Welcome to part two of our interview series commemorating the release of Anime Toonz Volume 4, the remix compilation featuring a host of worldwide dance music masters. This time we turn the spotlight to Berlin, where Jason Forrest, better known as DJ Donna Summer (no, not the disco era diva!) makes plenty of musical moves. Though he’s got his hands full running his label Cock Rock Disco, orchestrating the notorious Birthday Party event series, and DJing all over Europe, Forrest squeezed in a bit of time to put together an extremely aggressive hardcore remix for the compilation, and spent a few minutes answering some questions for us. Interview after the jump.

http://www.myspace.com/jason_forrest

New York-Tokyo: How did you get involved in electronic music?
DJ Donna Summer: Music was my hobby for years. I used to be a photographer, then when I moved to NYC years ago, I couldn’t afford to make pictures, so I just spent more time making music. Then, much to my surprise, it took off, and I eventually moved to Berlin to be a professional producer, performer and DJ.

NYT: What is the music scene like where you live now?
DS: It’s GREAT! Berlin has a great party scene, and on top of this I am a part of a crew that throws a really crazy monthly Birthday Party for no one or everyone! check our site: www.birthdaypartyberlin.com. Our pictures show how it’s done!!

NYT: When did you first discover Japanese music?
DS: I’ve been to Japan a few times and have been massively inspired by all the producers I met there, many of which are also on this compilation. People like DJ Technorch and Sharpnel I think are among the best producers I know alive today! Such big and fun sounds!!

NYT: Tell us about your method for remixing an anime theme. What was your main focus?
DS: For the vocal track I wanted to make a sound that tried to fit into the contemporary Japanese musical landscape, but for the Dub I wanted to try to push the boundaries, making a Baltimore club inspired classical thing.

NYT: Besides yourself, who would you want to see do an anime remix and why?
DS: I really love it when musical cultures cross contaminate each other! We should get some UK Bassline dudes and Brazillian Baile Funk guys to do it!

NYT: If you could remix any anime theme song out there, which one would you choose and what would you do to it?
DS: I actually don’t know that much about Anime! I like it when I see it, but it’s not really something I have investigated yet! But there’s always time to start!

By NYT