John Askew

365MAG
The DJ’s View On 2008
Writer: Vass
Date Of Publication: 28-08 / 01-09

How do you look back on 2008?

Fondly. It was definitely a good year.

What do you consider to be your most memorable achievement of this year?

Anything goes!
Finishing and releasing my new album “Z List Uber Star”. A great deal of work went into it and so I had a huge sense of relief as well as achievement when it was finally completed.

What do you consider have been this year’s biggest tunes?

There are so many to chose from but off the top of my head these all stand out for me:
Simon Patterson “Smack”
Activa “Remember”
Sly One vs Jurrane “Second Summer” (Dark Mix)
Alex Morph “Turn it On”

Have you noticed any substantial differences in (global) clubbing culture this year?

Yes, definitely. I think downloads of music and the use of the internet in terms of promotion and networking was taken to a completely new level in the last 12 months. The internet has obviously had a major part to play n this for years, but 2008 for me will be remembered as a year when it’s influence and it’s power escalated to a completely new level.

What has been the most memorable event you attended (as an artist or visitor) and why?

Glastonbury. It was fucking amazing. I have been there many times in the past but the 2008 event was just incredible. Better than anything I had experienced in the past. I can’t wait to go again this year.

What will you remember most of this year, non-musically speaking?

Non musically I guess there are several things that will stand out in 2008 – the global recession and all of the anxiety it brought and of course the fall of George Bush – they, for me, will both stand out as memorable events associated with 2008.

In one word, how would you describe 2008 as a whole?

Educational.

What can we expect from you in 2009?

I’ve got several remixes coming up which will be out in the first half of the year, as well as new singles for all of the Discover labels. I’m also working on a collaboration album under the name “AA Meeting” with Activa. It will be a different sound and style to what either of us normally makes. There will obviously be some banging material n there but some of the other stuff is more influenced by Leftfield, Pendulum, Aphex Twin, Zero 7 and early CJ Bolland.

How do you think the scene will develop in the new year?

I have no idea but I look forward to finding out.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

Happy New Year.

Many thanks for your time and the best of luck in 2009!