This friday at Disco Obscura we have a legendary and underrated finnish DJ, architect and writer/reporter Jussi Kantonen who is one of the lucky people who has visited places like Paradise Garage and experienced the original nightlife of the disco era. Jussi is co-author of one of the most important histories of disco music titled "SATURDAY NIGHT FOREVER". Don’t miss out Jussi’s sleazy eurodisco set - think undercover agents performing stripteases for heavily armed hitmen in 1977, excess aftershave, illegal cigarettes and the loudest synths ever heard in Rome!

To start with, tell me something about your style of music?

It’s a mission for people like me to bring soundscapes of European exploitation films to the attention of the general public. That's stuff made in the 70s, not now. The 70s produced the best ever films and the best ever music, period. I’m only into European records, plus the occasional funky Japanese track. There was some good stuff coming out of America too but overall, their sound now sounds way too polished. Their synths aren't fuzzy enough and the chicks don't moan like they should.

How did you become a DJ?

Someone called and asked me to come over with a few records. They had a stripper in that restaurant but no band. I was very young then.

What were the best disco parties you attended during 70’s or 80’s?

I hated Studio 54, it was all poseurs and old people who could not dance. I did like Paradise Garage a lot but as the saying goes, Italians do it better. The most far out clubs were in Italy. Number one was Piranha in the town of Capri. They played extremely long records there like the whole Watch Out For The Boogie Man cut by Trax. Sorted out the wimps. During the 80's, everybody adored Les Bains Douches in Paris and Amnesia in Milan. Les Bains was a pretty incredible place with a totally unhinged music policy: italo, Yello, tropicalia and suddenly, an authentic flamenco track.

What has been your best gig so far?

I did a series of parties with dj extraordinaire Aicha of Paris at the Nouveau Casino a few years back. Hot summer nights, 600 people inside and 200 out trying to get in. Far be it from me to do anything but play music but at Le Casino, things got out of control. We performed half of the Missa Disco album on stage, complete with exorcisms and severe whippings, plus partial nudity. And we spinned the music LOUD.

What is your favourite movie soundtrack?

We got maestros Ennio Morricone, Nico Fidenco, Piero Umiliani and Stelvio Cipriani. I’d have to go with Nico Fidenco’s theme song for Emanuelle E Gli Ultimi Cannibali / Emanuelle And The Last Cannibals, from 1977 which is the year everything truly great came out. The title is “Make Love On The Wing” with vocals by Ulla Lander.

Your top 5 at the moment?

1. Squadra Speciale - I Romans (7”)
2. Culto De Amor - Grupo C (lp cut)
3. Sing - Corn Flakes (12”)
4. Sexy Love - Judy Preston (7”)
5. Femmes Plantes - Pierre Porte (lp cut)

What keeps you busy in life and what interests you besides music?

I’m an architect so I get to do a lot of cool stuff. And I watch films. Fuck Angelina Jolie, if you want to see a real actress at work check out Meiko Kaji. Or Edwige Fenech, especially in the ultrastylish giallos she made with Sergio Martino. The Case Of Bloody Iris, now THAT is a film.