Having received a wealth of support from the likes of Pete Tong, Annie Mac and MistaJam across BBC Radio 1, UK duo Just Kiddin are back, this time flaunting their new single, ‘Hysteria.’ Dropping on Danny Howard’s iconic Nothing Else Matters label, the track is set for release on 5th October, capturing the signature sound of two of the UK’s fastest-rising talents…
Welcome to DMC. You guys just dropped ‘Hysteria’, how did you guys put this together?
We wrote the song at Seaside studios in Brighton with vocalist Indiah and another writer Polina. We started the session with some basic chords we played on the Nord they had there, from there we wrote the vocal and did some basic production on the track.
It was just one of those sessions that felt like a breeze, these are usually the best. The song has a darker undertone to it, it’s about being in a state of chaos and losing control of your emotions. The arp that runs throughout the track was one of the first elements we added, it has this energy about it that gave the track some urgency and tension. It’s had some amazing reactions so far.
Tell us about your background for readers who don’t know, how did you start writing music together?
So we’ve always been into music and were originally in a rock band together when were at secondary school, aged 15. We used to do our band practise at Laurie’s parents house – unfortunately for them, we weren’t very good back then! We both went to separate Universities and got into producing electronic music. When we finished uni we were hanging out playing each other some tunes we had wrote, they were similar enough to combine together & we ended up making our first EP. Just Kiddin was born.
You have had a busy summer, Ibiza Rocks shows and have recently just played Ministry Of Sound, as part of Selected’s 5th Anniversary. How did it go?
Amazing, we hadn’t been to Ibiza for the past few seasons so we’re super excited to get back out there. Damn, we forgot how good it is there. There really is something special about that place. We’ll be back again next summer for sure! The Selected party was a lot of fun. It was a stacked lineup so it was sick to see everyone.
How would you compare shows in Ibiza to shows in the UK, do they differ to you and how?
It all depends on the show and the promoter to be honest. We’ve played some incredible shows in the UK. I guess with Ibiza you know everyone is going to be super hyped for your set – and you’ve also got the chance to play at pool parties, which are pretty difficult to pull off here in the UK!
That being said where in the world would you love to tour your new releases?
We’d love to get back out to North America at some point. We’ve played there quite a bit before and our music really seems to connect there, we’ve met people who have flown for 3 hours just to catch one of our sets – surreal! We’d love to get out to South America at some point too, the shows there look amazing. It’s a part of the world neither of us have visited enough of either.
How do you both approach songwriting, is the process similar every track you guys work on or is it different every time?
It really differs. The creative process changes a lot, depending on the song. The most common way nowadays is just starting things off with some basic productions and chords and working with singers and writers to create a vocal that really suits. We put a huge emphasis on getting the vocal right. From here we’ll spend hours fine tuning the production, back and forth via good ol’ dropbox until we’ve got something we’re happy with.
What’s your background in production and songwriting, have you given your handing pop music writing or has it remained in dance music?
We both love songwriting and production. We both love making different styles outside of the dance world. Laurie has worked on a few hip hop projects and I (Lewis) am really getting involved with pop productions. Your production techniques used in dance records can be used in other genres too – which is when things get really interesting!
What are your top five career highlights up until now?
Getting played on Radio 1 for the first time
Touring the US
Signing our record deal with Sony / Ministry of Sound
Hitting 10 million streams on a Spotify release
Getting tweeted by Craig David
What else can fans expect this year in the world of Just Kiddin?
We’ve been remixing like crazy, so expect plenty of new JK remixes coming your way. We’re hoping to get one more single out before the end of the year too – so keep your eyes on that one! 2018, has definitely been our biggest year so far. We’re going to put a mix together for Christmas with all the tracks / remixes we’ve released throughout the year, so all your Christmas wishes can come true – you can have non-stop Just Kiddin.
Lastly what are the big 5 tunes in your box this weekend…
Hollaphonic – New Ones (Just Kiddin Remix)
Low Steppa – Heard It All Before (Low Steppa Boiling Point Mix)
Selace – So Hooked On Your Lovin (Mousse T’s extended Disco Shizzle)
Friend Within – The Truth
The Phantom’s Revenge – Sunset 3 Hundred
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