Q&A with Jamie Jones | Cielo - Thursday, September 24th

by rhythmism

Thursday, Sep 24th 2009, 11:04 AM
There are some talents that remain inconspicuous and then there are some you canʼt ignore. Jamie Jones is the latter, quickly rising to superstar status in underground dance circles over recent years. Releases on Cocoon, Get Physical and BPitch have catapulted him to become a cult figure and he is widely admired for his true originality. From his debut single "Amazon", to his latest anthem "Summertime", his unique sound has won him worldwide audiences and this album has been widely anticipated as one to change the face of the current house music spectrum. On Thursday, September 24 Jamie will be manning the decks of Cielo as Made Event brings this up and coming star to NYC.


Photo Credit: Rob Low

You've been with the Crosstown Rebel family since your arrival on the scene. With so many UK labels out there, why CR and how did that relationship form with Damian Lazarus


We became friends years ago, and I was a big fan of City Rockers. Also, for me rebels is the best underground UK dance label, I like the diversity and the vision.

What was your thought process behind titling your LP "Do You Remember the Future"? Is there some sort of time travel continuum you're trying to breach?

It's a title I came up with a while ago. I just liked the play on words, and it kinda sums up the vibe of the music. I guess im trying to be forward thinking with the sounds and style of the music, but also it sounds kinda old school. Well, that's what I'm aiming for anyway...

The LP features vocals on several of its cuts. How did you decide on the vocal collaborators?

Well, there’s not much to say really. With summertime, after I had decided that to take the track to the next level, it would be cool to get a vocal on it. I tried a few different people, who just couldn’t seem to get whet I wanted. Then Damian Lazarus suggested Ost & Kjex, as he had worked with them before. I sent them them the track and they came back with the vocal. It took me some time to get all the bits from them, but I think it was worth the wait.

The hook up with Egyptian Lover was pretty simple too. I had a track on the album that sounded like it needed something. Damian and I are both big fans of Egyptian Lover, so I contacted him on myspace and asked him to be involved. We exchanged ideas, and I re-did the final version to fit with the vocals he sent me.

Finally, with Alison Mars. She is a talented singer, producer and dj from London. She would send me music, and one day she sent me this electronica track with her singing. I had a track that originally was a remix for Lilly Allen. But it was too underground for them, so I got Alison to sing on the instrumental track, and hey presto!

Besides the vocal collaborators are there any production collaborations on the album?

No.

Your track "Summertime" has been a huge hit for some time now and a sure-fire summer anthem. Did you anticipate its success and has having a the hit song changed your career?

When I first wrote the music, I had no idea it would be such a big hit. Once I started to play it out though, and because of the huge reaction almost from the first time it was played in a club, I knew then, it was likely to be pretty big. I guess it has changed my career in that its introduced me to a new audience.

You have stated that you prefer DJing in intimate venues. What satisfaction does the small crowd provide? If given the opportunity, what large scale event/venue would you most like to perform at?
For sure, Its a lot more personal. I don't mind big clubs, sometimes it's challenging, but I think there's more artistic freedom in smaller clubs. I guess it would be interesting to play a huge carnival or love parade. I played to about seven thousand people at Glastonbury Festival in the UK this summer which was actually really cool.

Where did you start as a DJ? Did you always have an interest in dance music or does your career hold roots in other genres?

I had an interest in Dance music from an early age, but I guess I am and always have been into all sorts. Funk, Soul Disco and in my later years indie rock n roll etc. I inherited or you could even say stole, some great records from Mum when I left for university too.

Who are some of the DJs/Producers you most admire?

At the moment I really like Tensnake, he's doing something really different which I'm into. There's so many producers I admire though, from J.Dilla to Mathew Jonson.

What equipment will you find in Jamie Jones studio? Which single piece is your most used?

I use mostly analogue gear. I have invested heavily in it for many years, so I have a lot. A recent purchase was a mint condition Roland Jupiter 8. Ive been too busy touring all summer to use it yet though. Will crank it up next month when I'm home properly.

Which aspect of your career do you find more satisfaction in, performing or producing?

That's Easy - Producing. I love performing in a way, but mostly because I get to listen to music I like in party, I'm not into the attention of it.

What is your best "summertime" memory of 2009?

Glastonbury for sure. It was amazing, the vibe of the place, combined with the people, friends. Florence and the Machine and La Roux performing were great. And, of course, a few hours before I played Michael Jackson died. So it was a very memorable weekend.




Thursday, September 24, 2009
Made Event presents
JAMIE JONES
'Don't You Remember The Future' Album Release Tour
w/ Orchard Lounge

Cielo
18 Little West 12th Street
New York City
Doors at 10pm, 21+ Valid ID
$15 Advance Tickets while supplies last at www.made-event.com
Tickets also available at Rebel Rebel, 319 Bleecker St NYC 212.989.0770
Event Info 917.723.9381

www.myspace.com/jamiejonesdj
www.myspace.com/orchardlounge
www.crosstownrebels.com
www.cieloclub.com
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