Interviews

Manchester based James Kumo makes his debut on London label Freerange Records with his Motivate Your Mind EP. Following a string of deep and sophisticated releases on labels such as Delsin sub label Ann Aimee, Metamorphic and Wayout, James Kumo steps up with a powerful new 3-tracker that touches the soul and stirs the floor. Here we get the chance to speak to the artist on the week of the release.

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is James Kumo. I'm a DJ, Producer, and label owner of Wayout Records from the UK.

Where are you currently based?

I live in Manchester now days, though I was born and raised and lived in the north Kent, South London area.

What is it you love most about the city in which you live?

The people.

How is the health of the club scene where you are?

To be honest I'm not constantly out these days, but I know of a handful of underground parties and promotors who are doing good things, some I've been to some not.

What has been a highlight of the last year for you James?

Probably getting a release on Freerange, who I've followed and been a fan of for many years. It's a privilege to be involved.

And what has been a challenge these last 12 months in music?

I wouldn’t say a challenge, but if you really truly are into something, you just need to stick at it and persevere. Don’t give up when you get knockbacks, and good things will happen if you remain true to yourself.

Tell us a little about how you connected with Jimpster and Freerange Records?

I’ve been in touch with Jamie and the FR team for a while, sending music over and so on. Like I said earlier, I’ve followed Freerange for ages, am on the same wavelength musically, so it was a bonus when they agreed to work with me on my new release.

Give us an overview of this incredible EP?

Well, it’s. 3 track EP, Motivate Your Mind, My Way & Deep Inside. My Way is the slightly more up-front house track, Deep Inside is more jazzy focused for the jazz heads out there. Motivate Your Mind is more cosmic/Balearic sounding. So hopefully something for everyone in this EP.

How long did it take to come together? Did it take long to take shape?

To be honest, I made them 1-2 years ago, sometimes you just need to spend time to let the music breathe, really get under the hood of what you’re producing, and not rush the process. Be patient.

Did you have a vision initially of what you wanted to create?

Yes and no. I knew I wanted to create contrasting tracks. Ultimately deep house right, but with disco, soul & electronic influences.

Do you like to take time - after you have made a track – to leave it alone and evaluate later?

As I mentioned earlier, yes. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given was after you think you’ve finished track, stop and don’t listen to it for like 2 weeks. If you go back to it and still are liking it it’s a good sign.

So many times, I’ve spent so long on sketching out an idea, hearing it over and over….and you go back end up binning it. Sometimes you need to take a step back out of that bubble you’re often in when producing and take a look at it later.

Was it obvious to you when the tracks were finished or could you tweak it forever?

Ha! Good question. I think I’m pretty good at knowing when to stop. It’s easy to overthink things and get into the weeds of every single detail.

Are there other artists or musicians that you would like to shout out on this release?

Tim Jules helped with the Rhodes on Deep Inside. He’s a don on keys that man. Obviously Jimpster for believing in my music, to the point of wanting to release it.

Who are the icons that inspire the music that you make?

Oh many, too many to mention - definitely artists & DJs from the funk, jazz, disco, soul scenes, and the early house & electronic headz.

What artists do you follow currently? Who do you think is putting out great sounds at this moment?

Clive from Accounts, Ben Sun, Retromigration, Trinidadian Deep. All offer different styles, and interesting productions.

What was the last record you purchased?

Radio Slave - Strobe Queen (Eric Kupper Remix)

What is the perfect setting for this track?

Probably a nightclub in NYC.

If this music were a picture, what would it be?

A giant disco ball.

What can we expect next from James Kumo?

More of the same, watch this space!

Check out the latest release from James Kumo.