Extraordinary artist duo Jive Talk have been making significant waves in the electronic music scene. Known for their dynamic presence and innovative sounds, Sam and Jonny, better known as Jive Talk, have become staple figures at the renowned Gottwood Festival. As the masterminds behind the label “Not For You“, they have released a plethora of captivating tracks on esteemed labels such as Demi Riquisimo’s Semi Delicious, Ghost Recs, and Classique Records, with standout EPs like “Cash Only” and “Still Guvn’in.“
Their journey is proof of their dedication and passion for music, starting from their university days where they first met and bonded over their shared love for DJing. Over the years, Jive Talk has cultivated a unique sound that blends their individual influences and talents, creating a synergy that is both compelling and distinctive. Their influence extends beyond production, with remarkable mixes for Half Baked, SlothBoogie, and Demi Riquisimo’s RinseFM show, earning them a reputation as a super credible duo in the industry.
Jive Talk’s sets are known for their high energy and eclectic selections, which have captivated audiences at festivals and events across the globe. They have a knack for creating unforgettable experiences, whether it’s through their live performances or their carefully crafted releases. Their ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles sets them apart from their peers, making them a favorite among fans and critics alike.
In this interview, we’ll dive deep into their journey, creative process, and future endeavors. We’ll explore their beginnings, the story behind their moniker, their experiences in the studio, and what it’s like to be a part of some of the most prestigious festivals and labels in the electronic music scene. We’ll also get a glimpse into their personal tastes and preferences, from their favorite gear to their dream studio setups. Without further ado, let’s welcome Jive Talk.
Torture the Artist: What’s your connection to Jazz and how did you come up with your artist-moniker?
Jive Talk: We don’t have a real connection to Jazz. When we first started playing together we’d try and put the other one off while they were mixing – we still do sometimes – by talking shit to them, and that’s where the name came from.
Torture the Artist: How did you both get involved with music and what’s the story that brought you together as musical partners?
Jive Talk: We both got into DJing for fun around the same age, before we met each other at uni.
Torture the Artist: What’s the electronic music track of your early days and where did you hear it?
Sam: Early electronic tracks for me would be Daft Punk’s albums “Homework“ and “Discovery“. I remember listening to them at school and being blown away.
Jonny: Probably The Prodigy, can’t remember where I first heard them, but I remember getting the “Fat of the Land“ album for Christmas. I feel old now.
Torture the Artist: What’s the advantage of being a duo rather than being solo in this scene?
Jive Talk: Getting to experience the good and bad times with your best mate, traveling together etc. and having two heads on everything. Even when we don’t agree on something at first we always work through it well.
Festivals are definitely our favorite environments to play.
Torture the Artist: Last year was a brilliant year for you, really cementing your place in the scene; what were the highlights for you during the year?
Jive Talk: Having a release with The Ghost was, of course, a big highlight and then the festivals we played, festivals are definitely our favorite environments to play. We’ve also been lucky enough to land some incredible booking agents, Zack and Daniele who run FDNT. Not only are they fantastic people in their own right, but they really care about what they’re doing and have made a really positive impact on Jive Talk. They’re the boys!
Torture the Artist: You’ve already got a packed gig schedule for the coming months, including the legendary Glastonbury – you must be absolutely buzzing?
Jive Talk: Yes, we can’t wait for this summer’s gigs! It’s crept up fast!
We’ve had three releases with Semi Delicious, and we might do some more if Rich plays his cards right.
Torture the Artist: You’ve developed a strong bond with Demi and the Semi Delicious-crew, with a number of outings on the label. How did you guys meet and do you have more in store for the label?
Jive Talk: We go way back with Demi, we’ve been friends since uni. We’ve had three releases with Semi Delicious, and we might do some more if Rich plays his cards right. <wink>
Torture the Artist: From a production point of view, how do you work together in the studio? Does one person deal with certain sounds and the other work on other areas, or is it more fluid in terms of the flow?
Jive Talk: Living in different places makes it hard to get studio time together. Sam takes on majority when it comes to production, but I, Jonny, have plenty of input. We bring different strengths to the table and that’s one of the other benefits of being in a duo.
Torture the Artist: When in the studio, do you follow a routine on how to get started with a production or do you prefer to jam together?
Jive Talk: Get to the studio, kettle on, shoes and phones off, that’s a solid start. Normally we have an idea or reference in mind, then start with a drum groove, make some glitchy layers and bass, then at that point we’re cooking with butter.
Torture the Artist: What’s your favorite gear in the studio and which one always does the trick on your productions?
Jonny: TD3mo (303 devilfish clone)
Sam: Live percussion for textures and my beloved Juno 106
Torture the Artist: What’s a studio extravaganza you would love to own if you were super rich?
Jive Talk: A Neve mixing console, Prophet 5 and loads more rack gear… oh, and an intern to make us tea.
Torture the Artist: You’ve been turning out some awesome original tracks on labels like Ghost Recs, Semi Delicious, Not For You or Classique. What’s planned next and can we even expect an album from you?
Jive Talk: No plans for an album yet but that would be cool. We have plenty of album titles and artwork ideas ready to go though! We’re going to be mostly releasing on our own label, “Not For You“ this year, but there might be some other big ones.
Torture the Artist: As artists, what’s a label you would love to have your music released on?
Jive Talk: There are so many great labels we would love to be a part of but The Ghost Recs was a big one for us and we have a release coming on another great label soon, but we can’t announce that one yet.
Sam wants me to become a wrestler…
Torture the Artist: Do you have any side-projects individually, when you’re not Jive Talk-in’?
Sam: Not at the moment, but I have lots of bits of music I make and do nothing with. I’ve always loved making HipHop-beats so who knows.
Jonny: Sam wants me to become a wrestler…
Torture the Artist: You’re residents at the awesome Gottwood festival; how did that come about and can you describe the vibe of the festival, to anyone who’s not experienced it, plus any tips for who’s playing in 2024?
Jive Talk: We’ve played at Gottwood from day one and slowly worn down Tom and the team and convinced them to give us more and more. We love Gottwood so much and feel very lucky to be part of the family! We have a lot to thank Tom for especially, he’s championed us for years and we’re very grateful for all the support and opportunities he’s given us over the years even before we were Jive Talk. The vibe of Gottwood for us is just the best, it’s intimate with a fun crowd and the best tunes. It really captures the festival feeling for us and will be one we always love.
Torture the Artist: Where do you dig for music and do you follow a certain routine when doing so?
Jive Talk: Anywhere and everywhere. We both have our techniques and although there is the occasional crossover, we seem to find different music that fits our sound most of the time.
Torture the Artist: What were your three favorite findings of recent times?
Jive Talk: Come see us to hear what we have in the tackle bag.
Torture the Artist: As you are responsible for the latest art:cast, do we find any of these findings in the mix? How did you prepare the set and how did you agree on the track selection?
Would love to say we did this one first take, but it was maybe 3rd or 4th.
Jive Talk: There are a few in there, and also some records we’ve had and loved for ages but not had the right moment to use them, so it was fun putting this one together.
We tend to agree on a vibe over the phone, then select a big bag or records from our collection, then meet up to put together a set and record it. Sometimes it flows, sometimes it doesn’t, and normally when we hit record it goes tits up and we seem to lose the ability to mix. Would love to say we did this one first take, but it was maybe 3rd or 4th.
Torture the Artist: When and where is the art:cast best listened to?
Jive Talk: Anytime really, we don’t tend to include tracks we’d play out as we want to save our real party bits for gigs but try and keep the mixes interesting.
Torture the Artist: Is it still cash only or do you accept cards too?
Jive Talk: It’s cash only, and we don’t give change. Sorry!
Words by Al Bradley & Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 