Dr Blogs - Memories, Mischief and Music w/ Jossy Mitsu 

Back in March, we caught up with Jossy Mitsu at her studio in FOLD, Canning Town. In between jokes and many tangents, we chatted about her early memories of music, working at fabric, school years, and her lifestyle now..

WHAT'S ONE OF THE FIRST TUNES YOU REMEMBER?

{JOSSY}: *sings the beginning of Boyzone - No Matter What*

{JOSSY}: Takes me back to me and my sister dancing on the sofa. That, and also Cotton Eyed Joe. [laughs...]

DID U ALWAYS WANNA BE A DJ?

{JOSSY}: I was always DJing on the side. After studying biology, I thought I might do a masters and go into research, but I just kept DJing, kept going, then gradually it started to change. I've accepted it now.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN'T DJING? 

{SANDY/DR BANANA}: I think I remember you saying once, I think after a party, that you wanted to be a lorry driver, or a train driver or something [everyone laughs..]

WHAT ABOUT THE LIFESTYLE DJING?

{JOSSY}: To be honest, production over the last few years has helped. Especially last year, doing longer tours and being in random places. When I'm producing, I can still feel like I'm doing something, even though I'm resting. Also moving back to Birmingham has helped with the balance.

HOW WAS WORKING AT FABRIC, YOU STARTED IN THE CLOAKROOM RIGHT?

{JOSSY}: I did yeah. That's nearly 10 years ago now...

DID IT HELP WITH DJING?

{JOSSY}: I think some people were aware I DJ'd then, but I wasn't like 'I'm a DJ!' - I didn't really work through the fabric staff that I knew at the time.

[Chenille Trousers, Crochet Shirt]

WHAT WERE THE STEPS THEN?

{JOSSY}: I always met DJs and stuff when they'd come and I'd go and chat to people raving. One of the first people I met was Elijah, on my first or second shift. He just told me to keep going and he booked me for a few of the Butterz nights. So, yeah, it was more like being at Fabric a lot, rather than actually working there.'

YOU ALWAYS LOOK SO CHILLED BEHIND THE DECKS

{JOSSY}: Evvvvvveryone says that! [laughs...]

Thing is, I started on vinyl and when I'd get excited DJing in my bedroom I'd end up knocking the needle or something like that, so I learned to start being a bit more cautious, I guess cause I'm quite clumsy [laughs]... maybe that's why. 

I SAW YOU PLAY AT THE 'WATERSIGN' PARTY. DO YOU GET TO STILL PLAY MANY PARTIES LIKE THAT?

{JOSSY}: I used to do it a lot, like the Unit B1 parties. I'm always up for playing them. I think I'm just a bit out of loop with some of them now and I think there are less than there used to be. It comes with more risk now. 

[Chenille Trousers, Crochet Shirt]

WERE NAUGHTY OR WELL-BEHAVED AT SCHOOL?

{JOSSY}: I think a lot of my friends were naughty, but I wasn't the ringleader. I remember getting in trouble in Physics a lot, being the class clown [laughs]... In general I was well behaved, but cheeky. 

WHAT ARE 3 TRACKS THAT REPRESENT PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE TO YOU?

1. Past: All stars - Walk On By

The OG mix of this reminds me of when I was getting into garage and going down 2-step rabbit holes. I listened to this on repeat and that loop in the first few seconds is fully burned into my brain!

2. Present: Will Hofbauer & Sangre Voss - UKA

They were playing on Rinse the show before mine this month and one of them spun this on their show and I was like yooooo what is this! Tibor showed me the track and then I played it on my show after!

3. Future: Gohda - As I Let Go [Album]

Love the sound of this entire release! Been a big fan of Gohda for years and this just sounds like the future to me! Looking forward to getting my CD in the post! 

Written & Edited by Felix aka Rick Soufflé

Photography by Sandy aka Leonard Noodle