The FIA Formula E Championship’s resident DJ, under the name of EJ, spoke with Darshan Chokhani on multiple topics regarding his journey, friendship and more.
The motorsport family is chock full of interesting figures, such as Jean-Eric Vergne, Bernie Ecclestone, and others. One of the most intriguing of these figures, however, is Formula E series’ resident DJ, who is dubbed EJ by the electric single-seater racing championship.
EJ – who is part of the Formula E circus – travels to every electric series race with the purpose of enhancing the atmosphere at the track. This entails playing his songs such as ‘No More Chances’, ‘Slipstream’, ‘One More Night’, and others.
However, amid the chaos of the Formula E season, EJ took the time to do an exclusive interview with FormulaRapida.net, as he spoke about his song-playing routine during races, how the deal came to fruition, his relationship with drivers, as well as other things.
The Q&A goes as:
Q) How did the deal with Formula E come about?
EJ: “I was working with Ministry of Sound at the time, the global dance music brand, around seven years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the original Formula E team even before they had a car or a race. They wanted music to play a big part in the championship and so EJ was born to become a figurehead across all music activity.”
Q) How did it feel back then and how does it now, having had a long relationship?
EJ: “It was very exciting and still is very exciting. Having the chance to travel the world, play DJ sets in places no other DJ has performed with incredible backdrops, race fast cars and save the planet. What more could you want?
Q) Is there a special set to play during race weekends, designed for Formula E?
EJ: “It all depends when and where I am playing really. I perform during the race so for this the music needs to be all instrumental so that no vocals clash with the commentary. I have some special edits of music that has been specially written for Formula E that I play at the start of the race and is linked to the TV broadcast, building the anticipation track side and on the television.
“That’s pretty exciting knowing millions are listening. Then my main stage sets all depend on the crowd. Sometimes I get to play more of the music I enjoy, other times it has to be a little more commercial. Wherever it is though I love to put a smile on everyone faces!”
Q) Do the races, cars, drivers etc inspire you in any way with your music?
EJ: “It definitely has done on some of my previous releases. I would say the travelling has more inspired my music though. You get an idea or hear something which turns into another idea and it builds from there.”
Q) Were you a racing fan when you signed up or did you became one?
EJ: “I certainly was. My dad was massively into motorsport and we went to a lot of F1 races. I even got to sit on Ayrton Senna’s knee a very long time ago. It’s fantastic to see how technology is advancing though and we are now in a position where a championship like Formula E can promote electric cars and sustainability.”
Q) Tell us your favorite race or moment you’ve ever had at a race?
EJ: “I think I can wrap this into one for both race and moment. Mexico City last season. The race was incredible with Lucas di Grassi finishing in a pretty spectacular way. I then performed on the main stage to around 30,000 fans. The Mexican crowd are incredible and I cant wait to be back there this year.
“Even though I have said the above another very special moment was being the first DJ to play to a mixed crowd of dancing men and women in Saudi Arabia. Another example of how Formula E are helping to make change across the planet.”
Q) Who do you get along with most amongst the drivers and or the teams?
EJ: “There are a few of them. Mitch Evans, Antonio Felix da Costa, Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne. I was chatting with JEV coming back from Santiago and he let me know he is now DJing. Who knows, maybe you will see a colab in the future!”
Q) What do you make of Formula E and also, do you watch any other forms of racing?
EJ: “The series is getting more and more exciting. More teams, manufactures, bigger events, bigger music artists, better technology, bigger crowds and more and more fans. Sure I watch other forms of motor racing but for me there is only one that is pushing the boundaries: Formula E.”
Q) How do you see the year shaping? Who will win – driver/team?
EJ: “Well we have had two wins so far for BMWi Andretti. The Santiago race was incredible. They are looking pretty strong. JEV has won the past two seasons with DS Techeetah. Sam Bird is always up there. Mercedes and Porsche are now in the championship. To be honest I can’t call it. It would be nice to see a Brit win this season though.”
Q) What can we expect from you this season? And what events are you excited for?
EJ: “As mentioned previously I always look forward to Mexico, but this season is a return to my home town London on 25th and 26th July at the Excel Centre. Can’t wait for that. We also have some new locations such as Seoul and Jakarta. I always look forward to going to new cities to see what they have to offer. If your readers are attending any of the races, would be great for them to come and say hi.”
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The story was co-written by Darshan Chokhani