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In the past five years Deviation founder and resident DJ Benji B feted with an impressive roster of guests like Floating Points, James Blake, Hudson Mohawke, Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Peanut Butter Wolf, Omar-S, or J Rocc. He also brought DâM-Funk over for his first ever UK show, supported Flying Lotus since day one, and danced the night away with legends like Theo Parrish, Moodymann, Madlib, or Dego. The Deviation sessions have been held at London clubs like Gramaphone, Concrete, Fabric, or Cable as well as in foreign cities like Berlin, Madrid, New York, or Paris. Musically the party is spanning all genres that fit under the Deviation banner. If you want to know what that means and how it sounds just tune in our first Carhartt Radio Show in 2013 - exclusively prepared by Deviation DJane and NTS radio host Moxie. Her thrilling mix gains an insight into all possible Deviation sound directions. Additional we spoke to BBC 1 radio presenter and Deviation mastermind Benji B about the party and its mission.
How did Deviation start and what was the aim to initiate a new club night in London five years ago?
Benji B.: Deviation started out of a vision to create the club night that I wanted to go to myself. There was nothing like it, and I wanted to create a residency where I could truly represent all the music that I love and play not only on the radio but around the world.
If you could describe the sound that the Deviation sessions are representing in one sentence, what would you say?
Benji B.: Deviation Music.
Do you have a "wish list" of musicians you'd like to see on a Deviation session bill?
Benji B.: Its fair to say that pretty much everyone that was on our wish list for the first 5 years, we managed to get. However there is a never-ending pool of new talent and new ideas, so yes, we have drawn up a new one for the next few years…
What was the most special moment at a Deviation session for you and why?
Benji B.: All our nights at Gramaphone were classics - and there have been so many magic moments. But in more recent memory the 5th Birthday in october was probably the most special night we have ever done. I never ever use the word perfect. But it was perfect. One of those legendary London nights that will be remembered for many years to come.
(Benji B / photo by Lauren Michelle Pires)
On which future projects are you working now? What will be new for Deviation in 2013?
Benji B.: We will be announcing future plans for Deviation this week. 2013 is a new page for the club and really is Deviation 6.0. We are stepping up a few gears and also will have regular sessions in New York, Paris and Berlin.
If you got a tattoo to pay homage to Deviation, what would it look like?
Benji B.: Like a spinning D.
How does your work for BBC influence your work as a DJ and party host?
Benji B.: I receive such an incredible quantity of music every week that I get the opportunity to test fresh music from across all genres in the club.
How does living in London shape your work as a DJ, party host, and radio personality?
Benji B.: It shapes everything - and I owe much of my music taste and my knowledge of clubs to my city.
How did you select the tracks for your Carhartt Radio show?
Benji B.: We approached the mix by picking and choosing some of our favourite tunes from the club from the past few years.
What advice would you give to producers, DJs who are just starting out?
Benji B.: Do you. Follow what you believe in and do not compromise.
What is your musical background?
Benji B.: A lifetime of music collecting, playing, and spinning.
When do you feel most at peace?
Benji B.: When creating.
What superpower would you like to have?
Benji B.: The ability to bend time.
If you didn't do what you do for living, what would you do?
Benji B.: Probably be a photographer.
If you could spend a night partying with any of your icons, who would it be?
Benji B.: Probably Quincy Jones.
What was the best thing for you in 2012?
Benji B.: Deviation's 5th Bday - the best night of the year.
What are you most looking forward to in 2013?
Benji B.: Deviation 6.0.
“London is the place to be” - right or wrong? And why?
Benji B.: London is the centre of the music universe and thats why it is so special.