Image credit: Samy Jourdan

Leaving one reminiscing about the ‘90s club scene, JONDOE’s latest single ‘Lost Your Mind’ is a nostalgic track that has one’s hip-swaying along with its rich beats almost instantly. The Aaki Records track was created with the thought of being captured by the music so that you forget about the world around you for the song’s duration. Along with this, you also forget about your inhibitions as you are hooked by each unique beat and sequence. A lover of all things Chicago House and Detroit House related, the French producer has also drawn influence from disco and pop. We asked JONDOE a few questions about his love for house music, in this exclusive interview with him.

Stream / Download: ‘Lost Your Mind’

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

Attending my first Cypress Hill concert when I was 12 years old! I was a huge fan who was listening to all of their albums, and seeing them live was crazy. I was still a kid, so it was like a big dream come true.  

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

To be honest, I didn’t have a key moment. I started listening to lots of different kinds of music when I was 8 years old, and it just stayed this way. It is like a journey that never ends as it started 30 years ago, and I continue to learn and discover every day. 

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

The last two albums from Kaytranada and Disclosure.  

Also, the production stylings of DJ Mehdi, Armand Van Helden, DJ Premier and J Dilla.

This track is about losing yourself in the music and your love for house music. Was there a time that you lost yourself in other forms of art?

I think that any form of art is made to lose oneself in. One loses themselves while dancing, while looking at a photo, a painting, or a film… It’s so fascinating and causes such a sensation.

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

I use a keyboard and I like using voice sampling, reverb and delay effects. 

The congas are my favorite instrument from my drum rack. 

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

I’m really inspired by photography. If I was not doing music, I would be focusing more seriously on photography, but it will happen at some point for sure!  

When I need inspiration, sport is a good thing for searching and listening, and also finding new ideas.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?  

Indeed I find that often we always want to place genres in categories to identify and classify. Sometimes it’s useless, “it’s just music”.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Without a doubt, I would say that I prefer to interact with the public although I really enjoy my time in the studio. I cherish that moment when you tell yourself that you found “the right idea” and you start to move your head along with the music. 

Your latest song is inspired by Chicago House and Detroit House and you previously mentioned that you enjoy the energy of these musical genres. What about their energy draws you in?

I’m talking about the energy they federate. I love the kick drums that characterize their music.

Sampling is often used, it’s a technique I love because it’s unlimited.  

I like the warmth and the gospel side of Chicago house, as well as the more raw and underground side of Detroit house. 

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

If there is one thing that I would change, it would be the way we consume music these days. We tend to move on quickly from track to track, and I think it can cause some harm to emerging projects. We spend a lot of time promoting our music and once it’s out, we are already on the move for future releases. 

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Yes, JONDOE of course. 😉

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

I am already done with a few new tracks. My goal for the end of the year is to stay more present in the music scene and to be more regular with releasing songs. There will be a few singles coming out in 2022!  

In addition to my Parisian residencies, I will also have some other amazing dates and DJ sets… Stay tuned! 😉

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Sincerely, thank you! I would say that it is only the beginning… 

‘Lost Your Mind’ features on HOUSE_GROUND.fm

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