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  JC Interview
interview 0562 added 03.04.08 words:
Lady Jay UK
technical:
Spoon
Sheffield based producer JC has already had positive acclaim from Hip Hop Connection and Blues and Soul Magazine. Closely connected with Hoodz Underground he is currently working on a mix cd to be released in the summer, alongside numerous other projects with individual artists and collectives, including SY (South Yorkshire)..put your eyebrow down you ain’t heard it yet…
 How long have you been producing for and how did it begin?
About 10 years now. It all started as a progression from being musical and in particular, being a drummer, which I can class as a previous occupation. That, and the connection between hip-hop being a drum heavy genre and my desire to be creative musically, all led me into production. You’ll notice that I tend to emphasise the drums in my work. If it don’t bang, it don’t see the light of day.
Which artists do you work with?
I’ve been instrumental in the progression of Hoodz Underground, who are typically seen as the most well known hip-hop group out of Sheffield. I’ve supplied the beats for over 50% of their released material to date, consisting of two 6 track EP’s, a 12” featuring Klashnekoff, and also their debut LP.
I also work closely with R.C, who is Manchester’s best kept secret...he is definitely my main co-dee in this game and a person who I see as gifted beyond the norm. I plan on either fully or partially producing an album for him at some point and he’s all over my current project, a mix cd called kHz. I’ll tell you about that later.
Also, myself and a few others are trying to build something collectively, we’re working on various collaborations and projects, all loosely connected under the banner of where we’re based, namely “SY” (south yorks) and this includes Nicky Taurus, VenDetta, Tef, Leona and a few more artists from around the area who I feel are on the same page. We may look to set up a label or something of that nature at some point, but for now I feel it’s important to support each other and set up a camp together in this game and collectively bring talent to the table.
 And your chosen weapons are…
Until recently, I was always strictly an MPC user, however certain unfortunate financial situations have arisen and I (almost tearfully!) had to sell it.. So for now I rock the pro-tools and look forward to purchasing another MP in the near future.
Do you think you have a distinctive sound?
I have been told I do, and I certainly try to! I think if I’m honest though, I have what I would describe as an amalgamated sound, which incorporates influences, or elements, from all of the pioneers that have inspired me. I always try to keep things simple.. through making music for a long time you begin to understand how emcees work and the main things they need to be as effective as they can be, so more often than not, the rhythmical structures I use are simple and tight, ultimately to give emphasis to the vocalists to do some damage over them. Having said all that, I’m still learning, and I’m very conscious of that, so I try to just improve every time I switch on the sampler, and enjoy myself. You have to love this. So in that sense, I guess I’m still developing my “distinctive sound”.
This is definitely the era of the producer, I don’t think producers have ever got as much recognition or celebrity status as they do now; who do you respect?
I agree, and it’s a good question, one which may I cause a bone of contention by answering, but I can only relate how I feel about it. Right now, I’m respectful of Mark Ronson. Privileged background or not, you have to respect what he’s done for producers. To come from DJ to producer slash re-mixer, and then be on such a hugely successful scale to end up “British solo artist of the year” or whatever he got, is big. I mean, people hate on him and whatever but have they forgot the tune he did with Ghost, or the M.O.P and Mos joint? They were bangers! Admittedly, they had to strap a guitar on him and make him look like a prat but still. People are too quick to look down on successful people in this country, and look negatively on success. For Americans it’s a part of their make-up to strive for success, and they’re celebrated for it. That’s something we can definitely learn from in this country, maybe then we’ll get somewhere. Nahmean?
Anyway, I’m getting diverted here. Um.. I respect people who step out of their comfort zone and make seemingly impossible things possible. Like Lewis Parker for example. He upped sticks and went to chase his dream, and I respect that fully.
I have a lot of respect for Chemo, who not only is a sick producer, but someone who has been helping me a lot lately with mix downs and stuff and he’s really, really professional. Nuff respect to him.
What record could you play over and over again?
Umm.. T.R.O.Y. or 93 til infinity.
What’s comin up for you?
 The main thing is the kHz mix cd, which is coming out this summer. That’s something I’m excited about. It’s took a ridiculously long time to get it all together: coming up for 5 years in the making, and that’s been down to the fact that I’m doing it all myself and it’s been difficult money-wise. I ain’t a millionaire unfortunately so, these things take time.. but I’m glad to be able to see the end now. I’ve managed to put myself in a position where it can be paid for. I can’t tell you how, unfortunately, due to the hotness of the situation!!! But all you need to know is it’s FINALLY gonna happen. Big up to all the artists involved and also DJ Risco who will be on the blend to make it a nicely finished mixtape.
After that I intend to do a collaboration album with my man Nicky Taurus, continuing to build on the SY theme and as I mentioned before, getting R.C out there on the solo tip.
Finally, I want to take some time out and craft out an album. I’ve been thinking about this for a minute and it’s something I’m really keen to do. No rush job though. I want to hide away somewhere, sit down and make an absolute masterpiece!
No idea when the kHz is dropping so you best stay on top of JC's myspace to find out first...
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Lady Jay UK
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