Wookie, better known to some as Jason Chue, is an absolute legend in electronic music. With a career spanning more years than you’ve probably been alive, the founding father of UK Garage and house spent years developing and honing his craft into one which is not only instantly recognisable, but one which spawned countless other artists, genres and more.

For the first time ever, Wookie is making his way down under for a seriously special set at OutsideIn Festival in Sydney. Considering his mythical status in the electronic world, we couldn’t pass up asking him a few questions about the the past, the future, and advice for upcoming artists.

House music has managed to remain a fixture of the dance scene since its humble beginnings. Why do you think this is? 

Disco never really died, it transformed itself into the different forms of dance music we have today. “House Music” is the corner stone.

You were absolutely pivotal in defining a sound known specifically as “UK Garage.” Today, the connectivity of the internet gives producers the ability to hear and create music of all styles. Does our geographical location still affect the sound or style of music we make, and how?

Of course it does, because music is cultural. UK House/Garage is an adaptation of US House/Garage, but because of our cultural backgrounds being slightly different, we (UK) approached the music in a way that showcased our influences. Being quite predominately “Caribbean”.

In saying this, which countries in your opinion have the most important dance cultures?

I couldn’t say if one is more important than the other, but as a region it probably would have to be Europe.

What do you think we’ll see happening in dance music over the next few years?

If I knew, I’d be a rich man. All I do know is we really need more song-based dance music!

You returned to making music in 2012 after a four-year break. I read that your break was partially due to feeling “jaded” that dance music had begun moving from vinyl to mp3. If true, is this still something which worries you?

No, it doesn’t worry me anymore. I’ve accepted this is the way it is, so I try to adapt and keep moving.

Other than that, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen throughout the years that you’ve been making dance music?

Now everyone is doing it, competition is on an all time high right now. Lol..

You’re so well knows for your incredible remixes, giving tracks by Destiny’s Child, Public Enemy and more a signature ‘Wookie sound.’ Would you encourage upcoming producers to remix other tracks or to produce their own, in order to develop their own sound?

I would say to write and produce your own. That’s how I developed my sound, which was 3 years in the making, whilst I was part of Soul2Soul production team. Having your own sound is very important, that way you stand a better chance at being noticed, especially nowadays.

Speaking of remixes, a five-track collection of ‘Higher’ remixes was released a few months ago. Can you tell me a bit about that collection?

“Higher” is a track I worked on with the talented Zak Abel, released independently through my label ‘Man Chu Recordings’ in the UK. All the mixes showcase my individual influences i.e., House, Garage, R&B and then my own ‘94Raw’ remix encapsulate all those in one. Which is the sound of Wookie.

We’re so excited that you’re making the trip down to Aus for a tour, including OutsideIn Festival. What can we expect from your live shows?

Not any more excited than me, it’s my first time to Australia 🙂 In my DJ sets I showcase the sound that is UK garage, with little bits of my influences thrown in. Basically, beats ‘n bass to keep you moving.

Wookie will be appearing at OutsideIn Festival in Sydney on November 29. You can grab yer tickets here.