DJ Phil Asher

Phil Asher, DJ and head honcho of Restless Soul records, talks to The London Word about DJing for the East Village’s fifth Birthday celebrations and his love of Turkish tantuni restaurants.

What have been your career highs and lows?

‘I am so charmed to live the life I live, so I consider every day a high point!  If I had to choose it’s definitely working with some of the amazing artists over the years, such as Marlena Shaw, Rich Medina, Mike Lindup (Level 42), Damon Albarn and remixing Earth, Wind & Fire. But having my beautiful son is probably my best production!

‘The lows are not being able to see into the future, and losing touch with old friends in the business.’

Who are  your influences?

‘Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Salsoul, Philadelphia int. Underground resistance, Kenny Dope, Christian Pronovost, EZEL, Atone, Craig Smith, and all the artists on my labels… too many to list.

‘Also, my son and friends; a dance-all-night-crowd; dub – only recently mind – any well-produced and warm music; interactions with humans; electronic media; and tantuni, which is a Turkish delicacy!’

Whereabouts do you live in London?

‘I currently live in north London. I love the choice of food, parks and my secret record digging locations and the lack of congestion zone there.’

If you could change anything about the city, what would it be?

‘I’d get rid of the congestion zone and open more tantuni restaurants!’

Tell us about the birthday celebrations at East Village?

‘It’s our five-year celebration, which is a milestone. We’ve had some epic nights at the club over the years. So it’s a chance to gather like-minded people to share the celebration – and a way of thanking the regulars as well as introducing new people to East Village.

‘I know East Village has done a fine job of keeping on top by hosting nights with all genres of music, booking some of the best UK and international DJs, installing the new soundsystem and bar revamp. It’s all positive changes.’

Describe your perfect night out?

‘It would have to be a Friday night – kicking off with drinks at a friend’s place, then dinner at Taayabs in Whitechapel, followed by listening to The Mighty Zaf spin his tunes preferably at East Village, onto a friends for a nightcap, then breakfast at the Electric on Portobello. Done!’

Do you see yourself as always being a DJ?

‘Yes, probably in some sort of capacity – be it radio or weddings and 60ths!’

Phil Asher will be DJing at East Village’s 5th Birthday celebrations on Saturday 2 February, 89 Gt Eastern Street London. EC2A 3HX, Tel: 020 7739 5173

Tickets available form Resident Advisor for £8 in advance, £10 before 11.30pm and £12 after on door

Phil will also be DJing at The Date on Saturday 3 March, Loft Studios, 77 – 81 Scrubs Lane, London, NW10 6QP, Tel: 020 8969 0567

Tickets also available from Resident Advisor. £15.00 early birds, £18 standard ticket price.

For more information check out Phil’s Facebook page

Photo courtesy of Jos Kottmann