PREMIERE: J-Felix ft: Victoria Port - Like A Queen (Single) + 10 Questions
Originally from Bristol, now living in Brighton; Musician, Producer and DJ, J-Felix presents the first single from vol 1 of his new EP series, The Mint Experiment. ‘Like a Queen feat. Victoria Port is sultry, analogue Hip-Hop/ Soul with big LA and P Funk influence featuring the beautiful vocals of Victoria Port (one half of Tru-Thoughts label-mates Anushka).
The track is the first of four on volume 1 of The Mint Experiment which features an array of heavy hitting collaborators working with J-Felix in exploring the concept of Anemoia - a nostalgia for a time you never knew. A feeling J gets a lot when listening to old records, reading biographies of his musical heroes and hearing stories of legendary clubs and parties which happened before his time.
J-Felix has had a fruitful and varied career so far. After touring as Alice Russell’s guitarist from 2013, J met label bosses at Tru-Thoughts who quickly snapped up the demos that evolved into the 80’s Boogie, P Funk and RnB inspired debut album 101 Reasons. This gained wide spread support including Julie Adenuga (Beats 1), Huey Morgan, Don Letts (BBC6 Music) FIP Radio and Jazzanova.
From there on it was a whirlwind. His live show attracted support bookings for giants in the Funk& Soul sound like Hot 8 Brass band, Soul ll Soul, George Clinton (Parliament/ Funkadelic) and Roy Ayers. Their mutual love for synths and Funk made it inevitable that J-Felix and Swindle should end up in the studio - this led to a working friendship and saw J involved in writing for Kojey Radical, Mahalia and Joel Culpepper as well as appearing on Swindle’s brilliant album, No More Normal on which he played guitars for the European tour.
Amongst all this, J has released numerous remixes for various artists including Werkha and Alex Rita & Wrongtom and The Ragga Twins. He’s also produced and written music with Harleigh blu, Abi Flynn, Ibibio Sound Machine and Payfone (Defected records). Between LPs, his Eps and singles on Tru Thoughts and Midnight Riot gained further support on NTS, across BBC Radio and MixMag along the way.
J-Felix’s love for a wide variety of music makes him a sought after DJ too. He’s a regular on the festival circuit amongst Glastonbury, We Out Here, Sound wave and Nova Batida. He’s held down various residencies including Patterns in his current hometown, Brighton, where he’s opened up for Gilles Peterson. You can check YouTube for J’s full live band on We Out Here and New Generation Jazz channels (He’s also the latter’s go to mix engineer and producer).
The critically acclaimed second LP Whole Again Hooligan in 2020 gained further support from Jazz Supernova (1Xtra), Phil Taggart (Radio 1) Huey Morgan and various BBC6 Music shows along with NTS KCRW, Nightmares on Wax and Worldwide FM support on which Erica McKoy invited him in for a live session with collaborator Andrew Ashong and led to sold out live shows.
Like a Queen sees a new chapter beginning for J-Felix who has begun his own label OVN Records. Named after his three girls, he is using the platform to experiment with the EP format and new collaborators, equipment and writing styles. ‘Mint’ as in the Bristol meaning - propermint. ‘Experiment’ with new approaches, people and releasing music independently.
J-Felix 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 and Dad have always been into music. I remember my Mum inviting me to go see Gil Scott heron when I was about 14 - I foolishly didn't know who he was at the time and thought he can't be cool coz mum likes him - how wrong I was! Growing up in Bristol around with records by Tricky, Massive Attack and Roni Size etc on rotation had a huge impact - knowing they were from just up the road and making international waves. Music is amazing for communicating feeling without necessarily having words, thats what I really fell in love with.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I'm influenced by a lot of different artists some of which i've been lucky to work with already. Dam Funk has a big influence on me along with beat-makers like Onra and of course J Dilla. Then there's Don Blackman and Donald Byrd and classic hip-Hop like ATCQ. Honestly all sorts has influenced me though - I love The Clash and Arctic Monkeys are brilliant. There are many people I would like to work with, but I think Dam Funk is someone I would love to get in studio with and the team behind 'Dinner Party' - 9th Wonder, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington and co.. in the UK, I would love to work with Liam Bailey.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I am currently working on volume 2 of my new EP series 'The Mint Experiment' - Like a Queen with Victoria Port is the first single from volume 1 coming soon. There are many collaborators involved - all will be revealed soon. It's coming out on my own label, OVN records which is a brand new venture, so I am excited to see how this all goes...
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is Electronic Funk and Alternative RnB. It's foundations are from Hip-Hop, Boogie and Disco and I really love P Funk- with an electronic edge to the production and Jazz influences. Plenty of live instrumentation and very few samples. The new material is leaning much more toward Hip-Hop/ Soul with nice horn and string arrangements.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
This a tough one. There have been some very good moments, I am very fortunate. Turning on BBC6 Music with one of my best friends out of the blue and hearing Huey Morgan make music from my debut album 'beat of the Week' and 'meat of the week' was huge. The timing was impeccable, turned the radio on and he introduced me straight away about half way into his show. We were very hungover, I had no expectations of this happening or any heads up so we went back to the pub to celebrate. It was big because I had no expectations and it was at the start of it all really.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Well I think 'the game' you mention is perhaps referring to the business side - there's a famous quote about that by Van Morrison - 'Music is spiritual - the music business is not'. I think i am inclined to agree with that to some degree, but also determined stay positive and avoid bitterness. I would say if something doesn't appear to be working - then start experimenting with new ideas - both on the music and the music biz side. Always collaborate and follow that spark which originally got you into music. The great thing about music is it brings us together and melts boundaries away, remember the essence of why you want to do music in the first place and try not to get fogged by comparison to other musicians and too worried about popularity. It isn't easy by any means, but it wouldn't be nearly as fun if it was. Celebrate the good shows and studio sessions and congratulate the people you are working with also. Always show appreciation if you feel it. Never question a good fee and try not to talk yourself out of a job!
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Bessi. She is fantastic - session player and solo artist. JK Group - lovely uplifting jazz inspired music. Juga Naut - one of my favourite UK rappers.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I'm gonna be difficult now and tell you it isn't currently Spotify I use, but Tidal, Bandcamp and Vinyl (trying to vote with my money), but - 'Dinner Party' - amazing team consisting of 9th Wonder, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington and a singer called Pheonix - a brilliant album. 'Kind Of Blue' Miles Davis i think will forever be on heavy rotation and I've recently gone back to 'Maxinequaye'. by Tricky.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Playing basketball. Watching/ Listening to music. Spending time with my kids. i would love to get down the pub if time and finance would allow it!
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Good Music (and people). Food. Drink.