UK underground rising talent delivering hypnotic, driving productions and unique digital hybrid DJ sets, aiming for the global stage and top clubs worldwide.
Born and raised in the south east of England J Young is set to be one of the most exciting emerging talents in the UK Underground scene. With deep and diverse musical influences J Young continues to build his reputation of delivering hypnotic, driving and rolling productions as well as providing uniquely tailored moments to dance floors with his ‘Digital Hybrid’ DJ sets. With his eyes set on the international stage he aims to become a regular face to some of the biggest and hottest labels and clubs around the world.
Interview:
You’ve released on Paco Osuna’s label, was that a long-term goal or did it happen naturally through your network?
To release on Mindshake has been a major goal for me, I had been spending a lot of time refining the music I was making in the aim to land a release. It still came as a surprise but was an epic moment for me!
Be honest, how hard is it really to get a track signed on that level today?
In my example I found it hard but that what makes it feel so good when it does land. There’s many hours in the studio spent refining, polishing and perfecting your tracks and then it’s another task to get it in front of the right people. But if your music fits and stands out it’s only a matter of being consistent until you’re noticed.
Your sound sits between groove and drive — what’s the key element you always need in a track to make it “club ready”?
I’m a sucker for rolling bass lines, it has to feel sexy but for me the drums are the groove. If you don’t have that ‘feel’ in your drums the track will be flat.
What’s your go-to move when the dancefloor energy drops at 3AM?
Think contrast, if you’ve been cooking all set maybe it’s time to give the crowd a break with a lower energy segment. Just one track or a big breakdown. It’ll then give you breathing space to pick the energy back up and it’ll feel more impactful. One trick I love is to loop all tracks, bring things out and to run up an a capella !
Do you test unreleased tracks in your sets, or are you more selective with what you play out?
Of course! It’s a good way to gauge how well the track lands with the crowd ! I’m very picky with what I play so everything is tested before the set however if it sounds good, I’m playing it!
What’s one track you’ve been rinsing lately that always works, no matter the crowd?
My own track “Get Up” – I know it’s a shameless promotion on my behalf but it always gets feet tapping !
Have you ever had a set where everything went wrong? What happened?
I’ve had power cuts mid set, it’s annoying for sure but luckily nothing else (fingers crossed) has gone wrong.
In your opinion, what separates a good DJ from a DJ people actually remember after the night?
For me it’s creating unique moments that you won’t hear from anyone else. Bring something different to the table and people will remember you !
If you had to describe your sound in one word at 5AM in a dark club, what would it be?
Tough one that, I’d say “obsessive”
Who is your DJ hero ? 🙂
This is an easy one – Paco Osuna !
