40 Questions: Boxia

It’s been an eventful journey for British techno producer Boxia, from his early appearances on Food Music to now working with labels like We Are The Brave and Drumcode.

Next up on his release schedule is his debut artist album, titled A Night In The Life Of, it arrives this coming Monday via Adam Beyer’s influential Drumcode imprint.

We asked Boxia to take on our 40 Questions in preparation for the record’s release. Amongst his responses, he mentions Rene Pawlowitz, mentoring upcoming artists and swallowing teeth.

01. Where are you right now and what are you doing?

On my sofa, listening to promos and talking to Soundspace.

02. What year were you born?

It’s rude to ask a lady their age.

03. Do you have a nickname?

Not since I was a kid.

04. What’s the coolest thing in your house?

My dog.

05. How would you describe yourself?

Probably quite annoying if you ask me about music.

06. Worst experience as a DJ?

Was playing an illegal party in a bus station and someone ran off with a handful of records mid-set. An OG copy of Dave Clarke – Red 2 was amongst it. Never saw them again, still raging about it.

07. Best experience as a DJ?

This is hard, either Baum Bogota or Tama Klub in Poznan last year. Both truly magical experiences, and an amazing connection with the crowd.

08. Favourite record label?

No idea, who can choose one?

09. What’s your biggest weakness?

Vinyl and synths.

10. First record you ever paid for?

KLF – The White Room.

11. What’s your morning routine?

Cup of tea, walk the dog, coffee then toast, emails, social media, studio all before 8am.

12. Your dream collaboration?

Rene Pawlowitz.

13. Tell us something we shouldn’t know about you?

John Lime from SL2 convinced me to juice.

14. Who’s your biggest inspiration?

My dog.

15. Ever smoked?

Never.

16. Ever done drugs?

Yes, but not in a Harvey Keitel Bad Lieutenant way.

17. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

A record, unplayed and signed copy of Fast Floor ‎- On A Quest For Intelligence.

18. And the best gift you’ve ever given?

Not really a gift, but I mentor around 10 upcoming artists. So, I guess I give the gift of knowledge and support!

19. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?

Slick Ricks mams house, Harlem.

20. And one place you want to visit?

Japan.

21. One act who’s inspired you your whole career?

Adam Beyer.

22. If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you be doing?

Trying to get into the music industry.

23. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Had to dress as a giant dog once in a bowling alley. Was a low point if I’m honest.

24. Favourite record right now?

Artist Code 523F53 – You Should.

25. And the best record ever made?

This is so hard but in the electronic world probably Goldie – Timeless is up there.

26. One thing you couldn’t live without?

Music.

27. Your favourite food?

Sushi.

28. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

A tooth.

29. Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Martin Bundsen.

30. What’s something you’re passionate about?

Being kind to people.

31. Favourite club you’ve played at?

Tama Poznan or Baum Bogota can’t decide. My heart is still somewhere on the dancefloor.

32. Favourite festival you’ve played at?

Junction 2, Boston Manor Park in London.

33. Craziest story of being on the road?

Once forgot my USB’s and had to DJ an entire set with records I’d never heard before in my life. Oddly was one of the best sets I’ve ever played. To this day I couldn’t ID a single record. (Appreciate this is not very crazy, but those stories are not publishable).

34. Weirdest request as a DJ?

Had a few marriage proposals from strangers.

35. If you had one super power what would it be?

Have to be invisible wouldn’t it.

36. Late sleeper or early riser?

Early riser.

37. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

Have some of that.

38. The top thing on your bucket list?

I don’t have one.

39. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

Recently was completely overwhelmed, that I’m finally doing what I want to do and it’s truly working out. I was playing Moby – Go (Rex The Dog Mix) while DJing under a tree at 8am. I can’t get the moment out of my head.

40. Will you ever be done with music?

Never ever in my life, no.

Boxia’s A Night In The Life Of LP will arrive on Drumcode on June 3rd. Grab it here.