DJ Yass has become a familiar face to any serious Defected fan over the last year. Not only has he released a string of great vocal tracks on the Defected and Code Red imprints, but he’s also been one of the most in-demand DJs at our events around the world. We decided it was about time he had the opportunity to mix his own episode of Clubland Adventures. We caught up with him to discuss the mix, his hectic gig schedule and his own adventures in clubland…

Tell us a little about the mix…is it typical Yass?

The way I worked the selection was inspired by my live DJ sets. I tried to imagine a Defected party, starting the selection with soulful and funky tracks and progressively getting a more pumping energy going. It’s mostly made up of upfront Defected promos and some classics I like. I edited a lot of tracks to make the mix more powerful and I also played around with some accapellas and did a few special edits of some of my own recent tracks.

How did you put the mix together?
 
After first concentration on listening to the tracks and making a rough tracklisting, I then did a first bed of selection and mixing tracks live using my studio CD decks. Then I reworked and edited some part of the mix on my computer on Ableton live and Pro Tools. The last step was to finalize a few levels and add some accapellas.

Any standout tracks for you?

'The Ones You Love' song from Frankie Knuckles and the Shapeshifter is one of my favourite tunes at the moment. I'm glad to have included my latest release with Jay Sebag 'All to Me' and also proud to rediscover one of my classic first songs; Yass feat. Tori 'Been Set Free'.

Have you had any interesting Clubland Adventures of your own?

I'm full of Clubland Adventures, so many stories as my DJ life is a real house music crusade. My best memory ever has to be playing at a big event on a beach on a small island close to Tahiti for a full moon party. All the clubbers had to take a boat to join the party; the atmosphere, with the crowd and wild partying all around is an incredible memory for me...

You’ve played all over the world…any favourite venues or crowds?

My favourite venues ever are Club Air in Tokyo, 'Deep' Party (Vanguard Club) in Hollywood L.A and The Southport Weekender. For me they are a combination of the two most important conditions to feel good to spin; great sound system  and a fantastic crowd and vibe. But also when I travel, I like to discover new places and can imagine having mega fun and great parties in unexpected places.

Are there any upcoming gigs you’re particularly excited about?

I have this Defected In The House party on a beach in Dubai coming soon this November with Mr Simon Dunmore. It seems to be a massive event with 3000 people, so I'm  really excited about it. I'll be bringing my dad from Paris for the event...I'm sure we will have fun all together.

What can we expect from you in 2010?

I'm finishing a lot of new tracks at the moment, I have a new  project for Code Red coming up at the beginning of 2010 and a new Yass & Jay Sebag follow up. Also a tracky collaboration with Marlon D and a few other great songs with strong vocals on it. I'm working slowly on my album, taking my time to cook it well...

Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?

Watch out for the new upcoming Yass & Jay Sebag song called 'Lonely', I'm very happy about this new massive production. And also, I'd like to thank the new Defected booking agency for the great organization and the huge party in Amsterdam Dance Event.

Clubland Adventures - The DCA Edits is out now.

Clubland Adventures Episode 9 is out on the 11th of November.