Woj
DJ Name: Woj
AKA: Pierre Luigi Collina, Colin Wojtowycz
Catchphrase:
‘It’s got to be funky!’
Funkdub Styles:
Funk, classic soul, hip-hop, alternative dance, electro and indie.
Influences:
Anything soulful or funky, so labels such as Atlantic, Stax or Motown are always a good start for classic styles. Contemporary artists that influence me include Mr. Scruff, Herbaliser, Jurassic 5, Aim, Go! Team, Mark Rae, Chemical Brothers and Gorrilaz. I also like indie music that can cross over with dance music so bands such as The Charlatans, Primal Scream, New Order etc.
Heroes:
The late Bill Hicks (Controversial American stand up comedian of the 1990’s) - For being intellectual and challenging, sometimes even infuriating but always hilariously funny. His material is still as relevant today as it was 15 years ago.
Mr Scruff (Manchester based Ninja Tune dj) - His music introduced me to soulful dance music and he is a nice chap to boot as he promotes several good charities through his music.
Villains:
People who promote bland music, TV or film which reward a lack of originality and aim to satisfy the lowest common denominator. So reality television, ringtone music or celebrity gossip magazines. Also people who start fights or wars to solve problems instead of communicating ideas.
5 Artists to Watch /or/ Tips for 2005:
Amerie - ‘One Thing’ is an immense modern funk tune. watch out for more of the same.
DJ Format - ‘If You Can’t Beat Em Join Em’ - Fast flowing, rap filled hip hop without need of guns or beatches.
The Herbaliser - ‘Take London’ - If it’s anything like ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ or ‘Very Mercenary’ it should be super cool.
Jack Johnson - ‘Inbetween Dreams’ - If you want something acoustic and folky but still with some good tunes you can’t too wrong with this album.
Contact: Woj