Long time me wanted to have this piece about jojoflores here on IDMW.Com. In fact, since that memorable night that his Gotsoul label had in conjunction with Osunlade's Yoruba) last March in Miami. It was the first time me meeting him over there, and who I discovered was someone as cool as deeply concentrated into what he had to deal with. A guy whose talent behind the decks dubbed with simplicity and obvious charm would have no doubt been for much on his growing position on the (DJ) box office. We ended up catching each other right before his departure for a his current DJ tour in South Africa …

Yaow Mista Flores. How have the things been for you since last March in Miami ?

Better than I expected. It’s been non-stop travelling. I have to say, the last Conference was by far the most rewarding.

We haven't heard that much of you here, although being a reknown DJ/producer all over the North American continent. Would you mind having a few words as an update (or a reminder) to who you are ?

Well, there are certain parts of Europe where I have made a name for myself, but it is not a market that I focused on. I feel 2005 is the year for me to do so. I spent the past few years establishing myself in North America. For the people who aren’t aware of who I am, my name is jojoflores (one word all lower case) from Montreal, Canada. I’m CEO, A&R, and founder of Gotsoul Recordings. Jamsteady is one of my other projects not too many people know about. I organize a weekly event in Montreal called “Therapy.” The party is now a monthly event in Toronto, NYC, and L.A. I’ve been DJing for over 22 years, more than half my life so I’’m known more as a DJ than a producer… which I prefer. I don’t like getting gigs based on productions.

I understand that you have a Latin sounding name. Where is your family coming from ?

I was born in the Phillipines, but I’m Phillipino Canadian.

How has your childhood been ? Has your environment been for anything in who you are ? What is your background ?

My childhood was great. I have 1 brother and 3 sisters so we were a full house… never a dull moment. I grew up listening to what my parents and older sister were playing- 50’s to 80’s music from Rock, Disco, Motown, Funk, Soul & Hip Hop. My dad use to DJ, and as you can see it has influenced me.

Living in Montreal (Québec), I also come to understand that you live in the middle of that only French speaking minority on the North American continent. Does this have any effect on your day to day life and subsequently your work ? Is it somehow to be taken as an inconvenient or would you think this can be an advantage ?

It doesn’t really affect my daily life or work although my first language is English. Speaking French is definitely an advantage; it opens up more opportunities.

D'you understand/speak French ?

Un petit peu.

A few words about the local scene and its main actors ? Do you feel close to each other ? Is there any solidarity between you ?

Like in most North American city, Montreal’s scene is small. Other than Therapy, there’s a weekly party called “Soul Mekka” hosted by Uzi and Natacha – they’re one of the key promoters in the city. We’ve collaborated on projects in the past and will continue working together in the future. Montreal has some really talented and knowledgeable DJ's. Most of you have heard of Fred Everything, Bougie Soliterre or Miguel Graca, but there are some really dope hidden talent : Christain Pronovost who owns Inbeat Record Shop and Tony Desyprius from Utopia’s Paradise radio show. Both have been instrumental in pioneering house music in Montreal and continue to promote the music. There are a couple of upcoming and devoted DJ's who are worth mentioning: Pat Boogie, Simon B., and Michael Terzian. I try to help out people who are part of the local scene. It’s not always easy, and doesn’t always work out, but at the end of the day, I know an effort was made.

Could it be that, like say from Chicago to Baltimore and New York, there's a specific sound in Montreal as compared to Toronto ?

There’s not really a specific sound. Although, I play in both cities regularly, I noticed a difference in sound and technique. Not so much now than in the early or mid 90’s. Montreal’s sound was influenced by NYC (Disco & Garage) and Toronto’s by Detroit (Techno). Those were the 2 major U.S. cities, which were nearby.

The Canadian scene was quite prolific during the disco era with people like Gino Soccio, France Joli, Lime, Geraldine Hunt, Chantal Curtis and the likes. Have they been of any influence on you ?

I wouldn’t say Canadian. It was more a Montreal thing. Disco was huge in Montreal ! They have not influenced me, but Disco helped me become a better DJ. Mixing Disco is quite difficult and demands concentration. If you can mix Disco, House music is a breeze.

Would you say that there's a slight difference between Canadians and Americans in terms of sensibilities, approaches, etc. ?

In my opinion, Canadians are more peaceful, and less patriotic. Most Canadians I know don’t even know the words to the national anthem. I find we are more liberal.

The people abroad you feel close to. In America ? Europe ? Elsewhere ?

I feel real close to my American friends. I travel to the U.S. so often that great friendships have developed through time. Greece, Singapore and the Philippines are other places.

Back to that specific night you've had in Miami which, for the attendees will be remembered as one of the finest moments of the last Conf', we've noticed the existence of a strong liaison between you and Osunlade and his posse. How did it start ? What do you feel in common ? Any chance to see you working on some common project productionwise ?

I met Osunlade 5 years ago at the MAW party in Miami. Saint, a producer friend we knew in common introduced us. I had mad respect for his productions so meeting him was a pleasure. We kept in contact and I booked him to play at Therapy and the rest was, as they say, history. Therapy was actually one of his first gigs as a dj. Osunlade and Yoruba Records are part of the Gotsoul family and vice versa. We both love different types of soulful music. We continually introduce each other to new exciting music and artists. I value his opinion on music; he has such great taste. He’s also one of the main reasons Gotsoul exists.

We've noticed diarywise that you're always on the run. What is this that you're currently preparing ?

I’m always looking for new cities to host Therapy. This year Therapy launched in NYC, and L.A. I would love to add Boston in the mix; they have such a great vibe and group of individuals who swear by house music. I’m working on a Funk&Soul Festival in Montreal and an Asian Music Festival in the Phillipines. There’s also a Therapy mixed CD compilation I have been trying to finish since last summer. I have a few Gotsoul releases to put out and I’m constantly working on mini DJ tours.

Miami 2005 ?

We’re working on a Gotsoul, and Therapy event… We’ll keep you posted.

You look like run your activities like some family affairs ? Stronger as a tribe than alone ?

Yes, my sister Bic and my long time friend Mike Fresco are my partners for Gotsoul. My sister and I run Therapy and she manages some of my bookings. The rest of the crew, Misayo, Raphaelle and Jean Aime are part of our extended family. We spend a lot of time together in and out of the Gotsoul office, so we’ve become really close.

Where is this Therapy name come from regarding your nites ?

I was looking for a simple name, but with a double meaning. When a person who comes to our party says, “I’m going to Therapy,” usually people understand it as going to see a psychologist, but the people who know about our party understand that the person is going to Therapy at Jello Bar. I also think, and many of our patrons agree, the music we play at Therapy is Therapeutic. Hence, the name Therapy.

It looks like quite an established name both in Canada and USA Did it take long for such a result ?

It did not take long, but a lot of hard work, dedication and constant networking.

When do we have the chance to see you spinning in Europe ?

You can catch me every other month in Athens. I have a bi-monthly residency at Club Home.

Unless being badly informed, we haven't heard that much of your Gotsoul label these past weeks/months. Any specific reason ?

We spent the most of 2004 signing projects. Wait until you hear the next Gotsoul releases.

How has been 2004 for you and what will you remember of it?

2004 was my best year as a DJ… so far. It’s the year I became internationally known. I’ve matured a lot as a person through my travels and continue to learn each day.

What should be done regarding the current situation of the record industry ? The house scene ?

Producers should keep shit to themselves. It’s great when I receive unreleased projects. I’m the type of person who can keep a secret so their music is safe with me, but, some other cats be giving shit away like it’s their labels. Easier said than done ! Should release projects right away… Not months later !

Would you say like you have to deal differently with your label ?

Yes, every label has a different approach. That’s not to say mine is right, but it is right for me.

What do you expect/hope in 2K5 ?

More success. Like Run DMC, “I won’t stop rocking ‘til I retire.”

More info : gotsoulrecords.com / therapynights.com / jojoflores.com

You may catch jojoflores this Sat, Dec 18 in Capetown, RSA, alongside Vinni Da Vinci (House Afrika), Octave & Odwa at the Oneonefive nighter @ Deluxe : 159-161 Unity House, Long Market (Cnr Long St)