Q&A: Jordan Ben Zion: The DJ Behind the New Sounds at SQL

Miami, FL – November 16, 2017 – Jordan Ben-Zion better known as “JBZ”, a New York City native and grew up in the Miami social scene as his father Amir Ben-Zion established some of the hottest nightlife scenes in both Miami and New York. The last name may ring a bell, as Amir Ben-Zion opened the club Bardot, the restaurant Gigi, or from the club in NYC called APT. At young age of five years old, Amir would bring Jordan with him to work instilling in him the rhythm and love for music he has today. At the age of thirteen, Jordan first touched the decks at his fathers club “Buck 15”; from there the affinity for the craft was instant. By the age of fifteen, Jordan was spinning every week at Bardot, and began producing music. One of the more pivotal experiences in his life was when he opened up for the legendary DJ Moby. Now at twenty four years old, Jordan is taking on another challenge, being the head DJ and talent buyer for a club called SQL or Sequel which is opening November 16, 2017. The name SQL has a double meaning, it’s a programming script language, and is also a homage to the previously loved Bardot. With Jordan’s driving dark techno,house bass lines, and sexy vocals Jordan wowed the audiences of Bardot, III Points Festival, and more. Jordan has released two tracks this year “1973” on Xima records and “Werk” on Admks Records. World Red Eye caught up with Ben-Zion to get an exclusive preview of what the hottest new club SQL is going to bring to Miami. Keep your eyes and more importantly your ears open, you’re not going to want to miss this one.

Jordan Ben-Zion

WRE: How did you begin your career as a DJ?

 JBZ: My love for music and DJing began around the age of six when my dad would bring me to his club APT, in New York (which makes sense why it’s so engrained). I first touched the decks at another one of my fathers spots “Buck 15” when I was thirteen and the connection was instant. By the age of fifteen, I was DJing every week at Bardot and producing my own original tracks.

WRE: Who is your biggest inspiration? 

JBZ: My biggest inspiration is definitely my father Amir Ben-Zion. He has taught me so much about music, art, culture, fashion, sex, the service industry, and nightlife industry. The list goes on, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

WRE: What type of artists and music genres influence your career? 

JBZ: As far as music I’m inspired by a lot of different people. I really am into a dark techno/house minimal sort styles of sounds with a mix of dark bass lines and sexy vocals. If I were to name my top for I’d say, Robert Babicz, Richie Hawtin, James Dexter, and Aphex twin. We actually threw a party with Babicz at Bardot, it was pure magic. He played all his originals for six hours, the place was jammed, it was undoubtedly one of the best sets I’ve seen. After, we headed over to Space for the after party and I got to know one of my childhood heroes he is a very cool, humble, and smart guy.

WRE: What type of musical styles do you bring to the table? 

JBZ: I’ve been playing piano since I was three, so even in a rhythm based genre I try to add some musicality to the mix. I’m really into a kind of dark deep minimal techno/ house contrasted with breathy and sexy vocals.

WRE: Is there anyone that you would love to work with but haven’t yet?

JBZ: I would really like to work with Robert Babicz. I went to one of his master classes and it was really inspiring. We have done a party together so you never know, a collaboration might be around the corner.

WRE: What has been one of your most memorable moments as a DJ? 

JBZ: One of my most memorable moments throughout my DJ career would have to be at the age of seventeen opening up for Moby. It definitely taught me to break out of my comfort zone and how to get over the feeling of getting nervous, and taught me how work well under pressure.

My biggest inspiration is definitely my father Amir Ben-Zion. He has taught me so much about music, art, culture, fashion, sex, the service industry, and nightlife industry.

Jordan Ben-Zion

WRE: What are looking forward to as being the head DJ at the new club SQL?  

JBZ: I’m really looking forward to curating the music. I work with a lot of talented people; Matt (Adisyn) and Jordan (m.o.N.R.O.E) Postrel are my very close talented friends. In Miami there is a lot of great local talent and I really can’t wait to hone a very esoteric, tempered, and “proper” sound. Also I’m looking forward to all the connections I’ll be making through our new stomping grounds.

WRE: How has the culture around Miami and NY influenced your sound?

JBZ: We’ll as I said earlier, I was just a little kid when I was first shown the nightlife in New York, so the rhythm is in my blood. Miami has influenced my sound in a way that taught me to always keep it sexy, and keep the girls involved and dancing. You can play some really amazing dark scary stuff that’s produced really well, but that may leave the women and men awkwardly standing there in the middle of the club and not enjoying themselves. I think my sound is all about balance.

WRE: Who are some other artists you are constantly listening to?

JBZ: I’ve been listening to a lot of PRT Stacho, Kevi Anavi, James Dexter, Robert Babicz, and Leo Grunbaum. Leo’s track bloom is really beautiful and been in my rotation lately. Also PRT Stacho’s remix  of “WorkRe” by PRT Stacho and Sebastian Olano has been blowing me away, it has a dirty drop.

WRE: Where do you see your career in ten years?

JBZ: In the next ten years I see myself traveling, playing and producing my music all over the world. Who knows maybe even curating the music for other clubs. Maybe in the future there will be more SQL locations.  

Jordan Ben-Zion