Exclusive interview with Jim Rivers

[wkonitzer]

Since his debut release on SAW Recordings in 2006, Jim Rivers has become a much sought after DJ/Producer worldwide. Described as "a future classic in the making" by Paolo Mojo, his relaunch of the Nubreed series on Global Underground took the electronic music world by storm this year. Ahead of his Austin show on 11/13/09, Resurgence thought they’d catch up with Jim and talk to him about 2009, music and chainsaws…



Hi Jim, tell us a bit about how you first got into dance music and how you got to the sound you play now?

For me it was a few different CDs that I was bought. The first real exposure was getting one of the first MOS annuals and it had Moby's Go on it. That was the moment where I was just drawn in. Then more classic albums like Underworld's early stuff and Daft Punk's Homework really began to shape what I was into. It all started there.

I've been through lots of different parts of dance music, and I would say that all have played a part in shaping what I play now.

Who would you say are your big influences as a DJ and as a producer?

Right now my favorite producer is Paul Woolford. In fact I've been a big fan for a long time but the music he has put out in the last couple of years has been amazing. His sound is original and amazingly well produced. I have nothing but respect for him. DJ wise it's a bit more tricky as I don't get to hear many other DJ's play that often, but people who I have played with and have impressed me this year have been Sebastien Leger and James Zabiela.

Your profile has really increased this year with the re-launch of the Nubreed Series on Global Underground. What is it like working with such a prestigious label and traveling the world?

I've done a fair bit of traveling already, but its been more this year for sure with the album. GU have been a big part of our scene for a long time, so its great to be part of that and have the honor of restarting the the Nubreed series!



Any funny stories from your travels?

Surely you know the golden rule by now? What happens on tour, stays on tour

You’re predominantly known as a producer so for those of us that don’t know, how would you describe your DJ’ing style?

I've been DJing a lot longer than I've been producing so that's the angle I've always come from. I've always played across the board house wise although I think a lot of people have sometimes associated me with certain sounds from some of my records. Key thing for me is groove, so whether its a deep jazzy house track or full on techno its got have that groove and underlying funk in some way. I like to play across 3 decks and keep it layered up with stuff. I'm still a CDJ man at the moment as I like the feel of it all. I guess you can expect a range of stuff mixed up to rock a dance-floor!

What do you find more enjoyable, working on a track, or playing a gig to a packed crowd?

I love them both in different ways. I mean you can't beat the feeling of playing a big gig and having the floor in the palm of your hand. But then creative moments in the studio, where you know you have something special, is also amazing. These days they truly come hand in hand. I guess the best thing is making a track and then seeing it make people go nuts when you play it out.

You started your own label ‘Misfit’ at the tail end of 2007. How has that been going and what can we expect in the future? Maybe a Jim Rivers solo artist album?

Misfit has been a bit stop start if I'm honest, but right now I'm getting it back on track. Part of the reason is that my sound has evolved a lot and I think I'm now a bit more focused on what that is, so I now know what I want Misfit to be. Expect some consistent high quality releases in 2010! An artist album is definitely on the cards, so I will see how that pans out in the next few months.



You are headlining at Republic Live on November 13th in Austin, TX. Which tracks and producers will you favor for this party?

Well I will have a rough idea of some tracks, but usually it's more about getting a vibe from the crowd and going from there. You can expect a bunch of my new stuff that I'm testing at the moment and tracks from some of my fave producers such as Milton Jackson, Lauhaus to Woolford and Adam Beyer!

What is your ‘if all else fails’ tune?

I have a few but I think a good one is Trentemoller's remix of Go by Moby - that always gets you out of jail!

A geek & tech question... what is your studio set up at the moment? Is there any bit of equipment from the past or present that you wish you owned?

I run a simple set up. I have a fast Mac with Logic and Ableton. A midi keyboard, some good speakers and some hand picked plug ins. To be honest, it does not matter what you have if you don't know how to use it or you have no good ideas!

Gear wise I do plan to invest in some old skool stuff once my new studio space has been built...it would be stuff like original drum machines - 909 & 808 - as i just love the sounds! Also some of the new hardware that's coming out that is designed for studio and performing live is amazing!

What do you do to relax?

Just being at home is nice when you travel a lot. I'm a big sports fan so I play football, golf and cycle on a regular basis. I also try and get to Fulham to watch the boys whenever I can!

And finally Jim, do you own a chainsaw?

I have several...My personal favorite is the Husqvarna 365 Petrol model. It has an engine speed of 12500 RPM, a 2 pint fuel tank with an oil pump type adjustable flow. The sound tops out at 102.5 dB and I find that the air injection, smart start and chain tensioning from the side make it stand out from its competitors.



You can catch Jim playing live for Resurgence at Republic Live in Austin, TX this Friday (11/13/09). Resurgence is a night devoted to cutting edge electronic music, combining elements of deep, progressive and tech house, utilizing local talent and international DJs. On Fri 13th November we’re taking over Republic Live for a spectacular party with Jim Rivers as the Pièce de résistance. Tickets are just $10 in advance ($15 on the door) and can be purchased from Groove Tickets.