PREMIERE: Jazz Spastiks - 10 Questions + Camera Of Sound (Album)
Jazz Spastiks have been friends since childhood and have been working on creative projects together for just as long. Influenced by old school hip hop as well as 90’s sampling and production techniques, they have become known worldwide for their modern take on a classic style.
The new album ‘Camera of Sound’ represents a creative peak for Jazz Spastiks, allowing them to showcase their distinctive flavour of beats and scratches alongside some of the genres most accomplished vocalists. The DJ’s/beat maker’s have been quite prolific over the last few years creating a solid back catalog and a trail of sold out vinyl releases.
Jazz Spastiks sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
When I was at primary school they took us one by one into the music room. Then a scientist played a series of tones with different frequencies through a pair of headphones. We were tested on this and then it was determined which of us were musically inclined. Those who were picked were given instruments the others weren't. I wasn't picked and so assumed that I wasn't good at music which made me sad.
Then at high school we were forced to sit in silence wearing headphones whilst working our way through a book and trying to teach ourselves such hits as 'Oh When The Saints'. Occasionally being interrupted to be bullied by the teacher or listen to them talking about the one time they got a royalty cheque from PRS.
Around the time we were leaving high school I got interested in playing guitar and Mikey started DJ-ing. Then we both did a Sound Engineering/Music Production College course and started working in recording studios. Jazz Spastiks started as a project we would work on at night in the studio when everyone went home.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
DOOM was a big influence and we were really hoping to work with him. Q-Tip is someone who both as a producer and emcee is huge for us, so that would be the dream collaboration I think. There's really so many because we love working with new people and it's also a great way to reach new listeners.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
We had been living together for the last few years with the studio in our house so if that had still been the case it would have been fine. However shortly before lockdown we both moved into separate houses. We adapted quite easily though. We had enough equipment that we could set up a small studio at both of our new houses. Then we sent things back and forward online.
4. How would you describe your sound?
We like to make sampled based hip hop with drum breaks in it.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
That's hard to say but we're really proud of our Scratch & Sniff album that we released with a book. It was an idea that we had which turned out to be incredibly difficult and expensive to produce. Even though we knew we would never make any profit from it we really wanted to do it and we're really happy with how it turned out. The response from listeners has been really great as well.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I mean it depends who it is reading, it's about confidence. You've got to have the right amount and that's not easy. Apart from that i'd say just concentrate on what you are doing and try and finish it. Then move on to the next project, keep doing that and you'll soon be making progress. If you want to have commercial success that's a whole different game. There's so many people out there trying to take advantage of 'unsigned' musicians it's hard to know who to trust. The good thing at the moment is you can do most everything yourself so i'd recommend doing that as much as possible.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
There are so many amazing beat makers and producers right now. We love Simiah, DJ Drinks, George Fields and there's so many others that we are friends with.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Pep Love and Jay Biz - The Shamen
Grandmaster Caz - The Grandest Of Them All
L.O.N.S - T.I.M.E
Keith Murray - The Most Beautifulist Thing In This World
Jneiro Jarel - Section A
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Big fans of video games, I have a Nintendo Switch and have been playing the new Mario game recently. Mikey is still addicted to the old Amiga game Sensible Soccer.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Cannabis, Coffee and the Apple Mac.
Camera Of Sound is out today on all streaming platforms.