In a time where the meaning of ‘house music’ is constantly evolving, a new generation of artists and DJs alike are being created. One who has took this change of direction in his stride and ran with it with style is ‘Jacky‘.Having secured a residency for well established Manchester based brand “mute!” Jacky found himself spinning regularly in the city, at South Nightclub and Sankeys in particular. Notorious for his driving high energy performances, his playing style most definitely shines through into his productions.With support from the likes of Nick Curly, Santé, Acid Mondays Mark Jenkyns and more on his first few releases, the fact that there is a bright future ahead for this young artist is undeniable. We had the chance to talk with him about his new EP on Desert Hearts, his musical background and much more. Enjoy !
WWD: Thanks for sitting with us today, hope you’re well ! Where are you in the world right now? And what have you been up to recently?
Well, right now I’m at Brussels Airport, just about to catch a train to Antwerp where I am playing tomorrow night. Lately, I have been working on loads of new music for next year and last week I had some new press shots done…Getting everything lined up nicely for 2019!
WWD: On November 30th, you’ll release your new EP ‘Firepower’ on Desert Hearts Records. Can you share with us the influences behind it?
Well I was in touch with Mikey Lion, one of the Desert Hearts co-founders, well before the EP was locked in. I had followed them and seen videos of their parties and they looked like a lot of fun, chaos and love. That’s where I got my inspiration for both records.
WWD: What made Desert Hearts the ideal home for this EP, and how did you become acquainted with the guys?
As I just mentioned, the tracks fell straight into those 3 categories. Fun. Chaos. Love. I met Mikey over email but since then I have been over to America and met him, along with his brother Porky and a load more of the Desert Hearts crew. They are such fantastic human beings and I can’t wait to meet even more of them next year at their festival in San Francisco!
WWD: Did you have any musical or instrumental background before starting to produce? You were a drummer, correct? If so, how does your prior instrumental training tie into and enhance your music?
My Dad played drums and guitar so I was exposed to music from a very early age. Yeah, my drumming definitely plays a role when I sit down to make a track. For me, the drums have been and will always be the most important part of a record. You get the groove right and everything else just falls into place.
WWD: On a similar note, how did you get introduced to dance music? We see you grew up/spent your childhood in East Africa; we imagine there’s not too big a club scene there.
Well it was actually when I was 14 and choosing my GCSE options at school. My Uncle was a teacher there and he showed me the school’s own Roland TR-909. It wasn’t until I was around 19 however when I realised that this was the career for me.
WWD: For many people, there’s a lack of originality in the tech-house scene. What do you think about this statement ? How do you find your own originality in his scene?
I have heard this so much of late, and there is certainly some truth in it. I try to block all the noise out and just do my thing. Sitting and dwelling on shit like that is pointless in my opinion. It’s the same with anything – when a genre gets popular it gets diluted. If anything, artists should be using this to their advantage. Everyone sounds the same? Mint. I’ll think outside the box.
WWD: What are the 5 productions you’re proudest of?
– Nineteen
– Apache.
– Firepower
– Addicted
– A current project which I am currently working on with Roger Sanchez (this one is going to be special).
WWD: What can we expect in this final stretch of 2018 from you?
Well, it’s almost December isn’t it? So, to get fatter I reckon.
WWD: Do you have any particular goals you’d like to achieve in 2019?
I have a few but I’m not going to jinx them by telling you! However, just being able to do what I do is incredible in itself and I feel very lucky to be able to do so.
WWD: What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to a budding producer trying to break out? Tell us how you came to learn this lesson.
Don’t be shy. Go out. Meet everyone. Get to that after party. Don’t let anything get in your way.
WWD: Outside of music, No.1 favourite thing about the fall/winter season?
Advent calendar!
WWD: Cheers for speaking to us today Jacky!
Follow : Jacky
You can buy his new EP here.