SkyTram Mixes It Up With Hot New Music Acts and Producers in the Biz
In The Mix: Producer Jon Curtis
A budding star from South London is on the verge of transforming the way clubbers regard the electronic dance music scene around the globe. Twenty-five year old Jon Curtis is currently promoting his new big beat electro-house filled tune, Driven, which features mind-blowing baselines and reggae influences that are reminiscent of renowned producers Diplo, Sub Focus and Nero. Curtis boarded his flight on SkyTram to chat about his impressive new single, his current dance favorites and his preferred club spot in the UK.
Why do you have a passion for producing club music?
I just wanted to see others going as crazy for a track as I do for some songs.
How did you get involved with Digi DJ? What has been your experiences so far?
I heard it about via Twitter and DJ Smutlee who submits his blends to them. I e-mailed Jenn (From Digi DJ) who very quickly added me to the database. There are so many different types of tracks on there, I'd recommend it to any DJ.
When did you get your first big break in the music business?
I've been into dance music a long time but I used to complain about the music I heard being played out. So my girlfriend, who was sick of me saying it, said either DJ and make my own or keep quiet – so I did.
The track, Driven, strikes me as a massive electro-house instrumental tune that is filled with acid baselines and reggae influences. What are your future plans for this new single? Are you looking to add vocals to the future single like Deadmau5 did with Ghosts N’ Stuff (e.g., Pendulum’s Rob Swift)?
I'm glad you spotted the reggae influences. I went to see Major Lazer over a year ago and caught the bug back then. I'd love to add a vocalist to my track, but finding a good one is very hard. I really want to make a track with an epic breakdown with some chilling vocals.
Your sound is very distinctive yet somewhat reminiscent of Deadmau5 and the UK’s Jack Beats. What are some of your major influences from the electronic dance scene?
I'm a big fan of Jack Beats and I'm lucky enough to get their tracks a bit before everyone else. They can do the crazy wobble bass but also they make more mature sounds on remixes for Patrick Wolf and Florence + The Machine.
Are there any future releases, compilations and remix projects you are working on now?
I'm due to go into the studio soon, but finding time away from my day job is very hard. I don't get much holiday and the holiday I do have is going to be used on DJ sets further away from home.
If you were to classify your genre of club music, how you would describe your tunes to the public?
Boisterous, bass heavy tropical music. When I DJ, I play whatever I feel that people will dance to. The other night I went from Rico Tubbs - Cutty to The Outfield - Your Love to Double 99 – Ripgroove.
Best remix and/or dance track that you have heard this year?
Well the best original track this year is Jack Beats - K Hole and the best remix is Skream's one of La Roux … even if it's been played out by everyone.
What are your top three albums that music lovers should be listening to right now?
Florence + The Machine - Lungs
Jay Z - Blueprint 3
Toddla T - Skanky Skanky
Favorite Club (locally)?
Digital in Brighton is my favorite club. I go and check out a night club called Blah Blah Blah a lot. They get big names in.
Favorite tracks to play on your setlists?
How long have you got?
I'll give you a top 5 that went down well last weekend.
Martelo + Herve - Wasted
Afrojack - Polkadots
DJ Zinc - Super Sharp Shooter (Cuthbert Colosuss Remix)
Dub Pistols - I'm In Love (Foamo Remix)
The Proxy - Dancing In The Dark (Kissy Sell-Out's DnB edit)
If you were trapped in an elevator with a famous celebrity of any kind, who would it be and why?
If I were single it would be Penelope Cruz, but I'm not. So I'd have a long chat with Jay Z.
In The Spotlight: Jon Curtis-Driven (mp3)
