40 Questions: Sian

Being responsible for founding one of the most successful labels in the Los Angeles techno scene, Sian has brought us tracks from Egbert, Jay Lumen, DVS1 and more via his Octopus Recordings.

His own tracks have also made their way on to the likes of Relief, Phobiq, Stil Vor Talent and mau5trap, and he’s remixed everyone from Marco Bailey and deadmau5, to Marc Houle and Oliver Koletzki.

We welcome the LA-based artist to our 40 Questions this month, where he mentions his favourite label, his morning routine, the coolest place he’s been to and who he would want to play him in a movie.

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

I’m at home in LA, prepping to launch our Twitch channel, in between writing tracks and running my label.

02. What year were you born?

1977.

03. Do you have a nickname?

Mad Dog McGinty. No, I’m just joking. I don’t really have one, but some people call me G.

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

The reissue of the vintage Rat distortion pedal.

05. How would you describe yourself?

Ambitious, focused, but lost?

06. Worst experience as a DJ?

Traveling non-stop. Besides the lack of sleep, there are a few particularly bad memories that will stick with me forever, like sleeping in Mexico City Airport or being poisoned in Guatemala, also had malaria once.

07. Best experience as a DJ?

To be honest, also traveling. I’ve been to some of the most beautiful places in the world.

08. Favourite record label?

Probably XL or Warp records.

09. What’s your biggest weakness?

My inner demons.

10. First record you ever paid for?

Endtroducing by DJ Shadow.

11. What’s your morning routine?

Before emails? Pretty typical – eat chocolate, shower, stretch.

12. Your dream collaboration?

Billie Eilish.

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

I can’t stand silence. I grew up in a house with no music so I’ve always felt the need to fill a space with music.

14. Who’s your biggest inspiration outside of music?

Mark Rothko (Painter).

15. And in the industry?

Anthony Rother.

16. Ever smoked?

I tried it when I was younger and hated it. I can’t understand why people would want to inhale smoke if I’m being honest.

17. Ever done drugs?

Who hasn’t.

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

I bought myself a 1978 Corvette Stingray. I always dreamed of having one since I was a kid, so I bought one for my birthday a few years ago. I’m actually thinking of getting another Corvette already.

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

I showed the woman who is now my wife how to make music with a laptop and Ableton Live. She is pursuing her dream of being an artist.

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

I’d have to say Tokyo. It’s the only other city I’d consider living in.

21. And one place you want to visit?

There are so many, but the next place I’d like to visit is the Palawan Islands in the Philippines.

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

I cannot imagine doing anything else besides music.

23. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Rolling joints for rock producers.

24. Favourite record right now?

Djedjotronic – Touch the Ground.

25. And the best record ever made?

Purple Rain by Prince.

26. One thing you couldn’t live without?

Chocolate.

27. Your favourite food?

Cheese.

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

I’ve had some pretty weird fruit from South America.

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

Ernest Hemingway.

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

Music.

31. Favourite club you’ve played at?

Berghain.

32. Favourite festival you’ve played at?

Okky Poppy in South Africa.

33. Craziest story of being on the road?

Let’s just say I have seen some things.

34. Weirdest request as a DJ?

Play R&B music.

35. If you had one superpower what would it be?

Zoom in and out with my eyes.

36. Late sleeper or early riser?

Early riser.

37. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

The Crack Fox.

38. The top thing on your bucket list?

Visit the Amazon rainforest.

39. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

Getting married to my wife in Vegas by an Elvis impersonator.

40. Will you ever be done with music?

No, music is in me.