Emerging UK house maestro Josh Butler turned heads when he unleashed “Got A Feeling,” a massive track that featured a crafty remix by Bontan. On September 29 Butler and Bontan’s “We Found A Place” will be made available after advance support from Pete Tong and Annie Mac. Featuring Josh Barry on vocals and released on Chase and Status’ famed MTA imprint, the new jam is primed and ready to storm the charts and dance floors all over the world.
Before the release of his future club classic, Butler forged a Big Shot Guest Mix featuring “We Found A Place” as well as upfront floor movers from Mat.Joe, Hector Couto, Liam Geddes and others.
Crank up Butler’s mix to 11 and check out our exclusive interview where the man of the moment explains how the amazing collaboration came together, labels and producers who’ve influenced his sound and his special relationship with MTA Records.
Big Shot Guest Mix: Josh Butler by Big Shot Magazine on Mixcloud
There’s a nice buzz about “We Found A Place.” How did this fantastic collaboration come about? Was it produced together in the studio or did you swap files over e-mail?
Josh Butler: I have known Bontan for years now. We originally met through a mutual friend and instantly clicked as we both produced music. So this collaboration was basically just us finally getting in the studio and joining our styles together. It was all done in the studio, we only live around 20 minutes from each other.
The song takes a page from deep-house anthems released in the ’90s. While you do have a techier side, how much does music from that era inform and influence your sound?
We wanted to keep this track true to house music’s roots. I love some techier modern sounds, but I think the sound of soulful deep house is timeless. Artists such as Kerri Chandler, Masters at work and Todd Terry, etc. have influence my sound a lot. They are some of the pioneers and originators of this genre, and I want to keep that alive!
Is there a particular label or DJ from that era that inspires you?
It’s hard to just chose one. I love a lot of the stuff from King Street, Nervous Records, Strictly Rhythm and Mad House!
Your work has received attention from the likes of Pete Tong and other industry bigwigs. What’s that like for you?
Honestly, mind-blowing and very rewarding! I’ve listen to Pete’s Radio 1 show since I was a kid.
In October you play MTA’s five-year anniversary party at Warehouse Project. How do you reflect on your association with MTA? What type of set are you likely to play?
MTA have been a huge part of my career so far. They are a great bunch, they really support my vision and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. My set will all depend on the energy in the room at the time. I will always include elements of my sound. Even if I start deep, I will always build the vibe and work with the crowd to find a balance.
What’s your guiltiest musical pleasure?
Probably happy hardcore
Any plans to play the U.S. in the near future?
No plans set in stone but there are talks of a tour sometime next year.
Big Shot Guest Mix: Josh Butler
1. Mat.Joe & Thabo Getsome – “You See Me”
2. Hector Couto – “Dreamer”
3. Josh Butler & Bontan – “We Found a Place” (Dub Mix)
4. Liam Geddes – Untitled
5. Tommy Vercetti & Piotr & Zhan – “In The Back”
6. Josh Butler – “Educate”
7. Cristoph – “Shelter” (Josh Butler Remix)
8. Truth Be Told – “Appointment”
9. Daily Rhythm – Untitled
10. Josh Butler – “Sideways Acid”
11. Josh Butler – “Keep Moving” (Less is more VIP)
12. Sascha Sonido – “Taronga”
13. PAWSA & Wade – “Anahata” (Hector Remix)
14. Josh Butler – “Snake Skin Dub”