LTJ Bukem has been known in the drum ‘n’ bass scene for a long, long time. A legend? He should be one. With a background in classical piano and as the founder of Good Looking Records, he has played a pivotal role in the rave scene as a producer and DJ almost since its inception. His album Logical Progression helped to forge an entirely new type of music, “intelligent” drum ‘n’ bass, which is a lighter, jazzier, and more ambient form of the popular dance genre. Soon he’ll be here for the first time to showcase his unique mixing talents (see +nightlife p20).

Seriously, how does it make you feel to be spoken of with such reverence?
It's an honor that people suggest such a thing. I never thought we as a scene and myself as a part of that scene would last so long. For people to think maybe we have had an impact with what myself and GLO has done for 15-20 years is just great. And I thank the many different people that have encouraged and helped my journey.

First time in Thailand? Why the wait?
Just haven’t been there, haven’t got around to it. We do so much touring in any one year, it’s actually hard, believe it or not, to get to each place even just once a year. The world is a big place.

From the name of your label, people might get the impression that you’re pretty full of yourself, but in fact you’ve been known to put the interests of other artists on your label before your own. What’s up with that?
Just a way we decided to do things a long time ago, use me to get unknown people known, plus at the same time try to cultivate a music style and sound... and grow a label. Times have changed now and I would not do it at this time. We spent so much time on other people and I think the worst thing in life is when you give everything to someone and not feel appreciated at the end of it. I’m not bitter in any way or regret doing any of the things I did, I just understand people and human nature perfectly now. An enlightening journey... maybe my 2nd album should be called this.

Would you do a remix/ produce for a pop artist? Why or why not?
Of course yes, our music needs to be heard by a lot more people, and this is the chance to do it. As long as the company you do the mix for doesn’t change everything you have done, and what you hand in for your remix doesn’t quite sound like that when it goes out, which happens a lot.

You started on vinyl. Now you have DJs mixing on CDs, computers, even iPods. Is it the same thing?
You’re joking… in a word, no! There is no format sounding better than vinyl. Mp3 on a CD… please, club goers are being sound-cheated. The producer of this track would be hurt after he has spent all his time in the studio… and then hearing it compressed to f*%$ on a big system missing all the wonderful frequencies that were there in its original, correct format. If there were a format sounding as good as mastered vinyl, I would be the first to try it.

Where is drum ‘n’ bass headed? How about dance music in general?
Big question. D&B is definitely going through a peak musically. There is no scene right now that has better music, music with so much life, energy and feeling, make no doubt about it.

Can you give us a little insight into your next solo release?
I have been working on various bits over the last few months. I’m going to release a track called “Switch” as the next thing starting on an album. GLO has lots of things to release in the coming months.