In The Laser Light: Big J

By Pendulum, posted July 08, 2010

We continue our new series of random member interviews. This instalment, we get to know new member Big J. 'In The Laser Light' is a new, ongoing 'get to know your fellow Trancetriber' series of interviews.

Name?
Jon Sermon

Location?
Sydney, Australia

How you first came to listen to Trance music?
Listening to Gatecrasher Red and Ferry Corstens Trance Nationa album. As soon as I heard System F - Out of the Blue, i was hooked!

What is it about trance music that you enjoy?
As a DJ, I love playing with people emotions. Taking them on a journey throughout their evening. Almost like a rollercoaster ride. You can take them up, bring them down - you can make their night doing something you love, they love and they'll love you for it.

From the spectator side of things. I love the unity it brings. House music has attidue with it. Who looks cool, who is wearing what? Whose mates with who. Trance, we're all friends, we all want to have a good time. Trance is more universal i think.

Your first trance music experience in a club, and how was it?
Gatecrasher in the UK at the NEC Arena. All the trance greats, PVD, TIESTO, FERRY in one arena..........how do you think it was

How your tastes have changed since you started listening?
Yep for sure. My problem is, I love all kinds of music. Trance is where my heart is though. I love the way its come, but i don't want people to forget where it came from. We have so many new guys on the scene now taking it to exciting levels, its important not to take it out of "what trance is".

The great thing is, thse classics never die. I can still do a radio show or a set and drop tunes that are ten years old and they get just as good reception as the latest tyDi or Richard Durand release. Thats great!

Favourite Track of all time?
System F - Out of the Blue. I've got a great story about it too. I'll share it one day.

Your favourite places to go out to listen to trance music?
Amnesia in Ibiza. Godskitchen in Birmingham. The Gallery when it was at Turnmills. I'll never forget my set there. Am still finding new places in Sydney, any pointers?

What would be your dream event, including lineup and venue?
Wow, I have thought about this so much. Its almsot like the "what would you do if you won the lotto question".... Ok, no budget and all in my control.
I'd host a 24hour event at Amnesia. I'd include the trance greats Ferry, Tiesto, Armin, PVD, Marco V, Shulz, Marcel Woods. I'd also invite the guys that have surfaced over the last few years - SVD, tyDi, MaRLo, Richard Durand, Barnes & Heatcliffe, JOC to name a few. I'd also get some locals along too. Its important to showcase local talent as well as get the big guns in! Otherwise no one ever gets discovered.

What do you think of the current state of the trance scene in Australia and your local city?
Having moved to Sydney in March, the scene is behind London where i played. I've noticed that Melbourne has lots going on. Sydney is developing, its exciting as there is some great DJs out there that are trying their best and will do whatever they can. The problem with Sydney is that is a lot of education needed as to What Trance is? Sometime i think if you labelled a night differently and played Trance music people would come, but as soon as you say I play Trance people turn themselves off the idea. Education is great, I love changing peoples mind. I think like anywhere we need to remember why we do what we do and remember that DJing, partying is about having fun, meeting new people. Plus, i've noticed that Australia in general has a lot of festivals which i think makes it harder for local DJs and Promotoers to get their nights up and running.

What's the best thing about being in the trance scene
there is no attitude, everyone wants the same thing - to have fun and appreciate good music.

What's the worst thing about being in the trance scene?
Sometimes it can all become a bit too 'clichy', like we're all in competition with each other to play the best promos out there. I played a night with one guy who played nothing but promos, his set was great, but no one dancing knew any of the tunes.

Beer, Spirits, Juice or Water?
Beer. Loving the aussie beers.

Stay out all night, or head home early?
All night dude!

Tell us one thing about yourself that makes you unique?
I try to help everyone i meet.

Tell us one thing about yourself that we'll be sorry we asked about?
I do tend to go on.

Your favourite Trancetribe Member and why?
I'm pretty new to the forum as you know. I like whoever replies to my posts. No seriously, i think that we should try and get people joining in the fun, inviting their mates, and responding to peoples posts. We're all here because we like the same stuff aren't we? Its a great forum, great updates news etc etc. I've already invited my mates from back home.

If trance was a religion, and an 11th commandment was created for it, what would it be?
Thou shalt buy tunes legally