One of the coolest dudes on planet earth looking up at the Stars
Interview : Dan Prince
Jack welcome to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you right now?
“Hey guys, glad to be here with DMC. Right now I am in my hometown NYC…”
Massive excitement all around at the moment with the release of your latest floorfiller ‘Stars’ which is swinging our way on Tiesto’s Musical Freedom label. When I told The Buzz Chart crew I was interviewing you today they shouted “ask him who he has in mind to perform singing duties on the track, it’s begging for a superstar vocal!”. So Jack, over to you…
“Yes! I totally agree. It’s been on my mind for a while now, and Tiesto texted me a month back saying this would be huge with a vocal. Pressure is on hahah. I have been working on a vocal for a few weeks now and writings just about done. There’s so many people I would love to see on this, will make it a point to have it ready for everyone by Miami Dan!”
‘Stars’ is yet another collaboration with the man like Tiesto after last summer’s ‘Love Is The Answer’ charity single for Princess Madeleine of Sweden’s charity, the World Childhood Foundation. How do you think your combined production skills compliment each other and is this a long distance studio relationship or do you actually get to work in the flesh together?
“Tijs is an amazing person to be able to work with. He has something very rare in this business: an ear for great music and new talent. I can’t begin to tell you how surreal all this is. We usually talk and go over stuff online of course as he jetsets across the world. We hang sometimes when he’s in NYC. I really think he is the most inspiring person in this business. His happy and positive vibe carries over into his work and makes for some really great uplifting music, as it did when we collaborated on ‘Love is The Answer’ with me and Oza. The whole thing was just a great experience. Classic track with an amazing cause attached. Tijs brought that together and I am thankful. WIth ‘Stars’ it happened really fast! It got put on this great EP where he is cultivating new talent. So excited to be a part of it.”
An interesting thing you said last year concerning your native New York… “I still don’t feel there has been a club opened that caters to dance music lovers of all likes.” That’s kinda surprising as to the outside world, this is the strongest the Big Apple has been for a very, very long time…
“What I mean by that is the clubs aren’t innovating – and a big part of this city was made from innovation. I’d like to see a place open that’s got room for GA’s as well as VIP’s with one thing in common, the music. Kind of like what SHM did with their Masquerade Motel Series. Everyone enjoyed themselves, from the front row ravers to the VIP tables. I wish that for NY. There definitely has been some elements of this in the new Marquee so there is some hope.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning…
1. Jus Jack – Stars
2. Oliver Heldens – Gecko
3. Tiesto – Red Lights
4. Moti – Don’t Go Lose It
5. Steve Aoki Chris Lake Tujamo – Boneless
6. Jus Jack – Smoke 2014 (coming soon)
7. John Dish – Homme
8. Umek & Groovebox – Sweet Harmony
9. Audion – Mouth to Mouth
10.Deniz Koyu – Ruby
Tell us about Central – how did this all begin…it looks a whole lot of fun…
“Central is a Club Lounge I am a co-owner of. It began with an empty warehouse that we converted into a multi level restaurant Lounge and Club. We have about 1800 people go through the doors in 2 nights and it really has such great energy. My staff really gets behind the music, and there’s a peak moment every Saturday night that words can’t describe. It’s really amazing to build a team of great people that can help you execute your vision, and that’s what happens here.”
What is the best and worst thing about living in New York?
“Best thing about living in New York is that you will never grow tired of it, or discover it all. I see new things all the time. Not only physically, but as a culture. You could be in Midtown for after-work drinks, downtown for a trendy dinner and in Brooklyn for a warehouse party all in one night. The worst part of living in New York for me is the constant grind. People rarely get a chance to just appreciate their surroundings.”
So we swing round yours on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Who are some of the Back To Mine style artists you’d be spinning for a nice mellow soundtrack…?
“Right now I am a big fan of Chvrches, John Newman and Solumon when I am in Chill mode.”
What can we expect next from your label Party People Music…?
“I am really excited about this project. I wanted a place where I can release great music from friends, myself and of course, new talent. We will be launching a discovery Project as well as a radio show this year. I’m looking forward to getting this going.”
What is the ethos behind the label?
“The label will strive to be a place where creativity is recognized. I want to find great music that can help shift and mold new directions.”
Tommie Sunshine launched the label for you at Pacha NY in September. Now there is a lad who likes to party…was it a late night per chance?
“Tommie is AMAZING! We spent hours talking about what’s to come in the scene, going back and forth with the ways the past has molded and how the future is molding. I have some interview footage after the show in Pachita. He’s talking some great serious stuff while Tiny Daniella is circulating on the stripper pole behind him. Pure Magic! As for the night, I couldn’t have been happier with the turnout. The night really encompassed what I imagined. A night out that took you on a ride. From the Feenixpawl euphoric Progressive set, to my transitioning Electro Progressive set, then to smashing with Tommie to close out. People were dancing from 11-6am non stop in a packed house. They truly were Party People that night. Props to FIltercrush as well for their opening set.”
Who are some of the producers from around the world you are giving high fives to at the moment?
“I am loving Calvin Harris, I feel like he really has a deep understanding of the music, and he creates great melodies and hook lines that have pretty much everyone vibing. Also feeling Michael Brun as well as Hardwell’s productions like Man With the Red Face with Mark Knight, and Three Triangles are definitely hi five worthy for me.”
Okay let’s rewind for a minute. What are your earliest musical memories growing up?
“There’s so many memories. I was and still am a big Rollo fan with Cheeky & Champion Records. Loved that whole era of Pizzicato’s and big leads. That’s where Faithless were spawned. Such great music. The biggest influences for me in general were all the amazing little record shops in NYC that helped develop my taste. Shops like Deca Dance, Rebel Rebel and Eightball who brought in some great unique tracks and had me running from shop to shop every Tuesday to see what imports came in before they sold out.”
How old were you when the idea of a career in music first popped into your head?
“I was about 15 and I ventured out and started DJing school parties with some equipment I had borrowed. I wound up throwing my own party which helped me buy my first equipment and haven’t looked back since.”
Was the idea to become a DJ or a producer?
“It was definitely as a DJ. I was working in bars and clubs on the weekends. I had a friend that was messing around with productions. I sat in on a few sessions and realized I really wanted to learn that as well. The good thing about working as a DJ is that you can see what works directly with the crowd, and you can bring that knowledge in the studio with you. My happiest moments are always when I am playing, It’s my best way of expressing myself.”
Not many people know this, but Jus Jack is really good at…
“Designing. I have a knack for putting together a floor plan and a design. In another life I would be an architect. I would love to design a hotel or entertainment facility. Would have the best nightlife! Hehehe…”
What is the craziest request you have had whilst DJing?
“Besides the sexual ones?”
What are some of the dates in your DJ Diary you are really looking forward to this year?
“I am just setting up my ‘Stars’ tour dates TBA, my HQ residency in Atlantic City is always fun, and I am finalizing my Miami shows now as well.”
What is the greatest record you have ever played to a dancefloor
“Such a hard question to answer. So many records have created the best energy. I can say timing is everything. The right record at the right moment can create an energy like no other. So that record, the one that I use at that moment.”
What was the last great album you listened to?
“Has to Be Chvrches…”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“I’m wrapping up collaborations with Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, David Tort and Feenixpawl along with a few originals coming your way throughout the year. Really excited for everyone to hear them!”
Thank you Jack, great interview dude…
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