DJ EZ Thinks You Should Get Off Your Computer and Back Into the Club

One of UK garage's true legends, DJ EZ, is in the midst of a five-date North America tour. Having already hit the first weekend of California megafestival Coachella and Denver's Club Vinyl, he's set to return to Coachella this weekend, stop by San Francisco venue F8 for a gig, and then close things out in Brooklyn at Output on April 24.

If Otis Roberts' stage name sounds familiar but you can't quite place why, that's probably because he recently played for 24 hours straight in support of cancer research in the UK, raising over $80,000 in the process. The man has been DJing since he was a kid—he landed his first radio gig when he was 14—and his career resume includes over 15 years spent doing a weekly radio show for London's KISS FM, a stint which unequivocally made him one of the scene's dominant figures.

The artist first toured the States in 2014, and in our interview with him last year he spoke about the relationship between fame and DJing.

Ahead of Roberts' hop across the pond, THUMP interviewed him via email to talk about IRL vs URL clubbing, the legacy of UK garage, and clubbing as a lifestyle.

THUMP: You've been in the game for a long time. How has the concept of the DJ, and clubbing, changed?
DJ EZ: A great deal if I'm honest. Clubbing is a way of life now for many people rather than just 'going out' for a night of partying. Also, many years ago, the concept of the DJ simply used to be a man or woman playing tracks at house parties, warehouses, festivals and of course the clubs. These days, DJs can be found in just about any place where people go dancing and the more well-known are labeled artists who perform live sets vs DJ sets.

There's a lot of talk about how young people don't like to go out anymore. Do you think that's true?
I can't say that I've noticed less young people going out myself. If it is true, then it might have something to do with social media and the internet, both of which enable people to watch live performances for free and at the click of a button. Personally, they should get out and soak up the atmosphere and be a part of an event or gig rather than rely on smartphones and technology. On the flip side, social media and the internet are great tools for those unable to get out and experience live events, such as individuals under a certain age.

Why do you think garage is having a resurgence at the moment?
I think garage has always been around, and I find it exciting that it's still going strong. The difference now is that more and more DJs, artists, and producers—some of which are mainstream—are incorporating garage into their sets and productions, which attracts a whole new audience.

Do you think it will pick up in the US?
There has always been a garage scene in the US, but garage and bass music has grown in popularity over the past few years. Some Americans may never have heard of this genre of music, but it has been around in the UK for well over 20 years. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to showcase the genre in the US and encourage anyone who hasn't already checked out what the scene has to offer also to learn some more about the music, and some of the talented DJ's and producers that have made this exciting sound.

Any more marathon DJ sets on the horizon?
I had fully recovered after a couple of days from the 24-hour marathon set in February 2016 in aid of Cancer Research UK. We've already raised over £60,000 (roughly $86,000) and people can still show their support by making a donation via my website at djez.com. After such amazing support, I wouldn't rule out another marathon set in the future, but right now, I'm looking forward to my US tour, as well as performing at Coachella to some very memorable crowds.

DJ EZ tour dates:

April 22 - Indio, CA - Coachella
April 23 - San Francisco, CA - F8
April 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Output