Ezel Interview for Clubberia
Ezel will be in japan next month for the first time at the Tokyo Crossover Jazz Festival 2011. Here is a translated version of a interview given by Ezel to Clubberia, Japan’s biggest clubbing/nightlife website.
1.Could you tell me about your musical background?
My musical background started from a very early age when my father flooded me with musical toys, instruments and gadgets so I can instintively find my road to inspiration and self-expression. I started playing my instrument, wich is piano at the age of 9 and haven’t stopped ever since.
2.When did you start to DJ?
A: I started djing about 7 years ago, almost at the same time I started to get more serious with my production of dance music. I’ve felt a unique voice and texture printed in my sound and wanted to introduce that to the world personally.
3.In Japan people recognize that you were discovered by Yoruba records’ Osunlade. How did you get to know each other?
a: Osunlade and I initially met when he came down to the Dominican Republic for a gig back in 2006. We talked briefly about my desire to fullfill my dreams in music and how much of a inspiration he was to me. I kept working hard developing myself until I grabbed his attention with 2 songs that where initially signed for his label. His guidance and supporty has acompanied me ever since. He is truly the musical master I’ve learned the most from in this stage of my life.
4.Where were you born? When did you move to Barcelona?Why?
I was born in the Dominican Republic. It is a island located in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. I lived there most of my life until recent times, in wich I’ve tried to expand myself to new horizons pursuing balance and self development. I currently reside in Barcelona, Spain. I was awarded with a scholarship to study Sound Engineering at SAE in Barcelona, a fantastic school of tecnical formation for audio professionals.
5.When did you first find House Music? How?
Probably 10 years ago, I was exposed to a melting pot of sounds, everything from past to present music in the black music cosmos, and of course. that included house.
6.Do you have any favorite Japanese DJ/producer/Artists?
In order to expand on this I have to confess I am professed lover of japanese culture. I try to get exposed to it as much as I can. Dont have one but many favorites. For example on a fusion jazz tip, love some albums made by Bingo Miki and the Inner Galaxy Orchestra that counted with awesome musicianship. I am also avid japanese anime viewer and have discovered some great music by watching these like was the case with Nujabes and his work for the Samurai champloo series. Love the work of Mitsu the Beats,Kero one, Quasimode, Soil and pimp and of course Kyoto Jazz Massive, grew listening to their productions and compilations and is still one of my favorite groups ever.
7.How many remixes have you made? Which one is your favorite?
Have to make the count but probably around 40 that has been officially released so far. Once again its hard to pick a favorite for me because all of them have been wonderful learning experiences. But I could mention among my favorites the remix for Reel People’s It will be and also the one for Kay Suzuki’s song move on.
8.Please tell me your most favorite album ever?
Off the wall by Michael Jackson and Portrait in Jazz by Bill Evans
9.Do you have any interests aside from music?
Oh yes! All manifestation of Art facinates me. I enjoy reading about cultures, spirituality and i am a lover of good food. Ive always had a lot of imagination so I am naturally dragged to places and things where imagination is revered.
10.Please give a message to your Japanese audience who are looking forward to listening to your set at TCJF 2011.
First of all, thank you sharing some time to discover more about me. I am very excited for the oportunity to perform in japan at TCJF. I am bringing in my heart all my soulfulness i can bear to share with you all that day on the dancefloor. Let’s celebrate life and good music.
Thank You 
For my japanese following visiting the site you can reach the original version (in japanese) of this interview here
Ezel will be part of Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival 2011 december 16th 2011. Please check TCJF website.
www.tokyocrossoverjazzfestival.jp/