Ana: How did you get into DJing? 

Goodwill: This is a two answer question.  First, why I started DJing?  Because, I would go to parties and get upset.  Because the DJ would just play what he wanted and not care what we, the people (that paid to get in, buy drinks and support the club and DJ's) wanted to hear.  (Any DJ who plays out and travels, knows you play for the people, not yourself.)  Second, I went to college in Delaware and I would hang with Trevor Lamont (part label owner and DJ).  We would always hang in Philly meeting up with King, Josh, Robbie Tronco and Tee Alford: DJs that we both look up to.  I was at a party and I met these guys called "Dead By Dawn" - promoters.  I gave a tape and they asked me to join the crew and the rest is history. 

Ana: Tell me more about the Soul Society Records...what kind of artists does it sign and what kind of music? 

Goodwill: Soul Society is my way of giving back to what this whole music scene has given me.  Iwanted to start a label that treated the artist fairly and honestly as well as produce good music.  I have not signed anyone yet, but you can send demo tapes.  I am looking for music that is "transformable," music that a house DJ or techno DJ can play it. (not techno house, but deep techno). 

Ana: Dance music has been around for a long time.  How firmly have you got your foot set in the NJ's music culture and what are your predictions about the development of the scene in the States and globally? 

Goodwill: Yes, dance music has been around a long time, and as for me and the NJ music culture, I am set.  A lot of producers live near which is a good thing if you are looking to work on music with others and we have some very good techno/house record stores as well, but, as for the club/rave seen it is not so great.  A few of us have their own club nights and if you are lucky, it will last for more than one month.  The rest of us just stay or go to New York City or Philly.  What are my predictions for the scene in the States ... It will be more shifting towards the clubs, because the clubs are as big as warehouse and people will not search for a good party if they don't have to, just make the one you have "good" and people will come and never leave.  As for globally, as long as the $$$, is good I think.  It will just get bigger, but this does not mean better ... , just bigger.  Will it hurt the underground? - Never. 

Ana: How big is the role of a good label in uniting the clubbing scene and why is underground dance music crossing borders? 

Goodwill: A good label plays a big role; if the label does not respect the artist then the artist is not going to respect music and it will result in producing a bad music, a bad name for the artist and label.  A good label has the vision to put out music that people want to hear before they know it.  This music is not just put on a CD or a tape or played on a home system, but in a big club/rave.  And that's the reason you have to have vinyl, (some labels don't think it is important to make vinyl).  Most records become underground hits which makes people want to find this music and where it is being played (creating a buzz).  If a friend tells you they heard a track at some party and you go looking for it, chances are you will not find any info on it.  This makes you want to go to this party to hear this music.  Who knows, you just might meet the procure or label owner. 

Ana: What is (are) your favorite record label(s)? 

Goodwill: My favorite labels ...  I can't name them all, but let's just say any that put out good music on a consistent basis. 

Ana: Playing a role in the New Brunswick club scene is a big deal when so many record labels and artists are emerging every day...  How much control is given to you as a manager in regard to producers, artists, artwork, promotion, etc.? 

Goodwill: Well, as for the New Brunswick's scene, I don't have control and no one should.  I like to give everyone a chance: artists, producers, promoters and DJs.  If you are good, then you are good.  And if you are bad then make yourself better.  Don't give up. 

Ana: What about the guest DJs who play in your club "IO"  Can you name some of them? 

Goodwill:  As for the guest DJs I had at my club: Tony Rodriguez (Brothers Vibe), Tee Alford (Area Code, Funky People), The New Jersey Underground, Joey Dayz, Soul Flower, Evets, Todd G(Mission Records) - just to name a few. 

Ana: What is the scene like in New Jersey? Describe a great club night at "IO," for example. 

Goodwill: The scene in New Jersey is cool but small.  There are a lot of producers and DJs, but not too many places to play.  As for a good night at club "IO" the best way I could say is that you hear real good deep house (i.e. Tony Humphries style) and good techno (i.e. Jeff Mills style).  Now that's a good night at "IO." 

Ana: Is there a form of music you like to play the most?  Describe your style and who are your favorite artists? 

Goodwill: I love to play techno and house so much.  I always have a hard time packing my records when I play out, so I play both.  I would consider my style deep techno (not techno house).  As for artists, I have too many to name. 

Ana: Where have you played so far ? (countries, clubs...) 

Goodwill: I have played in Canada, Toronto at "Blue Ottawa" at The Well, US, Atlanta at "Sol," San Francisco at "Spundade," New York City at "Bar 16", Baltimore at "Paradox," and New Jersey at "Black Box" to name a few. 

Ana: It seems like there is a need of labelling music styles today.  Is it because there are really so many different styles of music, or is it just a trend? 

Goodwill: I think it's just a trend and it's a bit confusing if you ask me.  If you ask someone what is deep house you will get 50 different answers and if you don't know your music you will be misled. 

Ana: What do you think about the US underground music scene in comparison to the European?  Is there a part of the world that's pushing the best music now? 

Goodwill: I have not made it overseas so I don't know that much about it, but from what I am 
told by my friends who have been and what I read, it's seems good.  The one thing Europe has over the US is that you have support for and of the underground that to me is the big difference (i.e. radio shows, tv shows, and sponsorship).  As for the part of the world is doing it with the music, I would have to say France for house and England for techno and Canada (Stickman) for techno house fans. 

Ana: What do you think is essential for a producer to emphasise on, since there are so many tunes being produced today and how can a DJ distinguish the good from the bad tunes? 

Goodwill: A producer must take in consideration of the DJ who will be playing it (make it DJ friendly), because not all DJs play all night long or at the same place.  Don't make a track 10 minutes long if it does not do anything until the last 4 minutes.  Just give me the 4 (good) minutes.  As for good and bad tunes, some DJs can make a bad track good or at least make you feel different about it.  I have seen DJs play tunes for 10, 15 and 20 minutes and just eq the heck out of it and after you hear this, you are digging it.  So as for bad and good tunes, it depends on who is playing it and where and how it is played. 

Ana: Have you been involved in music production so far? 

Goodwill: I have worked on some music and I will be doing a lot more of it (check out the first release "Hint"). 

Ana: What about the clubbing culture... everyday we hear about clubs opening or closing, underground clubs.... Clubbing has become an expensive trend, a competition among popular clubs, a weekend fashion...  Do you think that the real underground essence of the dance culture is in danger? 

Goodwill: All scene is in danger if you take it for granted, (underground, rave and club).  A lot of people do parties just to do them and don't think about the money "realize people."  The money you make put back in to your club or next rave or next underground party and get a better space, DJs or music or even buy that warehouse that you are renting.  I know it's not easy but if we don't have a place to play then we will not have people to play for. 

Ana: What is your advice for DJs who are just starting? 

Goodwill: To you DJs just starting, one thing: Don't give up! 

Ana: And for the last, what are your future plans?  

Goodwill: Hopping to come play to you people out there ... 

Thank you Jay! 

(c) 1998

You can send demo tapes to:
GOD'S HOUSE INC+ SOUL SOCIETY RECORDS C/O  J. GOODWILL
92 NEW ST. NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901
USA
Contact:jgoodwil@magpage.com
FON-732-220-9003/FAX/732-220-6500

For DJ booking call Ann Betts at Pleasure Entertainment
++ (314) 995-2631