Q&A Session with Jon O'Bir
Interview By Jon Sermon 2009 / Images from article subject

Jon O’Bir is a name that’s been splashed across the industry since he catapulted to the front of the line in 2002 after winning a prestigious competition run by Passion and M8 magazine. In the seven years since this Jon has gone from strength to strength in gaining respect, fans and accolades.

He successfully held a residency with the leading dance brand Godskitchen for many years which saw him warming up and going head to head with some of the biggest stars including Paul Van Dyk, Sasha and Tiesto, something very few people can add to their portfolio.

Any way moving on…………….Everyone meet Jon O’Bir! We feel very privileged to be given the time for a quick catch up from up North!

Jon, how are you today?? You’ve recently spent a lot of time in the studio, have you had anytime to play out?

I’m very well thanks, just burning promo CD’s to hand out at these weekends’ gigs. It’s been a very busy time in the studio, but there is always time a side to play out in this glorious British Summer!?

As a long term Trance fan myself, I’ve got to ask……who are your inspirations? Where did it all begin for you?

I first discovered dance music via the radio 1 shows from Judge Jules, Pete Tong, Dave Pearce etc, I used to tape these shows and listen to them over and over during the week. This inspired me to purchase some decks and spend what little money I had at the time on vinyl’s. I then discovered online radio shows from Armin van Buuren and a compilation from Paul van Dyk titled ‘The Politics of Dancing’, these opened my ears to trance and I’ve been a hardcore addict since!

You have certainly stamped you’re authority in the UK clubs and had a very busy last 12 months. What has been the highlight for you?

Ever since I started each year has got better and better, so I’m really happy where things are heading and I certainly have been busy this year on all fronts. My debut album ‘From Within’ has to be the major highlight, amazing for me to have it released on Paul van Dyk’s Vandit label. Also playing at Cream, Amnesia and the Godskitchen Australia tour were massive highlights for me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to keep fit, hit the gym 3 times a week for a work out and a swim also a couple of games of squash a week to get the blood rushing. I love my football, big fan of Notts County, so really happy with the goings off there at the moment! I love to cook as well, but no Michelin star status yet.

I am the proud owner of your first compilation ‘Residency One’ With the imminent release of your latest compilation (Conspiracy Recordings ‘Introspection’) coming very soon – why did you decide to release it now?

Ever since Rob and I started up Conspiracy we always wanted to get a compilation out there, but for some reason or another these ideas got put to once side. I think creating a compilation 4 years after starting the label has been a blessing in disguise, it enabled me to pick from every release we have ever put out there as well as some of the future releases we have penciled in. It was great fun to compile and mix this compilation, we could have added a 3rd CD, but we’ll save it for a possible future project.

With the summer almost over in (mind you, it never really started) in the UK – what has been the best gig / festival and how are you going to finish off 2009?

The best festival I’ve played this year was actually Tomorrowlands in Belgium. An amazing set up, every ran so smoothly which seems to be quite rare for a festival, the weather was great, the line up was up there with the best and the crowd of 90,000 seemed to enjoy themselves! I have some exciting gigs lined up for the end of 2009, the tour I’m most looking forward to is Australia, the trance scene over there is something special, bring it on!

Who would you most like to DJ with and why?

I have had the pleasure of playing along side the majority of DJ’s in the trance/progressive/house scene during my time as resident of Godskitchen and onwards. Its always great to play alongside the likes of PvD, Armin, Above & Beyond, Tiesto etc, because you just know its going to be a quality event with an amazing atmosphere.

I’ve noticed when you play out your hands do the funniest things – whats that about?!?

Yeah my hands have a mind of their own when I DJ, they like to think they are composing the music, air piano and all that. I also find myself twisting knobs on the mixer that don’t have any effect on the mix, I think it’s a comfort thing.

Right before we go it’s time for our XpressDJs Quick Fire Questions:

What can’t you live without? T’Internet

Dragon’s Den or Deal or No Deal? Dragons Den

What’s the best record ever made? Sasha - Xpander

What’s the coolest thing in your house? Pet geese in the garden

And finally, where would you like to see yourself in 10 years time and what would you like to have achieved?

I would be happy if I was in a similar position as I am in today, playing to trance loving crowds across the world. But I do have aspirations of climbing even higher on that ladder, thoughts of top 10, why not? I’m still young and I’m working very hard on various projects that will hopefully put my name out there to many more music lovers.

Thank you very much for taking time out with us, any famous last words to leave us with?

Thank you! Just a little plug for my new single/EP, Answers/Prophase which is released on Vandit 21st August and check out www.jonobir.com for the latest Ways & Means radio show and O’Bir – AAA episode or join the new podcast and get all the above free - Check out the link to the right. Think that’s all!