Philadelphia-born and based Josh Wink is one of the true pioneers of techno, house, and allied styles – blurring the definitions. Taking trends, making trends, and breaking trends, Josh Wink’s music has always experimented and influenced. The sound of Josh Wink today remains one of a man unafraid to walk the border between stylistic boundaries.
Today, we catch up with Josh Wink to talk about his involvement in Cocoon’s 20 Years anniversary compilation, the inspiration behind ‘Nuclei’, the importance of ‘Higher State Of Consciousness’ after 25 years, and the current state of the music industry.
Electronic Groove: Hi Josh, how have you been? We are truly amped to have you with us today. Tell us, how did you handle this past year? Did you ever feel like it was getting really tough? Did you take on any new activities to keep your spirits up?
Josh Wink: Hello all. First time since I was a 7-year old that I haven’t traveled on a plane at least once a year. Everyone worldwide has a similar yet different experience of this year-long Corona situation. It was and still is a challenge. Especially having an 8-year-old home all the time stuck with his parents and not able to hug, play and interact with his friends. Home & remote learning, being on the computer all day for school – man, it’s tough. His mom and I are not cut out to be an 8-year-old teacher, especially for my son. It’s been nice to be home and not live the crazy constant touring schedule. I mean, I miss aspects of traveling the world, but after 30 years, a bit of staying home was welcomed for my body, mind, and soul and the relationship of my family. I didn’t work on music as much as I thought. But, I did go through my old DAT tapes of mixes and music from the last 32 years, which was fun and a needed task to do.
Electronic Groove: How did the government has handled the pandemic in the United States? Did you think it was handled correctly?
Josh Wink: I think it’s a crazy big logistic challenge worldwide. But, No- I don’t think it was handled correctly.
Electronic Groove: So, you’re taking part in Cocoon’s 20-year compilation with the ‘Nuclei’ track. What is Cocoon to you in the dance music landscape? What do you feel makes brands like Cocoon or Ovum, so successful and relevant even in today’s ever-shifting scene?
Josh Wink: I’m fortunate to have been part of the team since the beginning! They did my bookings in Germany for a while, along with booking me for the Cocoon events around the world.
Cocoon as a brand has been spot on in all regards. Clothing, events, and especially music. Keeping true to what your heart feels. Not going with trends, but making them and releasing quality music that can stand the test of time is the only way to be. People who stay true to their hearts create success, in all ways.
Electronic Groove: What is the inspiration behind your new track? Did the pandemic change or affect in any way how you create? Was it hard for inspiration to come by with all the chaos outside?
Josh Wink: It was an older track that I had new ideas about. I played it out over the years and thought it was a special track that I envisioned Sven playing. And BAM- The whole Cocoon crew wanted it for the amazing compilation. The studio became a sanctuary for me during the pandemic. But, as stated earlier, I didn’t get a chance to get in and be creative as much as I wanted.
“I have had offers, come in over the past year, and I didn’t feel comfortable with doing them. So, I didn’t. I can wait, the scene can wait, the world can wait until it’s the right time”
Electronic Groove: Talking about milestones…’A Higher State Of Consciousness’ turns 25 this year. That’s quite a milestone. Did you ever think it would become such a seminal piece for electronica in general when it came out? Do you remember what the whole process for it was like?
Josh Wink: No I didn’t. But, I’m happy it continues to touch people’s lives after 25 years. It’s an amazing feeling. I remember bits and pieces of things. But, it’s kinda cloudy after 25 years. I’ll dig deeper into remembering when I start writing a book.
Electronic Groove: Have you’ve got any plans for remixes or ‘updates’ for 2021 regarding ‘A Higher State Of Consciousness’? You’ve remixed some massive names yourself over the years. How do you feel about remixing tracks that are considered ‘as close to perfection as possible’?
Josh Wink: Yes, we are working on something special to celebrate 25 years. But, we’ll let you know when it’s the right time. I’ve been fortunate to remix a lot of artists over the years and yes, it’s a daunting task to remix a ‘classic’. If I find it a musical challenge- I’ll give it a go!
Electronic Groove: Now, back to our day-to-day…Have you had any gigs since the pandemic started? Do you think some things will change forever? How do you feel about the whole ‘plague raves’ thing? Should these artists be shamed or ‘canceled’?
Josh Wink: I have had offers, come in over the past year, and I didn’t feel comfortable with doing them. So, I didn’t. I can wait, the scene can wait, the world can wait until it’s the right time. I trust things will go back to normal, and I look forward to that time real soon. In the meantime, I do what I feel is responsible for my family, our scene, our society, and our world.
Electronic Groove: What can we expect from Josh Wink for 2021? What are your next goals moving forward?
Josh Wink: I was surprised to be voted #1 techno artist for Traxsource in 2020. And then I forgot I had a lot of music released last year. Both remixes and original tracks. I think it was a total of 7 releases. And I have a feeling that this year will be just as productive with my musical output. Starting the year off right, with having ‘Nuclei’ released for the amazing Cocoon 20 compilation!
Electronic Groove: Thank you so much for sitting down with us guys! We wish you the best going forward and hope you have a great year!
Josh Wink: You guys as well! Thanks!
Josh Winks’ ‘Nuclei’ is out now as a part of Cocoon’s 20-anniversary compilation. Grab your copy here.
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