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Interview with JFK Reported by Sharon B / Submitted 08-05-04 10:30 When DJ magazines view the best club nights in the country there is always one event that remains firmly in the top 5 – Passion in Coalville. Consistently pulling in an average of 1500+ clubbers for each event it is thanks to the musical know-how and innovation of it’s in-house promoter and resident DJ JFK that the event remains not only buoyant, but hugely successful. Having been resident since it’s conception and having the honour of playing the first ever tune at Passion, JFK has managed to bring in some of the top names from around the world to play alongside him at this renown event. Managed by Serious and with an impressive production resume under his belt, JFK is one of the most sought-after DJ’s and producers currently on the clubbing circuit, and May 2004 will see JFK take on London and allow clubbers all across the Capital the opportunity to witness his awesome talent and ability. With up-coming sets at Edition, Serious and Heat, Sharon B managed to put a few brief questions to him to find out a little more about his climb to the top and thoughts on the clubbing scene and its future. Sharon B: You have managed to achieve so much in your career thus far, but how did it all start out for you? Where did your love affair with music begin, and did you ever dream that you would reach the level of success that you have so far? JFK: It all started way back in the 80s on dodgy mobile discos... I just loved playing music to people even when the word "DJ" was a dirty word. Back then DJing was not a career it was a hobby, DJs were the lecherous old man who said innuendos on the mike, I wanted to change that but never expected it to rise to the level it has done. Even now my parents friends ask me "do you have to take all you own kit? I bet it keeps you fit lugging around all those speakers" SB: You have been resident at Passion in Coalville since it began - it's one of the biggest running trance and hard dance nights in the country and regularly packs them out. The venue is literally in the middle of nowhere so this is quite an exceptional feat! What would you say are the main factors that contribute to such an achievement? JFK: The fact that it is the middle of nowhere also means it is in the middle of everywhere, the Golden triangle as we call it, M1,M42,M6 its very easy access to all of these major networks, but it's the people who make this place special, good people will always attract others. SB: Being a resident at one of the midlands biggest nights, how hard has it been to get gigs in London? Do you feel that many London DJs find it hard to get gigs up north and vice-versa? Do you think there is a difference between playing in London and playing in the rest of the UK? JFK: In the last year London has become a lot more Northern in its attitude, people are fed up with the big city attitude and now want to party… partying is back big time and I seem to fit into this style in London its now a great place to play.. if you know the right parties. SB: How do you feel that being such a long term resident at a promotion has affected and will continue to affect your career? Do you think that becoming so synonymous with one club has been a hindrance or a help? JFK: It has hindered in some ways, politics will always play a part even if you are not a resident, but its helped me more than hindered its opened so many doors. SB: Can you tell us more about your upcoming gigs in London? Do you plan differently for each set or are you a firm believer in feeling the mood of the crowd and playing what supports the atmosphere of the event? Do think that improvisation on the decks is important or do you put stock in planning ahead and knowing what sound/style you are aiming for when it comes to set structure? JFK: I play such a variety of music that I have to plan for each individual gig, I do my home work, find out who is on before or after and ask the promoters what they are expecting from me... then I add the little bit of JFK magic, read the crowd and off I go. Job done. My next gig is 15th May for Serious at the Cross 12-2 and Edition at Freedom 7:15-8:45pm. SB: You recently took the rather unusual step of creating a DJ tutorial DVD with Anne Savage. Do you really think it is possible to learn how to DJ properly without a tutor standing next to you? How did that come about and how is it doing? JFK: It was initially not going to be a tutorial but the director liked my camera presence so much he wanted more of me on it (originally it was just going to have sound-bites from all the Serious DJs) I get people all over the country coming up to me thanking me for the little tips on the DVD so it must be helping some people. SB: You have had a number of tracks released on Y2K (Whiplash, Good God, Sound Of Blue) and also on Darren Tate's Mondo label ? how did you first get into production and what was the first track you ever had signed and released? JFK: I got into production through some friends at Passion, our first track was Tzant- Hot and Wet, it got to number 36 in the national 40 in 1996 and had a video and everything.... we got ripped off and I have only received £24.36 SB: Your productions with Revolution 9 (aka Prime Mover) on Mondo have crossed over into the record boxes of both trance and hard dance DJs - is this something that you thought would happen when you made them or did you set out to make tracks that would have a broader appeal? JFK: I always set out to produce something I can play, my sets cross over so my productions do too. SB: Looking over your productions, how do you personally feel you have progressed as an artist over the years and in what direction, if any, would you like to see yourself develop? What does the future hold for JFK? Where would you like to see yourself in say 5 years time? JFK: I have just started a production course so in five years would like to be making tunes without a producer... that's the goal. SB: Which producers/artists would you most like to work with in the future? Is there anyone in particular that you admire that you would like to collaborate with? JFK: I am working with Mike Koglin next week, he is a huge trance producer and BK has expressed an interest in working with me although we have not tied a date down yet. I will only work with guys who are fun. SB: Many of the bigger UK promotions have been setting up their own record labels to release tracks that reflect the sound played at their night? Do you see this happening at Passion? JFK: I set up Passionate Recordings about 7 years ago... we never released any tunes...it takes up a lot of time and effort which I hope to give it.... one day. SB: Your name constantly appears in lists of the world's best DJ's ? how does it feel to have achieved so much and to be awarded so much recognition? Which awards or accolades mean the most to you ? those from within the industry for your production skills or votes from clubbers from your DJ sets? JFK: I'm always flattered to be put up there with big names... I still don't feel I deserve it but the ones from clubbers votes means the most and always will do. SB: Your popularity seems endless, with avid supporters in Judge Jules and Ben Beardsworth to international demand by clubbers and venues from over 12 countries worldwide; with all this adulation and demand how do you manage to keep your feet on the ground and remain focused? JFK: My wife makes me do the washing up and mow the lawns..... I always think like this.... I am just a guy that plays other peoples records for a living.... I aint that special. SB: How do you escape the whole clubbing/dance music scene when you need to and what non-clubbing music inspires you or do you listen to when you are away from the clubbing scene? JFK: I have an 8 month old son now so I don't get much spare time except to spend with him.... but I love football and support Man Utd. Musically I listen to anything that makes me feel good.... Coldplay are hot on my list at the moment. SB: Who do you admire within the music world? Are there any artists and producers that you look to for inspiration? Is there any other artist whose career you would like to emulate? JFK: I admire all entertainers, we are in the entertainment business I get mesmerized by people like Robbie Williams who can hold a quarter of a million and the palm of his hand at Knebworth... now that's the biz. SB: As a producer what are your thoughts on CD mixing in clubs? Do you find it is a benefit in terms of being able to play out your new productions sooner or do you feel that this is outweighed by the drawbacks of copyright fraud and the instability of regulation and protection of artists work? JFK: Dance music will always innovate, mixers and decks have dramatically changed in the last 20 years, CDs was the obvious next... its just technology.. embrace it it can only be good. SB: Do you think that the industry should be more regulated? Do you feel that a union of some sort, similar to say Equity and actors, should be introduced to protect artists and their work? JFK: Not at all... only the good ones will get work.. all the crap will fall by the way side... you have to decide what you are. SB: Which up and coming DJs and producers do you currently rate? Do you think that there are a new breed of DJs/producers coming through the ranks who will soon be vying for a place amongst the current big names? How hard do you think it is for new talent to be given a chance and is talent alone the key factor in making it big? JFK: There can be as much new talent as everyone wants, but you have to remember they have to be good to survive, class will show in the end. I get fed up with kids saying "oh I cant get a break" if you are good enough you will force you way in. SB: Of the promotions and venues that are sadly no longer with us, which do wish you'd have been able to play at, and are there any current parties/places you'd still like to play for? JFK: I would love to have played at Venus in Nottingham (its where I feel in love with dance music), I would like to play abroad more cause I like travelling.... of the new parties... any where there is a mad crowd... SB: What do you think the future of clubbing will hold? Will we be seeing more live PA's , with the possibility of live producing on stage or do you feel that any advancements made will be purely technological i.e. CD decks and digital mixers etc? JFK: Clubland will continue to develop with the best technology available, we have never been ones to stand still, as long as it helps us party harder who cares, my advise is don't read too much into the future, take it for what it is and enjoy it. SB: Any last comments? JFK: Thanks for listening and I hope to see you all at a party soon. Thanks to JFK for his time, you can see him at the second Edition on 15 May at Freedom or at Heat on the 21st May at Pacha. Photo's courtesy of Serious Management and Edition JFK will be playing at Heat on 21st May at Pacha Share this :: : : : Follow HarderFaster :: Other Features By Sharon B: What's it all about? Alfie! - Getting Technikal with Alf Bamford Heat UK presents....SW4!!! - Interview with Damian Gelle Interview with TWIST promoter Steve Darragh Interview with Innovate Resident Nick Sentience Interview with Ferry Corsten The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable. Comments: From: Steve Prince on 11th May 2004 09:02.53 wicked sharon jfk is the man From: Lizzie Curious on 12th May 2004 11:15.44 one of my all time favourite DJs with amazing stage presence and always exciting and different tune selection xxx From: Web Ferret on 12th May 2004 12:09.33 Add your comments here ! From: Web Ferret on 12th May 2004 12:13.00 Yes my other half has HOT and WET ..He brought it in 96........AMAZING TUNE .... don't get to paly in out much but when it is gets great reaction.... From: *GARBO* on 20th Aug 2004 02:58.59 JFK is one dj that has deffently inspired me, his stage presence is second to none. I have great respect for him and the advice he gives me.

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