40 Questions: Junior Sanchez

Two and a half decades of work have put New York City based DJ and producer Junior Sanchez among the upper echelon of house music royalty.

His sound has graced labels like Elrow, Food Music, Circus, Relief, MadTech and Snatch! and he’s collaborated with some massive talents, including Todd Terry, Gene Farris and Ninetoes.

Ahead of a huge 2019 schedule that will see Junior tour with Ultra Music Festival and release with the infamous Positiva imprint, we have him on our 40 Questions to find out what makes him tick.

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

I’m in NYC finishing up some new singles and getting ready for a massive week in Miami for Miami Music week & Ultra.

02. What year were you born?

New Jersey USA.

03. Do you have a nickname?

Shazam (because of music knowledge).

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

My collection of superhero masks.

05. How would you describe yourself?

Respectable, Driven, Focused, & Humble.

06. Worst experience as a DJ?

Getting sick on a NYE gig years ago and really having to go to the restroom lol.

07. Best experience as a DJ?

Having people get emotional because they’re so connected to the moment.

08. Favorite record label?

Right now, True Soul. (Adam Beyer’s more house-leaning imprint).

09. What’s your biggest weakness?

Tickets in Barcelona.

10. First record you ever paid for?

Tyree Cooper – Acid Crash.

11. What’s your morning routine?

Wake up, do not turn on the tv or social media, make coffee and listen to whatever music I was working on the night before.

12. Your dream collaboration?

Prince, Carl Craig and Trevor Horn. Mixed by Tom Mullton.

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

That I sing on a lot of my tracks, and for others like Basement Jaxx’s Where’s Your Head At.

14. Who’s your biggest inspiration?

Personally my daughter Chloe Neve & son Akai. Professionally in our culture Todd Terry & Masters At Work.

15. Ever smoked?

Tried it when I was younger, disgusting.

16. Ever done drugs?

Yes, I’ve lived a little lol.

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

A signed copy of a 45’ copy of The Buggles’ Video Killed The Radio Star and also a picture signed by Trevor Horn signing the record to prove he did by my friend Hannah.

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

My gift of guidance and mentorship to my friends, I always help when I can.

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

So many amazing places I’ve been to in the world but I always love and re-fall in love with Spain.

20. And one place you want to visit?

Antarctica, I want to know what’s going on over there lol.

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

Prince & The Revolution.

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

I would say a Chef or Archeologist like Indiana Jones lol.

23. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Worked at a frozen yoghurt shop as a young teenager.

24. Favorite record right now?

Waajeeds new album From The Dirt.

25. And the best record ever made?

That’s so hard, I can say one is Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key Of Life.

26. One thing you couldn’t live without?

Music.

27. Your favourite food?

Spanish / Mediterranean cuisine.

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

Bugs or Brains I guess lol.

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

Wilmar Valderama.

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

Food & Art.

31. Favourite club you’ve played at?

Space Ibiza, when the terrace was open.

32. Favorite festival you’ve played at?

Ultra.

33. Craziest story of being on the road?

I plead the 5th, I’m about to get married lol.

34. Weirdest request as a DJ?

I played at the Olympic village during the 2000’s games in Sydney and a young gymnast basically tumbled over to me and asked me to play Britney Spears.

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

Teleportation.

36. Late sleeper or early riser?

Used to be a late sleeper now I’m an early riser.

37. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

So many, I just immediately shut of videos that make me cringe.

38. The top thing on your bucket list?

Spend time at the Pyramids in Egypt.

39. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

Meeting my fiancé.

40. Will you ever be done with music?

No, in the famous words of Andre3000 it will be part of my life Forever, For Eva Eva!