangkok, Ko Samui and Singapore followed by Berlin. After that, I will tour Latin America and the USA followed by my return to Spain and the Ibiza summer season. I am currently very focused in producing and preparing new tracks, remixes and collaborations.
What were the best and the worst gigs you ever played and what were the funniest things that occurred during any of your performances?
Honestly, I think the best gig I ever played was the first time I played at FMIF in Pacha Ibiza as a resident of the club. This day gave me the opportunity to meet David Guetta, and he liked my set and mashups. This moment changed my career. I always say that this job requires a mix of luck, hard work and consistency. That day proved all of this.
The truth is that I don't really have a bad anecdote, I believe that we learn something from strange days and that they offer us the opportunity to be a better DJ. So even bad days are good.
You reside in Ibiza, but also in Madrid - the capital and largest city of Spain. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife there? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?
Actually, I live between Ibiza, Madrid and Valencia. Nightlife in Madrid has suffered recently because of a lot of strange changes. However, I think that it is resurging and there are some important clubs like Fabrik, Mondo or Goya Social Club that are working well. There are also some big promoters like Zoologico and the classic clubs like Gabana and Teatro Barcelo.
On January 29 you will perform live in Bangkok at Insanity Nightclub. Have you visited Thailand before? What can the Bangkok crowd expect from your upcoming performance?
Yes, I have been here before for holidays and enjoyed the amazing beaches. This is the first time I will play here, and I am very excited as so many people have told me great things about the scene and its clubbers. I am looking forward to giving my everything for the people of Bangkok during my set in Insanity.
Big hug and see you soon in Thailand!