Jojo Yang, aka “JOBOT”, is a New York native DJ, composer, and producer. Also known as the female third of the DJ trio Yello Fever (with DJ Skyler and Kid Color), JOBOT has gained recognition in Chicago for her unique blend of style and talent. Yello Fever performed at Lollapalooza 2009, and JOBOT continues to play gigs at spots like Berlin as well as throws a party called “Gimix” with Kid Color monthly. Jojo’s interests lie beyond the turntables as she pursues various freelance projects including a score for Lemon Drop Kiss by Freestyle collective, where she worked under art direction of Brian Drucker, the 3D technical director on Shrek. Currently, she is working on a number of musical endeavors of different genres with various Chicago artists. JOBOT joins PLRG and every month will let readers know what’s playing in her ear and an inside look at a local music group or DJ.
Being a local indie dance DJ, I thought it most fitting to kick off my monthly music write-up with an interview of an artist from a genre that is near and dear to my heart. In this past year, if you’ve gone out to any bars or clubs where you could potentially shake your booty to some catchy dance tunes (and let’s hope you have) then chances are you’ve enjoyed the sounds of DiscoTech. DiscoTech consists of three talented gentlemen- Danny Daze, Gigamesh, and Joe Maz. That sweet remix of Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy”? DiscoTech. That irresistible remix of T.I.’s “Whatever You Like”? DiscoTech.
Click here listen to and download these tracks: Whatever You Like Discotech, Everything in its Right Place
I had the privilege of picking the brain of one of the Discotech boys - the incredibly talented and musically gifted Matthew Masurka, aka Gigamesh. Masurka himself has cranked out a few of his own amazing remixes to show the world what the Gigamesh spin on some oh-so-familiar songs is all about.
How did you and the other Discotech boys get started?
Danny and Joe have both been DJing for about a decade and they connected through myspace a couple years ago. After trading remixes back & forth they decided to start a group. I was fresh out of music school and joined when I heard what they were doing. Being that I have more of a music background I end up doing most of the studio work.
What artists do you find inspirational and influential?
I might end up with a list a few pages long so I’ll just list two from completely different areas of music: Joanna Newsom and Mr. Oizo.
Do you have any crazy fan stories? Any bras land on your turntables during one of your DJ sets?
Hmm…not YET. I welcome any/all female undergarments thrown my way.
If you could collaborate with one artist to work on a track, who would it be?
If he was still alive, Michael Jackson (of course).
What is your opinion of the music that’s emerging from the Midwest?
I should probably only speak of Minnesota bands, which are plentiful and for the most part very good. I’ve remixed songs by a couple of my favorites, Lookbook and Estate. Other local acts I’m into are Zoo Animal, Daughters of the Sun, Lucy Michellle and the Velvet Lapelles, Subdivider and The Sextons.
What’s currently playing on your ipod?
Random shuffle all the way! But an album I just listened to and really liked is Brian Eno & David Byrne - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts.
