Carl Cox. Photo Credit: Dan Reid.
British techno pioneer and electronic musician Carl Cox chatted about the future of electronic music, the unifying power of music, and he furnished his advice for hopefuls who wish to pursue a career in music.
Background on Carl Cox
Carl Cox was named “Best DJ in the World” in the DJ Magazine Top 100 DJs poll twice, in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
Fast-forward to 2023, Cox was honored with the “Outstanding Contribution Award” at the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs ceremony, where he was recognized for his 30-year career as a pioneering techno DJ, producer, and label owner.
Future and evolution of electronic music
On the future and evolution of electronic music in the next five years, Cox said with a sweet laugh, “I reckon we are all going to disappear and AI is going to take over. AI is going to just kiss us goodbye. I really don’t know.”
“Electronic music is progressing really quickly, and now, almost anyone can be a DJ, and almost anyone could be a studio producer,” he noted.
“Almost anyone could create festival events and parties as we know it. It’s going to be a very interesting time to see which way this goes,” Cox observed.
“Now, come to my party on TikTok and then turn up and then expect to be flown on a private jet. Have all your entourage and come to a festival. You play for two hours of a pre-recorded set and then you’ll be seen as a king or a queen based on what you’ve done. I mean, that is a set up. That’s a template for success,” he elaborated.
“I mean, some people do really well and there’s a lot of people that don’t. It’s going to be an interesting time to see where this will end up eventually,” he noted.
“You are looking at someone who has had a 45-year career from going from point A to point B. I’m still in this Point B, and I am still being creative in the pot by still working hard,” he explained.
“I’m not following any fashions or trends. Hopefully, I am still being a leader in what I am doing,” he added.
Carl Cox on the unifying power of music
For Cox, music is a very unifying and healing thing. “We are all human beings at the end of the day,” he said.
“As you know, there is a lot going on in the world right now,” he attested. “Music has been the catalyst of bringing people together in a very positive form.”
“So, I’m a big part of the idea that we are all in this together,” he added.
Cox on his James Brown remix project being ‘distinct’
On his James Brown remix project being distinct, Cox remarked, “When I did this James Brown remix project, it really didn’t fit into any category. It’s not techno, it’s not house music, it’s not breakbeat, and it’s not acid jazz.”
“It was an amalgamation of the amount of music that I’ve put together, which has created that funk, energy, and that push and sound to it,” he said.
“Some DJs are going to find it really difficult to play the James Brown remix, while others are going to think it’s the best thing they’ve heard since sliced bread because it’s very different,” he explained.
The James Brown and Carl Cox remix project (released via Universal Music Enterprises) is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
Carl Cox on performing in Greece
Cox shared that he has an affinity and love for visiting and performing in Greece, especially the Greek island of Mykonos. “It’s always wonderful,” he admitted. “It is always fun to play in Greece. When I play in Athens, you are in an arena. When you play in Greece, they really come towards you, and they want to push you.”
“In Greece, they want you to play your music, but they want you to give them something more, and I like that,” he noted. “For me, that’s fantastic to be able to elaborate on that.”
“I recently played at Scorpios Mykonos for the first time in ages,” he said. “That was a bit of a challenge because it’s been kind of weaned on Afro house sound, and I’ve got no problem with that, as long as people are grooving and having a good time.”
“I’ve also played Cavo Paradiso Club for many, many years. So, it’s a bit different to play that venue. While it may be a challenge for me, I have had a really great time playing Scorpios Mykonos.”
“I will be going back this year to Greece,” he revealed.” I’m not sure where to play. Hopefully, I can play Cavo and Scorpios, so that I can just share the love.”
“I have also played Paradise Beach Club in Mykonos once before and it was amazing. That venue is absolutely beautiful,” he added.
Advice for young and emerging artists
For young and aspiring artists, Cox encouraged them to “just be themselves.” “Be true to yourselves,” he said. “Don’t follow anybody even if you are stepping out of your comfort zone.”
“In some ways, you’re going to have to think about how you want to be seen as someone who is able to step out of the realm of comfortability to try and create and follow your own path,” he elaborated.
“At the end of the day, that’s what I have always done,” he underscored. “I have been perceived as a techno DJ, but I also play house music, classic house, breakbeat, acid jazz; moreover, I play disco funk. I’m quite a moving target.”
“I’m glad that you have to try and just think about what I’m going to do next,” he observed.
“What I am going to do is hopefully play the very best piece of music that you’ve heard on any dance floor anywhere in the world,” he added.
Carl Cox defines success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Cox said, “Success basically means that I’ve done a good job. I’ve reached out to people. I’ve made them love. I’ve made them cry. I’ve made them feel excited about their lives and I’ve made them feel that there’s a positive light at the end of the tunnel.”
“All of these things are what made me who I am, and to have the strength by it,” he said. “Success means all of that, to be honest. If I had no success, I would still be a happy man.”
Appreciation for the fans
For his dedicated fans and supporters, he expressed, “It really does take a village.”
“Without the fans, I wouldn’t be where I am today also. Basically, they fans are buying into my success, and helping me with that. I always give back as much as I get back from the crowd,” he elaborated.
“I think that’s plain to see,” he admitted. “If I can go out, shake their hands, even dance on the dance floor with them, I’ll do it.”
“I’ve seen the fans in the streets, in airports, in cafeterias, in cab ranks, or when I’m getting a kebab somewhere and they start talking to me,” he added.
Closing thoughts
Cox remarked, “You can see how positive I am with my position. I really feel very honored, grateful, and humbled by the support that I’ve had over the many years as a DJ.”
“It surprises me as it surprises anyone else that even at the time of my life, I’m still here,” he said.
“I’m still going ahead as if it was the first day that I ever set foot on the U.S. soil and played my records at that particular time. So, I feel very happy and honored about that,” Cox acknowledged.
“So, thank you to everyone out there for supporting me in my quest for life and music. Thank you so much,” Cox said, effusively.
To learn more about electronic and techno superstar Carl Cox, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and visit his official homepage.