The man who brought electronic dance to America
Over the last 15 years, few individuals could claim the type behind-the-scenes influence on American dance culture as Jimmy Van M. His
tireless efforts can be credited with having helped advance electronic
dance music throughout the North America, opening avenues for artistic
expression in dance-clubs that did not previously exist before him and
his very unique efforts. When it comes to atmosphere, vibe and drive
there are very few DJs that can stand alongside Jimmy Van M. And now with Oliver Lieb he brings us the next chapter in his musical career with The Audible Suspects…
Words: Dan Prince
You were born in Ghent in Belgium and moved over to Orlando where you helped pave the way for electronic music for millions. Why did the family up and move to the States?
“My Uncle moved to The States first and it wasn’t long before my mother was interested in giving it a try, so off we went.”
Do you have fond memories of Belgium?
“I am in Ghent right now doing this interview…I love Ghent, there’s a vibe here, great nightlife, fantastic food and the architecture is cool. I’ve not got too many fond memories as a kid because I moved to The States when I was 10, but I always enjoyed visiting.”
How did your love of dance music start over in America, it’s well known how you set up Balance and hooked up with Sasha and Diggers, but as a teenager what was your avenue into this world? Did your uncle’s club pay a part?
“The Boccaccio club was practically in Ghent, I went there at 15, was submerged in foam at times with a big sound system pumping out acid house and new beat, that was probably the beginning.”
What was it about the early Progressive House sound that excited you in the 90s?
“It was the journey, the ride, getting lost in it. The music seemed so expansive, so open.”
The antics at your house on Sundays after the club are legendary and soon filtered across the Atlantic. Did any work come out of those sessions?
“Well, I’m not sure how much work came out of it! That was the lower down on the to do list at that point. I would say the trampoline was a fun toy. One time a photographer from The Face was underneath it during an unfortunate 2nd floor jump…bye, bye camera!”
What were the big tunes that you remember from those Sundays?
“Some of the artists…Leftfield, Moby, Anadin, Fluke, Spooky, Jam and Spoon, Sasha, Fluke, Orbital, Chemical Brothers, The Orb, Andy Weatherall…”
You were one of the key people behind the legendary Delta Heavy 2001 Tour that hit stadiums across the US. It was a real rock & roll marathon that nearly killed you all – what were the highlights of that particular tour?
“Some of the highlights were behind the scenes, I think. Like getting to develop the visuals with Imaginary Forces and when we first met up for the road crew: 2 buses, 2 trucks with equipment, was all new for us. Seeing the visuals for the first time at the Miami Arena at WMC was cool.”
You have since said that the tour turned you into a fully-fledged businessman and took youy away from your DJing. How was that for for you?
“Even though I am proud of setting up Delta Heavy and the Twilo residency, there are times when I look back and think what it would have been like just to work on my own DJ career.”
You were resident at the world famous Twilo club in New York between 1996 and 2000, an incredible club – has there been anywhere as good as since, what made it so special?
“I would have to Pacha in Buenos Aires in early 2000 was pretty amazing too, but Twilo is just on a level of its own, truly magical!”
You have just teamed up with Oliver Lieb, long time friend and admirer, to form The Audible Suspects. What’s the story here and what is it about Oliver’s work that impressed you in the first place?
“Oliver has integrity, puts music together and thinks in a unique way and his level of production is top notch. When playing his records in a club they just have a distinct identity and style. Also the timing of the sequencing, listen to ‘Into to Deep’, it’s just wicked the way it flows.”
The new mix album Collaborations is a wonderful journey of strong but simple underground tunes. Talk us through the album…
“One common idea we share is flow. The approach was to first make sure all the tracks were simple, melodic and strong. Once the tracks were picked, doing the mix was quick as we both had a similar idea of the way it should flow from the start.”
Which producers from around the world are you rating at the moment?
“The are quite a few, primarily the ones who still fight for quality in their music policy vs selling out only to the mainstream. Pushing new underground music is usually the more difficult road in terms of promoting, but without it only mediocrity is rewarded.”
What is Step 2 for The Audible Suspects?
“Working on that now, some productions I think…”
What are the current Top 10 tunes you are spinning right now?
“Check here: https://dj.beatport.com/jimmyvanm
What do you think it is about the whole Bedrock sound that has stood the test of time? It was a sound if you remember back in the day, that many kids on the dancefloor claimed was boring and self-centred?
“John Digweed has always supported quality music. I think he has shown through the years that he is capable of re-inventing himself. I heard him play recently and he was amazing while also playing the excellent stuff he is putting out on Bedrock.”
What prompted your move to Barcelona? What was the best and worst thing about living there?
“I wanted to live in Europe at the time, my agent had just moved there and said it was great. I loved it, fresh air, mountains, sea, cool bars… the only downside is that there are a lot of tourists.”
What was your best gig of 2011 and why?
“Club Ellui in Seoul was great, an amazing club, top sound and the crowd really going off, it wasn’t what I expected.”
Your list of productions is staggering – what is your personal favourite piece of music you have created?
“I really enjoyed making ‘Sanctuary’, that came together in about 2 hours. Sometimes things just flow that way.”
Not many people know this, but Jimmy Van Malleghem is really good at…
“Not something I went to school for, but I do tend to space out…”
Which is the finest record you have ever played to a dancefloor?
“Sasha’s ‘Hysterix’ is still in my box.”
So we come back to yours after a show, what is the Jimmy Van M “Back To Mine” Top 10 you spin for us to carry on the groove?
“After the after-party starts winding down, some stuff like this…
Hoola (M.C.D.E. Remix) Archie Bronson Outfit
Change Of Heart Azari & III
The Boxer (DFA Remix) The Chemical Brothers
Got Glint? The Chemical Brothers
City Life feat. Cari Golden – Maceo Plex Remix DJ T.
At Night Flowers And Sea Creatures
Magnified Love – President Bongo Instrumental Mix GusGus
Little People (Black City) (Mark E Dub Version) Matthew Dear
Direct Action – Weatherall Remix – 3A Radical Majik
Slow Motion (original mix) SCALAWAG
Situation – Night Plane Remix The Dark Esquire
What is the one song you can’t get out of your head at the moment?
“Mutations 101 – Joel Mull – Constant Crescendo.”
What has been the proudest moment of your career to date?
“Delta Heavy.”
What is next on the production front in 2012?
“Right in front of me is doing a slower, tripped out house set. Also, a mix for John Digweed’s Transitions Radio Show on March 1st, and a remix on Maktub out on February 28th.”
And finally, looking back. What is the messiest night out you have ever had with the party animal that is Sasha?
“Hmmm, not sure, but I think Santa Clause was involved.”
