West London-based producer J.Bevin quickly made an impact when his debut release dropped on T.Williams and S.E.F‘s Deep Teknologi imprint back in 2010, and deservedly so; Bevin’s rugged and gritty take on house is equal parts soul and power, at once referencing house’s rich legacy and the deeper, darker sounds of the UK underground.
Since then he has kept a relatively low profile as he has focused on honing his craft, but with the quality of the new music coming from his studio it is guaranteed that you will be hearing his name a lot more in the coming months (check ‘Deep‘ the track he recently dropped via XLR8R as evidence).
We caught up with him for a quick chat and he has dropped an exclusive mix for us which you can stream and download below…
First up, for those that might not already be aware can you please introduce yourself…
I’m a DJ/Producer that’s been making music seriously for the last 2-3 years now. Got my first set of decks when I was 19 and started making UK Garage/Grime a few months after and changed to making Hip Hop until summer 2010.
So a lot of people will know you from your ‘When It Comes’ and ‘Zulu’ EPs for Deep Teknologi. How did you link up with those guys? and do you think being on the label helped get your name out there?
Well me and T. Williams grew up in the same area and had the same interests in music ever since we were teenagers really. I met S.E.F through T a few years back now, so when they started DeepTeknologi I knew it was time for me to try and make something that would make an impact like the rest of the quality music that got released on the label. So yeah I deffinitley think it helped me, from the artist that released on the label alone.
Can you fill us in on what you have been up to since then?
Been perfecting my craft really, I’m still new to the game when it comes to production I think.
You premiered new track ‘Deep’ featuring Marisa on XLR8R recently. Can you tells us a bit about the track and how you hooked up with her?
Well its kind of a ‘bass’ mix to be honest, the original vocal was on a Hip-Hop track I made years ago with a few other rappers. I was going through some Logic files and found the track and thought it would be good to use Marisa’s vocal on something new. We hooked up because we used to use the same studio and I showed her some of my stuff then had a session about a week later.
Is that track a good representation of the vibe you are on at the moment?
Yes and no… it all depends on how I feel when I start a track to be honest. Sometimes I just turn the computer on and whatever happens, happens. Other times I get an idea or a groove in my head then I go with that. It could be a Bass track, House, Garage, or just some random no name stuff.
It’s always a bit of a tricky question, but how would you define your style? Are there any fundamental principles that run through everything you make?
Bass driven house music with a gritty edge to it I would say. A good groove and sick drums is my two main things.
Which other artists are you feeling at the moment? Any you feel a particular musical affinity to?
I could be here all day with this one. I’d say the guys im feeling the most would be T. Williams, Dusky, Julio Bashmore and Breach. They’ve all had tracks out that when I first heard I’ve thought… “Oh shit this is sick!”. Especially T.
What have you got coming up over the next few months? Any releases or new projects in the pipeline?
I’m working on a few projects with some vocalists and in talks with some labels with about getting another release by the end of the year.
Finally, please complete this sentence: Get Some…
J.Bevin in your lives.
Tracklist
1. Disclosure – Boiling Feat. Sinead Harnett
2. Manni Dee – Shifting (James Fox Remix)
3. Nolan – Thief (HXU vs Timo Garcia remix)
4. Riva Starr & Star Traxx – More (KINK Remix)
5. Max Cooper – Darkroom (John Tejada Remix)
6. Kimbra – Build Up (George Fitzgerald Remix)
7. Dusky – Lost In You (Feat. Janai)
8. Akabu – Another World (Andre Lodemann Remix)
9. Rodamaal – Insomnia