Just Geo - 10 Questions
No matter what the circumstance, few are as comfortable behind a pair of decks as Just Geo.
Whether it’s performing with Wiley in front of almost 20,000 people, playing a warehouse in Kazakhstan, or having Idris Elba jump on percussion while taking over the hallowed main room at Ministry of Sound, his ability to make people dance is almost second to none.
After starting as a producer, drawing influences from a broad array of sounds from old-school Garage to retro video game soundtracks, he honed his craft as a DJ on pirate radio, where he quickly earned a reputation as a budding tastemaker. This led to years of hosting and curating his own prime-time radio show on CSR FM which eventually led to a slot on Capital FM, broadcasting nationwide, live in the mix, as part of The Capital Weekender.
Fast forward to today and you can catch the South London native garnering rave reviews for his DJ sets all over, producing for some of the UK’s finest, alongside running his very own brand supporting emerging talents.
Already known for lively sets spanning multiple genres and with his production work receiving support on BBC Radio, Rinse FM, alongside various international platforms and notable syncs, this is hopefully the start of much bigger things for this emerging artist.
Just Geo 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?
My mum bought me a keyboard when I was a kid and she always says it was the best value for money present ever, that kept me entertained for years. Then I eventually discovered software you could use to make music on a computer and that was it.
I just loved playing around with sound. I used to invite my mates over to my house after school, choose a beat, pass them a mic and start recording. Some weren't even MCs or singers or anything so it was all freestyles but I’d always coach them a bit to try and get something out of them… it was jokes, it usually ended up being a random diss track for other people in our school or just outright offensive, I actually got in trouble for it a few times but I think that’s where the passion for musically creating something out of nothing came from!
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
There are loads, JME and Skepta have always been a massive influence on me, from the first time I heard tracks like Serious and that LOTD3 freestyle I’ve been a huge fan of both for different reasons. Kanye West has been a big one since I heard Through The Wire. Also Kano, his live show kind of inspired the EOD version of Be Direct, and of course Flirta D and all the other Grime OG’s, though there are way too many to mention. Then it’s quite eclectic... People like Bicep, SBTRKT and a lot of video game soundtracks.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who's felt like this but I’m usually the type of artist who can go into a studio and make a track easily but something about the uncertainty just made it a struggle to finish stuff. I’ve got a studio in my house so my friends would say things like “you must be loving this, you must have so much new music etc” and I’d just feel a big sense of guilt cos I feel like I should have finished way more. But the time also meant I could dabble with things I’ve never done before and those new things helped keep me inspired and at least I finished EODBMIV.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Years ago someone at Timeout described it as “casiocore bleeps and head nodding beats” which I kinda agreed with but I also like to think my sound has become way more melodic, expansive, and emotional. Risky vibes.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I've made music for a few adverts in the last year, defo not something I would have expected to do a few years back, let alone be paid for it.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Just do what you do and do it because you enjoy it. Don’t take the no’s personally and also don’t be a dick because people in music talk, a lot. Also, try to do everything yourself at least once before you randomly pay someone else to do it. You'll learn a lot and potentially save a lot...
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Keeya Keys doesn’t miss, Deema is so sick, then also R.O and Last Locks are the future.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Murkage Dave, still patiently waiting for his second album. Lots of Manga Saint Hilare as well and Dave’s second album, it’s a masterpiece. Also, Skepta’s new EP, Lit Like This is my new theme tune.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Video games, procrastinate and design stuff.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My phone (even though I'll ignore everyone), healthy wifi and some sparkling water.