AN ECLECTIC ODYSSEY INTO LATIN GROOVES AND GLOBAL INSPIRATIONS.
Former Sydney DJ and promoter turned Northern Rivers native, Jordan Deck reveals his new Xuja moniker with a stunning mix of Latin American inspired vibes ahead of the upcoming MAHICO Garden Fiesta.
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Can you tell us a bit about your journey into electronic music and DJing? When did you first discover electronic music? I was somewhat of a latecomer to electronic music. I used to play guitar and sing in my teens and was more into the likes of jazz, blues and rock. It wasn’t until I moved to London in 2002 that the electronic bug really got me. Soon after arriving I discovered the Notting Hill Arts Club where Ben Watt & Jay Hannan ran a bi- monthly Sunday party called Lazy Dog. Still my favourite clubbing experience to this day! A sweaty basement club, house music and an amazing community of like-minded people. Close to five years later after living in Latin America, I arrived back home and started collecting and spinning records.
What is the idea behind your Xuja project and where and when was its genesis? After having close to two years off from performing under my name Jordan Deck (yes, ‘Deck’, is my surname), we’ve started hosting our MAHICO Garden Fiesta parties up here in the Northern Rivers. To be honest my name just looks strange to me on the flyers. My music tastes have changed and I guess I have too. I decided to create a moniker, so my partner and I sat down and brainstormed some possible names and Xuja is what came from it.
How did you decide to approach your mix? Was there a concept behind it? I had been digging for new tunes diligently for quite a few months. All of which were a lot slower than what I typically would play. The common narrative was they all had an organic and analog feel to them, with a mix of latin and world music influences. To be honest I didn't have a grand plan for this mix. I knew what I wanted to start with and the rest just flowed from there with what I was feeling and vibing in the moment.
Are there any particularly special tracks or moments in there for you? Yeah I really love the Alex Serra track ‘Outter Space’ remixed by Joaquin Cornejo towards the end of the mix. It’s simply epic, emotive and beautiful. It definitely strikes a chord each time I listen to it.
The next MAHICO Garden Fiesta is being held this weekend. What are these events all about and what can attendees expect at this upcoming edition? MAHICO is a brand that I started with my partner Raquel earlier this year. We import textiles and art from Mexico. What started as an opening fiesta for our shop in Brunswick Heads has turned into a regular event where we gather to celebrate music, food and community. Expect lush green grass on your dancing feet and a margarita in hand as you exchange moments of joy with your fellow amigos. Salud!
Name one of your all-time favourite albums to chill out to that you’ll never get sick of. That’s a tough one. So many favourites! But I'll never get sick of playing Kenny Burrell’s album Midnight Blue.
