L.A. producer, DJ, and storyteller Josh Legg, better known as Goldroom, makes breezy, tropical music that’s the perfect summer soundtrack. It has the ability to transport you poolside no matter the weather or place. Take one listen to his hit song “Fifteen” and you’ll understand. Along with his original productions, Josh is known for his incredible remixes, and seasonal mixtapes. December 28th Goldroom will arrive to Buenos Aires for the first time to perform an intimate DJ set in Niceto Club.
We caught up with Josh in anticipation of his show to learn a little about his background, what he’s listening to these days, and the best places to hang out in LA.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how Goldroom got started?
I’ve been writing and recording music since I was about ten, living in Boston. My cousin gave me a Tascam 4 track cassette recorder, which began my life as a producer. I had been writing songs on my guitar, but I quickly fell in love with the idea of recording them and trying to make them sound as good as possible. It wasn’t until 2006 that I began experimenting with electronic sounds, but over time that lead me down the path to Goldroom, which I started in 2011 as a my solo project.
Your music always transports us to a very specific place, while telling a vivid story. What or who has inspired your music recently and why?
Music has always been a very escapist art form for me, so often times the things that inspire me are places or feelings or emotions that I wish I was having. I was raised in and around the water, so I find that dreaming about being at sea often comes across in my music. I’ve always loved music that could transport me somewhere else, and so I think I tend to make music that does the same thing for me.
Who are some of the artists that you are currently listening to that we should check out?
Well to be honest I think a lot of my friends are making some of the most exciting music coming out right now. Poolside, Gigamesh, Oliver, RAC, Bit Funk… and there are more. They’re all very inspiring to me.
What are some of the differences between Goldroom in the studio versus live? What can we expect for your performance at Niceto Club?
Sometimes the music that I make, and the music that I put into mixes for soundcloud are often pretty mellow and introspective. I love that vibe in music, but it’s not exactly conducive to a great party. When I DJ, I just try and tell a 2 hour story thats exciting and really is what you’d expect from a Goldroom party. I might like mellow music, but I like a good party even more.
Besides your show, what are you looking forward to in Buenos Aires?
The people and the food! I’ve never been before, so the first thing I want to experience is good people, good drinks, and good food. From everything I hear I think I will love it in BA!
Next time we travel to LA, where would you recommend that we hang out?
Start by having a drink on the rooftop at the Standard Hotel in downtown LA. You’ll get to experience one of the coolest rooftop bars in the city and a place that hosts the best pool parties in California. From there, head to the iconic observatory in Griffith Park so you can check out the Hollywood sign and get the best view in the whole city. Finally, head to the beach in Santa Monica because that is obviously not to miss.
2013 has been a big year for you with the release of your EP Embrace, various remixes, your tour, among other things. What are your plans for 2014?
Well, I’m sure I will be touring even more, but I hope to continue to release more music, both original and remixes. I think 2013 was a great year so if I can keep going like that I’ll be very happy! I really just want to have the time and ability to keep writing new music that I’m excited about. In the end its the songwriting and production that I really love, so expect plenty of new material.