Interview: DJ Sam Young

2010 is going to see a lot of new additions to TLLWTL, including interviews with some of London’s finest personalities. So, where better to start than with London’s favourite and most respected DJ, the super-talented Sam Young. Known for his eclectic style, he has been the DJ of choice for A-Listers including Elton John, Naomi Campbell, Alexander McQueen and Justin Timberlake. Not a bad resume, hey?

I stopped by at his latest residency, the fantastic new Chinawhite to catch up with him before he jetted off to St. Bharts for Christmas and the New Year….

TLL: So, How has 2009 been for you, any big highlights?

SY: 2009 has been crazy. The highlight was doing the Beefeater Gin Londonnize parties throughout the summer around Spain, was a lot of fun and I got to see some cities I have never visited. Opening the Rootz club in Kuala Lumpur was special too.

TLL: What’s been your favourite record of the year?

SY: Tough question but I’ll go with Major Lazer ‘Pon De Floor’.

TLL: You regularly play at some of the best clubs in London and the world, which is your favourite club to play? Where is the one place you’d like to DJ but haven’t?

SY: My favourite place to DJ at the moment would have to be the new Chinawhite, its got a great new home in the West End. I’d love to get over to South America and DJ in Brazil and Argentina, the clubs are meant to be amazing.

TLL: How did you get to where you are today in such a competitive industry?

SY: It is a tough industry, but  with hard work, being original with what I play and how I put together my sets helps. And being business minded takes you a long way also.

TLL: Who were your major influences when you first became involved in music?

SY: Just artists I was listening to, I had a few DJ’s in the scene I used to go raving to that I liked like Femi Fem, Matt White, Confunktion, Tuff Jam etc. I was a great dancer before I DJed so much ! Haha.

TLL: You’ve worked alongside some big names in Music now – who have you learnt the most from/enjoyed working with the most?

SY: I signed Kasabian to SonyBMG back in the day, and that was a massive learning curve for me. Always have your business straight is all I will say!

TLL: You’ve started to play a big part in organizing some of Londons most amazing parties, at Bungalow 8 and the new Chinawhite. What’s the secret to the success of a new party?

SY: To start a new party you got to do something no one is or just have the right contacts to bring in amazing DJ’s and artists. A lot of the West End clubs have zero imagination.

TLL: What are you working on next?

SY: I have just started my own digital label called Nod Factor so just lining up future releases for that really and planning parties for it.

TLL: You were born and bred in London – what’s your favourite place/sight in this City?

SY: Any bridge in London at dusk is amazing, reminds me all the time why I love London.

TLL: What would have been your ideal Christmas present?!

SY: A holiday with a PYT.

TLL: Tell us one thing we don’t know about Sam Young ?

SY: I’m half Finnish.

To find out more about Sam, visit his website or catch up with all his news over at the brilliant Raw Material blog.

To see what all the fuss is about, put these dates in your diary;

January 19th – Bungalow Blowout at Bungalow 8

January 20th – with New Yorks Jesse Marco at Chinawhite

January 27th – with Cut Killer at Chinawhite.

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JJ - Editor

Londoner. Excessive Tea Drinker. Foodie. Party Goer. Geek. Email jj@thislittleladywenttolondon.com.

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