Just before Christmas we got together for a chat with Toolroom Records’ very own Jamie Kemp.
A talented DJ and producer, his techy, high energy sound has been gaining him new fans hand over fist over the past few months with a recent remix of the might Todd Terry’s ‘Crazzzy’ soaring in the Traxsource charts alongside the bouncy new anthem ‘Bad Man’, which has recieved massive support from Radio 1’s Danny Howard.
Take a listen to ‘Bad Man’, out now, below, and read on to hear more from the main man himself about working at Toolroom, how he constructs a tune, who he’s listening to right now and his hot tips for 2015.
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Hi Jamie! Thanks for chatting to us! To start off with can you tell us your name, where you’re from, and how you’d describe your sound as a producer?
Hey hey! So I’m Jamie Kemp (Artist name is totally original as you can see :D)…. I’m from sunny Maidstone in Kent. Sound wise I have been carving this over the last 6 months, trying to get something unique to me, something I really am happy with. I take influences from a few key artists, and mix that with the twist I want to take, and I think you have my sound; “Deep, driving, tech house – Jamie K Styley”!!
To give some background.. how long have you been making music for? How did you first get into it?
I started actually making music around 6 years ago, just messing around with loops and trying to lay synth lines down. I wasn’t too serious about it however; it was in between my day job and coming home. Finally I decided to step my game up around 2 years ago, and really start to learn more about production and get good at it. I have always loved the beauty of progressive music, from early Prydz and Guy J. So I started with this, making some more euphoric numbers. A great collaboration with Andre Sobota called “Polarity” was one of my favourite tracks, and I still love it. I found that my heart actually lay in the more groovy, driving, tech based music. Working at Toolroom and closely with some talented guys, I took inspiration to carve a name for me in that genre.
What’s your production set up like?
Simple but effective! ….. Imac (with LOTS of instruments, plug ins and sample packs), Apogee Duet soundcard (Essential!), KRK VXT6 monitors (I love them), Midi Keyboard, Maschine, & I am currently waiting on getting the finally pennies together for a Moog Sub 37…… Bring it!
Do you play any instruments?
I can play basic Piano. I am self-taught, but I think it has helped a lot… I would really recommend it to anyone wanting to get into music production. The basics will just allow you to write chords, bass lines and more so much easier! Its not an essential thing, but to get creative and understand more about the actual music, a few hours a week will turn into a few hours cut in the studio trying to patch together a melody ☺ …..
How do you go about constructing a tune?
I always start with the kick. Finding that booming kick (in my music) is important to me. I treat the kicks, put it into key, and get it sounding really nice. Some off hats, clean and crisp! Then I get to work on the bass line. I have an 8 bar loop going down, so it’s just going over and over. The idea of this 8 bar loop is to create the main body of the track here, build it with percussion, effects etc etc. You can then start to break the track down and arrange.
Who are your inspirations musically?
I am going to say one right now, as they are two people that just inspire me greatly… I take inspiration from their style, certain elements and groove. Its “Dusky”. I don’t think any other electronic producer out there at the moment can compete in my opinion. Its just pure raw talent at its very best.
What are you listening to the most at the moment?
Dusky, Volkoder, Coyu, Adrian Hour. The big grooving, big bass line tracks! ….
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
ANNA! …. She is an amazing producer, with amazing sounds, and an amazing personality! Hopefully there is space some where down the line! Perhaps when I have my moog :p
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As you know it’s end of year list time… We have to ask, what are your top five club-storming tunes of 2014?
1: Dusky – Yahoo (17 Steps)
Dusky for me are just two producers that can do no wrong. The richness in their productions, originality, the way they work their vocals and lay out the tracks is just second to none. I take a lot of inspiration from these guys. This track to me is my favourite of 2014 by far.
2: Kolsch Feat Gregor Schwellenbach – Cassiopeia (Kompakt)
Has to be listened to to really appreciate this track… Magic, real magic! Kolsch has had a storming year. This track just timeless.
3: Vokoder – Big Ear (Suara)
2014 for me has been about the deep grooves, driving tech goodness. Volkoder has fast become a mainstay producer in sets of mine. The pounding, groovy, dirty bass lines are just pure dance floor winners! The big percussive hits in this just really make this track. Its simple but really effective. Love it. GWAN Volkoder!!!
4: Hot Since 82 – Planes & Trains (Dosem Remix) (Suara)
Loved the original so much, but when this mix came at the start of the year, it was like heaven! One of Dosem’s best works in my opinion.
5: DJ Dan – Make Ya Freak (Jamie K Remix) (InStereo)
Bit of self love here…… The track just seemed to come together in the studio over a matter of days. Really loved working on it, and it payed off. Playing it in sets, the bass just rocks and pumps, and to couple that with the #13 placement in the Beatport House charts, this was a good one for me this year. GO GET 🙂 ….
Who should we be watching out for in 2015, and up and comers or hot tips you’ve got your eye on?
Two from me…. Volkoder & Teenage Mutants… Love both these guys, and they are going to have huge 2015’s!
What have you been working on lately? Any projects in the pipeline you want to put the word out on?
I have a collab with Luigi Rocca that is done and signed ☺ …. I am working on a wicked new idea that I am getting a full vocal on! Its sounding wicked and I am very excited about it…. Also in the process of writing an original for the Toolroom Miami compilation. Lots happening!
Where are you going to be spending your NYE this year?
No DJ-ing! House party vibes! The only way to spend a NYE!
Cheers for the mix and the chat! Any shout outs before we go?
Thanks for the talk! Have a great one!!! Don’t forget to grab “Bad Man” on the 5th Jan! Big up to Luigi Rocca, DJ Dan, Todd Terry, 303Lovers, Toolroom for all the support this year. Here is to a great 2015! PEACE X
If you’re digging the tunes then pick up ‘Bad Man’ (303Lovers) here and his ‘Crazzzy’ remix (Phoenix) here. You can keep up with Jamie K over on his SoundCloud and on Twitter @jamiekempdj.
