The fantastic remixer and DJ Jet Boot Jack kicks off our new round of DJ Interviews, where we aim to find out some interesting facts and stories from our roster.
DJ Name
Jet Boot Jack
Style(s)
Bootlegs, House, Funk, Soul, Disco, Old Skool, Hip-Hop, Latin, Rock’n’Roll… Feel-good party music!
Current Favourite DJ Performance Equipment
Pioneer CDJ 3000s & DJM-900NXS2
What got you into DJing?
In my early teens growing up in Camden, NW London, I was lucky enough to be at the geographical centre of the underground dance music world. I quickly got hooked into the scene and was frequenting record shops, playing on pirate radio and DJing at local venues alongside big names such as MC GQ before I turned 18.
Which big name DJs’ style do you most reflect?
My all-time favourite DJ is Sir Norman Jay (whom I have been honoured to play alongside, and who has supported my productions on his BBC Radio show).
Do you remember your first ever gig?
DJing at house parties (when I should have been studying for my GCSEs).
Tell us about your all-time favourite artists.
I love the re-edits of fellow remixers such as The Reflex, Alkalino, Dr Packer, LNTG and John Morales.
What has been your most ridiculous DJ request to date?
Drunken people requesting a song while it’s actually already playing (yes, this has happened more than once!).
How do you think DJ technology will change into the future?
The arts of remixing, producing, performing and DJing will continue to merge – but, for me, the most important skill of a DJ is the very human intuition of knowing what tune to play next at any given moment and that is something that has and always will remain unaffected by technology.
What was your worst gig and why?
Playing at a venue with a faulty limiter – every time the music hit a crescendo the system would cut out for a couple of minutes. Needless to say neither myself nor the audience were very happy…
What was your best ever gig and why?
Following the headline live act at Brownstock Festival in front of a crowd of thousands. Transitioning straight into DJing after a set of live music is a tricky skill but one that, when done well, is very rewarding, lifting the crowd into a different mindset.
Do you think we will see DJ robots soon?
I think there are quite a few of those out there already…!
Do any ‘star’ DJs get on your nerves?
DJing is a vast territory with plenty of room for all different types. Those who have no relevance to me don’t concern me one way or another, I just concentrate on being the best that I can be.
To find out more about Jet Boot Jack click here.
