OSLCTS.010 JOSSY MITSU
Jossy Mitsu is a force to be reckoned with. From her mind-bending skills as a DJ, consistently incredible shows on her Rinse FM residency, and her ability to churn out a plethora of dark and intelligent music productions; she is likely to be your favourite artist’s favourite artist, presuming they have taste.
Recently relocating back to her home base of Birmingham, her work rate only increased further. The change in scenery has only seemed to strengthen her missile-like focus on the sounds of underground dance music: releasing ‘Planet J’ earlier this year under London label Astral Black and also a 4 track EP under the moniker CELINE with contrasting sonics in late 2020.
Her newfound duality as an artist comes as no surprise to long-standing fans. After tearing apart DJ sets solo, B2B, or in group settings, the coherency in sound despite mixing everything from house, techno, garage, grime can be found in everything she does. There is a reason why Jossy Mitsu has become a household name for underground DJs around the world and it has everything to do with talent, work rate, and pure and honest love for the music and what she does.
JOSSY MITSU SELECTION —-
Clout Psychosis - DJ Swisha
Diving Birds - Facta, Parris
Creepin’ - Fridge, Xyrnn, Yayoyanoh
Baga Dms - Scratcha DVA, Karen Nyame KG
Exorcism of a Self-Help Book
Hannibal Hector - Nammy Wams
shhh - LCY
Cant Stop - Reddo, Brodinski
WH?T - FJAAK
Lifespan OSSX
Firstly, I would love for you to talk to us about your selects, why have you chosen the songs you have chosen?
These tracks are a mixture of different styles that I’ve been listening to lately that are inspiring my productions massively. They all have an element of creativity, soulfulness, or just pure fun that I love!
You recently released Planet J on Astral Black, after years of playing and collecting vinyl what was it like to hold a physical copy of your work?
It’s so mad! Especially after being so involved in the design process too, it’s a completely surreal feeling that I can’t seem to get used to! But now that it’s been out for a few weeks I feel like I’ve gone through the entire release process from start to finish so I’m ready for the next one.
Have you found there has been a shift in your mentality since you have started releasing music? How has the response been so far?
Definitely! It’s so different from DJing, and even though they’re very connected it uses a completely different skillset and process of decision-making. It’s scary but pushing myself to do it anyway has helped me learn a lot about myself. At times it’s felt like a whole new level of self-analysis and being self-critical that I’m learning to manage. It’s all very new but the response has been really positive!
Being back in Birmingham, what are you missing about London (if anything) and when the clubs are re-opened will you be driving up to party with us?
I definitely miss the spontaneity of living in London and the endless possibilities on a day or night out and bumping into familiar faces constantly. I’m happy to have been away from London for this period but I’m planning to move back later this year and there’s absolutely no way I’m missing out on the clubs reopening!
Growing up there do you feel it has given you a different outlook on dance music?
100%. I think living outside London but following scenes where a lot takes place in the capital, it made me appreciate it more as things weren’t as accessible or right on my doorstep all the time. There wasn’t a huge variation on nights to go to but that made me more interested in the more niche stuff that was happening outside the city. The nights I did go to were a lot of fun though and a very different atmosphere to the intensity of London. I wouldn’t change it for the world!
What are you most excited about, this summer?
Honestly, I’m most excited to be able to go out with my friends and hopefully travel a little bit. I think the general atmosphere whether that’s at house parties, clubs, parks will be so great and I can’t wait for it!
Radio has played a huge role in your journey so far, what does it mean to you?
Radio has been so important as the playground to showcase my sound and as an opportunity to reinvent myself. It’s an outlet for many of us to express and share whatever sounds we’re feeling. Live shows in particular for me are such a thrill and therapeutic at the same time, and over the years being free to be myself on air has allowed me to develop my mixing and hosting style. I feel like radio shows are a time capsule too, especially if it’s someone known for playing new music. Sometimes I come across shows from a few years ago that I’m blown away by or old recordings from the 90s and they are literally like treasure and it’s sick!
What have been the most trying challenges you’ve faced in the last year and how have you overcome them?
Where do I start! The hardest thing has no doubt been the mental challenge of staying motivated, focused, and trying to make the most out of a shit situation. Also not getting in my own way but progress has definitely been made by building for the future, knowing this is just temporary, and putting my energy into things that I enjoy as emotional outlets like getting lost in playing the piano and building physical strength.
What are your plans for this year?
At the moment I’m really enjoying working towards a second release, and have confirmed some shows across the UK that I’m really excited for! Some have been announced already but there’s a lot more under wraps that I can’t wait to share!
Who are your ones to watch for 2021?
Omggg there are so many! Some people have been very active over the past year, others have been quiet, taking breaks or silently working/learning and all deserve consideration. But, my favourite DJ to watch for this year would have to be my girl ELISE from New York! Her twitch streams have been such a blessing and I can’t wait to see her take over the clubs!
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Interview by @lcy__________