Taipei Times: Tell me about your impressions of Asia (have you been to Taiwan before)?
LTJ Bukem: I haven't been to Taiwan before. I'm so excited about the prospect. I love venturing to new places ... I've been to a few places in Asia and have had some amazing musical experiences so I am really looking forward to it.
TT: What about Chinese culture?
LTJ: I don't know enough of it to really comment, I never spend time where I DJ, as I DJ so much, but I would love to slow down one day and revisit so many places. It would be the longest tour of my life I imagine.
TT: Can we expect anything special from you on New Year's Eve?
LTJ: As I haven't been there [Taiwan] before there's so much I could play, but I think I really want to show people where my head is at D&B-style ... I may bring some old classics from the D&B years, we'll see. I'm playing for two hours I think. It would good to play longer, but hope I will take people on a journey, whatever ...
TT: Is the Asian market the new market now for dance music, now that the European and US markets are relatively saturated?
LTJ: Now you're talking business. I have enough trouble keeping up with artists, releases, etc. I leave the business to my partner.
TT: Musically, what's happening in your life now?
LTJ: I really want to write another LTJ artist album, so I have to create time in-between DJing and A&R at my label, which can prove to be impossible sometimes, we'll see. On the label Good Looking we have a lot of projects planned for next year. We are weeks away from finishing the new Web site so everyone can check what's going on soon.
TT: Did you think when you first started DJing that it would be your career? Is it like being a rock star?
LTJ: When I started about 17 years ago I never thought it would be a career, it has always been love at first sight for me, and has never changed, what has changed are my responsibilities towards what I do, as it is now a career. I never feel like a rock star, I feel like one of the people, because whenever I play inside I'm partying myself, loving it as much as someone on the dance floor is, getting excited about the same sounds and beats. I feel honored that so many people from so many places in the world embrace what I do and allow me to express myself in something I love to do so much ... thank you people.
TT: How do you think your sound will evolve in the next few years.
LTJ: The sound has changed so much in 10 years it's hard to say. In fact the sounds have changed and how we process them, but the vibe is the same, one of togetherness. I still feel the same tingles over D&B tunes made 12 years ago as in the present time.
TT: Last question: Do you like working on New Year's eve, or is it playing?
LTJ: It is work, because people have paid to come and see you or be at the club. I don't drink really at all so am I going to get drunk and play, NO! Maybe have a couple glasses of something after but when I play I like to play as if this was going to be my last set. It means that much to me, and you can't attempt to give people an experience they won't forget if you're drunk. Well, you could, but it might not be the experience you want to be remembered for.
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