Sankeys resident Jozef K talks Kaluki, Movement and premium lager

As the newly crowned resident DJ at Sankeys, 22 year old Jozef K is something of a Cinderella story - in the most macho possible sense.

As an 18 year old Sankeys clubber he used to dream of DJing there some day, and just a few short years later he was catapulted from the dancefloor to the decks through a mixture of talent and eager dedication.

As part of the Kaluki family, you can catch him 'keeping it deep' every Saturday at Sankeys, and he'll also be playing at Movement at Joshua Brooks on July 22nd with Kaiserdisco and Mark Santangelo.

We caught up with him for a quick chat about the past, the present, and the future.

Jozef K - Elevation - Ellesse & Pete Zorba Remix by KalukiMusik

Congratulations on your new residency at Sankeys. How did that come about, and how did you feel when you were asked?

 Not quite sure how it came about - I was rushing my back out when it happened! It's a dream come true!

When you were coming to Sankeys as an 18 year old clubber, did you ever think that in just a few years you'd be where you are now?

 Never, I used to come and ask people 'how do you get a job at Sankeys?'!

What do you think are important aspects that go into making a successful resident?

Expansive tune knowledge. I think you also need to be passionate about the place you reside at; most residents at any big clubs have worked hard to get there.

Does your set differ when you do guest slots, such as your upcoming set for Movement? What can we expect from you that night?

I'm playing early so will keep it deep. I'm not one of those DJs that tries to steal the limelight! I love keeping it deep anyway, it's my natural game!

For a 22 year old, you've achieved a hell of a lot. Do you put that down to hard work, talent, luck, or something else?

Just pure talent! Haha, taking the piss. Fuck knows, I think if you really want something it just happens… so I suppose hard work!

How did you first get into dance music, and when did you first decide that you wanted to DJ? 

When I was 16 I got into subliminal sessions 'cos my brother showed me it – then I bought some decks! It's fairly embarrassing to have started with subliminal, ha!

What DJs did you look up to growing up?

Matt Long from mono_cult

What are your biggest tracks of this summer?

Blood, 'Peace In The Nation'

What's it like to be a part of the Kaluki family? Do you have much involvement with the other artists signed to the label?

It's ace, I buzz off it. I work in the Sankeys office with the label owner Ellesse.

Kaluki has a reputation for keeping their line-ups cutting edge without tipping over to pretentiousness. Is this intentional?

Kaluki aims to put forward the hottest names in underground house that play mint tunes – no extra!

See all upcoming Kaluki events at Sankeys

What do you prefer; creating your own tracks or remixing others'?

Remixing others, 'cos I am lazy as fuck! No, ha ha - my own tracks all day, remixing just isn’t the same!

What's exciting about Manchester's dance scene at the moment?

Kaluki!

What could Manchester be doing better?

An improvement in the current state of Manchester would be a considerable reduction in the prices of premium European lagers.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

DJing in Ibiza and going away to Copenhagen and Bruges later in the year. I'm also going to be in the studio a lot, got loads of tracks lined up, need to get the ball rolling with production at present.

And what are your aims for the next five years? Do you have any sort of plan or do you like to just go with the flow?

Aims are to make loads of tunes so DJing can pay the bills!

What advice would you give to other young DJs and producers trying to make their name?

Make loads of ace tunes! And only play tunes out that you like.

And finally - one track that is always guaranteed to fill the dancefloor.

 That’s easy! Vesti & Meyland – 'Yes Ma’am' (Henrik Schwarz Remix)

Thanks Jozef!

Interview: Jayne Robinson

Catch Jozef K at Movement on July 22nd (tickets below) or every Saturday at Kaluki at Sankeys.

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