Exclusive Interview: TEHJ

This week in our Artist Spotlight we have Chicago local talent TEHJ. Coming a long way from the moment he first started djing, TEHJ has played at many prestigious clubs around Chicago. We had a little chat with TEHJ, read the interview below to learn a little bit more about him and see what he’s got in store for you next.

How did you first begin DJing/Producing?
I first began DJ Ing when I was 16 years old and producing when I was 20 years old. I went to my first show and I was truly inspired by the journey a musician can take you so that’s what sparked my interest. I’ve always had an ear for music, my parents often tell me how I used to take a wooden stick and bang on objects to make a melody. I must get it from my grandfather who used to play the guitar in a band back home in India.

Who is your biggest influence(s)?
My biggest influences, hmm that is kind of hard one because everyone and everything around me inspires/influences me as a musician. But if I had to throw names out there, I have to go with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Daft Punk, Carl Cox, Muzzik, TroyBoi, Travis Scott, Pharrell, Zhu, Parov Stelar, Kaskade, Gramatik – that’s just to name a few.

What’s your favorite record of all time?
To be honest I don’t have a favorite record, I like anything that makes me happy. Anything that adds a smile to my face – I can give you an example of a track that does it for me and that is: Kaskade – 4 AM

What was your favorite party of all time that you have played?
My favorite events are thrown by Good Looks Chicago, Afterlife, Promose7en and BAM!

Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?
I’m not really big on collaborations because I’m very particular with my art. If I had to choose I would love to work with Gramatik, Pharrell, ASAP Rocky, Skrillex and Kaskade. These guys are all geniuses and it would be an honor to be able to work with them.

What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?
Ohh man hahaha my most embarrassing moment? Let me tell you it was a bad one. It was actually my first DJ gig and to be completely honest, I didn’t know what I was doing. This club was already packed with 200 to 300 people and when it was my turn to go on, I train wrecked one after another, playin’ from hip hop to dirty electro house to euro hands – up. At that point people just stopped dancing and just looked at me. It was definitely an eye-opener and I came a long way from that time.

What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?
During my off nights I spend a lot of time to myself. In my opinion, becoming one with yourself is a key aspect in life. I also produce my own music and have my clothing brand so I spend a lot of time doing that. Watching Seinfeld is also a key essential.

What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?
The current music industry is pretty tight. There’s a lot of different vibes which is intriguing.

What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?
I’m not a 100% sure whats going to happen next in the scene but I’m excited

What do you think about all these “frauds” in the EDM scene using ghost producers, buying likes and purchasing their own tracks on Beatport?
I honestly think that it is a joke that there are ghost producers out there and musicians that buy their own music to reach the top of the beat port chart. I think people have forgotten what art is all about.

Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?
Yes, the TEHJ Tribe has a lot of great things coming up. I just released my hats, I have all of June booked so if you go on my Facebook page there’s a list of places where you can find me. I have my own productions that will be out very soon I’m just waiting for the right moment.

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