JJ Disco
He came to fame as an original member of the seminal ’90s House act Technotronic, co-writing the classic Pump Up the Jam, Eric Martin returns and Channels 90s rave culture once more on his convincing electronic gem RETROFLOWS 83 ft AKIL THE MC
What was the first album you bought?
“Streetllife” by The Crusaders. I was a kid, so technically speaking my mother bought It for me. A dope album.
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations and why?
A handful of these would be Kraftwerk, Kurtis Mantronik and Rick Rubin.
Kraftwerk for their electronic wizardry and innovation that inspired the likes of Arthur Baker (Planet Rock, New Order) helping to usher in Rap music. We’re talking Fairlight sampler days, pre MIDI.
Kurtis Mantronik for his ability and willingness to manipulate synths at a time when 99.9% of Hip-Hop producers were looping a sample and calling it a track.
Rick Rubin for creating Def Jam records in such an organic way. His early work with T La Rock, LL Cool J, The Beastie Boys etc, influenced a generation. Definitely a unique sound.
What are some non-musical inspirations that motivate your music?
Generally speaking, I’m inspired by questions. Particularly, those that lead to innovation, social, cultural, and economic change.
Tell us about your single ‘Retroflows 83’ with Akil The MC?
I believe Hip-House is one of the most important genres in the evolution of dance music. That era when the lines between House and Hip-Hop were blurry, brought millions of fans to dance culture across the globe.
“Retroflows” is actually a project. The idea being that original flows from the genre’s infancy be paired with Classic, Deep House production. The original mix of this track was made DAW-lessly without a laptop in sight so, it feels warm, organic. “Retroflows 83” is the first of several tracks to come from this project.
What have you got lined up the rest of the year (2021)?
I’m looking forward to playing live again.
Rewind Festival, Maidstone – July 31st
Our House Rave Festival, Birmingham – August 21st
Retro in The Park Festival, Burnley – August 28th
“Retroflows 83” – The Remixes / June 25th.
“Retroflows 89” with Ya Kid K (Pump Up The Jam etc). Mid August release.
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