UK producer Jey Kurmis has been moving and shaking in all the right places, building a superb music portfolio with releases on top labels such as Hot Creations, Material, Moon Harbour, Kaluki and Leftroom, among many others. We grab a quick chat as he unleashes his new ‘Es Est’ EP on ON IT Recordings this week…
Hi Jey, welcome back to DMCworld! Where are you in the world right now?
I’m Currently in a little town called Halifax near Leeds in the UK, very cold!!
What’s the best new record you’ve heard this week?
Kevin Knapp – Survivor, it’s a BIG tune coming out on Hot Traxx I believe! He’s really made a bomb there!
Can you tell us about your background in music and what turned you on to making House Music specifically?
I grew up listening to everything! But mainly listened to Hip-Hop and bands like Nirvana. Even the Heavy Metal stuff I used to love. But House was always at the heart of it.
Your new single ‘Es Est’ is coming out on ON IT Recordings, what can we expect to hear?
Well I’m happy with the outcome of my final track and you can expect to hear the usual kicks and rolling percussion with treble blending together the FX / VOX to glue the piece together.
The release also features remixes from Mark Jenkyns and Apollo 84, are you happy with what they brought to the table?
Extremely happy. The bonus was they are both really good friends of mine, so to hear what they came back with was exciting and I am well into both versions! What else is to be expected as they are both strong producers.
You’ve had a lot of singles out on Hot Creations, Moon Harbour Kaluki, Leftroom, Material and more, which is your personal favourite release of your own and why?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one release. But lets say some examples of my favourites are:
Chlomissa
Fayeturn
Laka Laka (Jey Remix)
When are we going to see a Jey Kurmis album?
I don’t know about an album, but I love making lots of tracks. So who knows, maybe a possible album could be picked up in the future. For the time being, I am working a alongside labels for EP’s due for 2018.
In the studio who or what inspires your music?
Experimenting inspires me. Comparing from previous music i’ve made to try and create something different gives me inspiration I guess? Remembering how I felt when I heard a track by someone played out in a club inspires me to create something to do that exact thing.
Are you a hardware or software man and what are your preferred bits of studio kit?
I’ve been both, but not mainly software. I am using the Pioneer Toraiz SP:16 which is great fun and an excellent piece of hardware. I need to tune myself up on it a little more as there is more to discover with it.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with Christian Smith as I think his style and mine could sound interesting. Also Anja Schneider as she has the coolest sound.
What’s been your favourite gig this year and where are you most looking forward to playing in 2018?
My favourite gig this year was Studio 338 in London, I played after Clive Henry. It was a Bank Holiday, outdoor and it was just unreal. The people, the vibes and all music played from all artists just made it an incredible day! As for next year, its hard to say what i’m most looking forward to, because really I enjoy everywhere I play… But you can never beat playing in the clubs over in Ibiza.
We come to your house and raid your record collection, which embarrassing record do you need to chuck out the window as we arrive?
Which record makes you say “Damn, I wish I’d made that”?
Bobby Peru (Paul Woolford) – Erotic discourse. A very clever and exciting track from around 2007. Genius skills with so much detail and energy.
What’s coming up next for you that you can tell us about?
i have a few EP’s coming out in 2018, one being on Hot Creations, the others I don’t think I am allowed to announce them as of yet…
What do you want for Christmas?
Family and a huge dinner!!
‘Es Est’ will be released on Beatport exclusive December 15th 2017 on ON IT Recordings
