Freejak

Freejak is known as ‘The King of the Remix’ with reworks for Perfecto Allstarz (‘Reach Up’), Craig David & Sigala (‘Ain’t Giving Up’), Xpansions (‘Move Your Body’), Ryan Blyth (‘Show Me’), Tom Zanetti (‘More And More’), Lost Frequencies (‘Are You With Me’), and Wu Tang Clan (‘Gravel Pit’). Freejak’s own productions include ‘Somebody To Love’ with Mr. Belt and Wezol which reached No.1 in the Beatport House Chart and spent six weeks in the Top 3 of the Beatport Top 100. Having recently collaborated with Kelis on ‘My Milkshake’ – a reworking of her 2003 classic ‘Milkshake’ – Freejak took some time out to chat with DMC…

 

Hi Freejak, thanks for speaking with DMC. What have you been up to today?

So today I’ve been working on a DaLoops remix of John Gibbons ‘Sweat’ coming with a slightly clubbier edge for them deeper floors.

How did the collaboration with Kelis on ‘My Milkshake’ happen?

Well, settle in, here in lies quite a lengthy story. It started quite a few months back when I wanted to release something a little different from the norm on my Wetlook Label. I put together a track called ‘Finger Flip’ which didn’t perform too badly off the bat with initial support from Oliver Heldens, Afrojack, Avicii, Jauz but particularly Radio 1 / 1 Xtra’s DJ Target. I was then approached by DJ Target with the idea of putting a full vocal on top of Finger Flip for release on Pitched Up / Columbia. We tried many different top lines with several artists but sadly none of them really caught the ear of Sony / Columbia. So, whilst we were still looking for that killer song to sit on top I put together an edit for my DJ sets with the original ‘Milkshake’ acapella. I obviously shared this with Target and he gave it a few spins at various festivals with a great response. After seeing there might be something there, that DJ edit filtered its way through the wheels and cogs at Sony until it eventually reached Kelis herself. Then to our amazement, she came back to us saying that she thought it was a dope beat and she was keen to get involved. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Was the plan for Kelis to always re-record her vocals?

As soon as we knew Kelis was happy to be involved both Kelis and I was keen to rerecord her vocals. We both wanted to try and keep as much of the original flavour of the song but making it different enough for it to sound fresh and updated. Which frankly, Kelis couldn’t have done a better job.

Which other artists would you like to work with?

My god that’s like asking what sweets you want is a sweet factory. I would love to work with the likes of Pharrell Williams or Andre 3000 as I adore just how original their music is. I’m a sucker for a big diva vocal so a team up with the likes of Mary J Blige or Vula Malinga from the Basement Jaxx would be ace. But I think I’d love to do something with Post Malone as he just seems to be the king of the Hookline ATM.

You’ve remixed some other classic tracks, including Wu-Tang Clan ‘Gravel Pit’ and Perfecto Allstarz ‘Reach Up’. Which other seminal tracks would you love to rework?

I actually have a list on the wall of the studio of tracks I’d like to have a go at. Probably too many to mention. But there are a few tracks from when I first started DJing and clubbing that still send shivers down my spine and evoke the best memories, like 808 State’s ‘Pacific State’ The Prodigy ‘Your Love’, and Shades of Rhythm ‘Sound Of Eden’. But so far, I’ve been too frightened to touch them for fear of breaking the magic these records hold for me.

Which other producers – past and present – have inspired you?

OK, brace yourself for the cheesiest answer ever. But I honestly think there is an inspiration to be found in all music of all styles. But obviously, I do have my favourites who have influenced me over the years. I have hugely admired Liam Howlett from The Prodigy and the likes of The Chemical Brothers and Basement Jaxx from day 1. They just have this amazing ability to be completely unique and fresh compared to all around them. Real musical geniuses. Obviously, I couldn’t answer this question without mentioning Calvin Harris, who is a modern-day hero for me. Continuously coming with club hits and chart hits back to back. Anyone who has ever tried to produce music will understand just how impossible that kind of consistency is.

What are your plans for the rest of the summer?

Well, I have taken nearly a year-long hiatus on the DJing front to concentrate on the production side of things. Now I have my deals in place with Sony / Columbia and BMG I’m very much looking forward to getting back out on the DJ circuit.  So, Club and Festival Promoters, hit me up as I’m back!

You also DJ and deliver a monthly Jak’s House Podcast. What are your current Top 3 dance-floor weapons?

My word that’s a tricky one. There is sooooo much good music about at the moment. But Friend Within’s ‘Lonely’ just pushes every button I have right now. I’m absolutely in love with Finn’s ‘Sometimes The Going Gets A Little Tough’. Fresher than daisies that one. And I love the old skool US garage vibes from Dennis Quinn & Shermanology’s ‘Move Out Of My Way’.

What has been your most memorable DJ set to date?

There have been so many memorable sets for both good and bad reasons. But I guess one of my most memorable was horrific and euphoric in equal measures. Picture the scene – I’m on a night out with some friends and like thousands of others, we had gone to see a huge act play a gig (I won’t name any names). I suddenly get a tap on the shoulder from the promoter asking could I go on and DJ as the headliners couldn’t make it and he didn’t have anyone else to call on at such short notice, and after all, I was already there. So apprehensively, I said yes. He asked was I ready now? I said no, but let’s do it anyway. So, no preparation at all. He stands up on the stage and announces to the crowd that the main act couldn’t make it and instead we have Freejak. He dumped the mic and ran off stage. Leaving me to walk on to stage being booed by thousands. In fact, I had to ask the engineer to turn up the monitors because I couldn’t hear from everyone chanting the name of the headline act that didn’t show. But, within about 15-20 mins I had won them all over and it was unquestionably one of the best gigs I’ve played. So, I guess the lesson to be learnt here is always ready, you never know when you’ll chance will come.

What can people expect from Freejak in the rest of 2018 and beyond?

I am currently working on new material to come after ‘My Milkshake’. We have some other remixes coming too and as I mentioned, I’m looking forward to getting back out on the decks.

When you’re not in the studio or touring, how do you like to spend your time?

I’m a bit of a workaholic when it comes to the studio so even when I have time off I find myself in there. But I do like to give myself a break to get up in the mountains for some snowboarding.

Given how hot it’s been this summer, what are your top tips for keeping cool?

I grew up in Newquay in Cornwall, so I like to get in the sea as often as possible clambering on to whatever style of the board comes to hand. Surf board, wake board or body board or even just a swim. But if you don’t have the sea to hand, I guess you can’t beat an ice cold, Tom Collins.

Finally, what is your recipe for the perfect milkshake?

Strangely, I do actually have a recipe. Vanilla ice cream, cup of full-fat milk, a big dollop of smooth peanut butter all in a blender. Get some raspberry sauce or jam, rub that around the inside of your glass and then pour in your blended shake. Voila, Peanut Butter & Jelly Milkshake.

Kelis x Freejak ‘My Milkshake’ is out now on Pitched Up / Columbia