JDNB Interview - Justin The Lover
Justin The Lover aka Michael Jukeson Jungledrumandbass.co.uk - May 2022 Interview
Thanks for having a chat with us! We are predominantly a jungle drum and bass website but I love hearing new music and new vibes and you're certainly good! Let's give the readers something to really digest!
Thank you so much! Looking forward to it!
So first things first, you do make a few types of jungle but tell us about your music and influences and what drew you here to us.
My first exposure to jungle was in my college band, Thundercats Bro! (The track Thirteen Again on my album is a tribute to the music we made. What’s up Archie and Sarah!) I performed with this crazy array of synths and drum machines attached to a basketball hoop haha... but one of those drum machines was a Roland MC303 - it had a jungle drum setting and I honestly thought it meant samples from the rainforest! Haha! It ended up being this really raw and punchy kit with rolling snares and breaks and it was the only kit I used on the unit after that. A little embarrassing in retrospect, but we just don’t have the drum and bass or jungle culture here in the USA. After that I dove into it and discovered the vast world of jungle!
And the types of jungle you dabble in?
I am an equal opportunity connoisseur! I have a particular affinity the 90’s era jungle – DJ Hype, Adam F, Renegade, Andy C, Dillinja, Baraka, Plug, Intense, etc. Stuff like that! I like smooth rollers/atmospheric stuff and raw/grungy stuff. To me, jungle is just pure energy. I love it!
It seems like jungle is making a big push into new music these days too. A lot of producers (myself included) are tapping into that raw jungle energy and shaping it into new forms. It is cool to hear!
Top 5 tunes of all time?
• Tricky Pose by The Range (https://www.youtube.com/
• Love Love Love by Those Guys (https://www.youtube.com/
• This Must Be the Place by Talking Heads (https://www.youtube.com/
• Feelings by Plug (https://www.youtube.com/
• Natural Anthem by Postal Service (https://www.youtube.com/
How is your 2022 is going so far?
2022 has been great so far! I have a lot to be grateful for. I have been enjoying the transition between seasons this year.
So tell us about your name - Justin The Lover, where is that from and why?
Justin the Lover is a name that I came up with after studying about identifying and personal labels, and how the more we attach ourselves to them, the more diminished our capacity for loving others becomes. I asked myself - What, if anything, would I strive to be? A lover! I then decided to take on the charge of living my life in an effort to live up to that name.
That is very admirable and quite astonishing. I love it! So where do you reside and come from?
I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and I currently live here. I’ve spent a lot of my adult life traveling and I’ve been enjoying spending some time here with my family and friends. But! I’m getting the itch for something new!
So being well travelled, where are your favourite places in the world?
Lisbon is my favorite city in the world that I’ve traveled to (a crazy calf workout with all those hills). I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. My dad was born there, and my grandparents had this beautiful book of photographs and mementos from their time there and it just always seemed so magical. I am hoping to go next year!
Omg I love Lisbon too I was there when they won the World Cup it was magic. So, Form and Function. Tell us about that and what influences you.
Form and Function, released 4th April 2022 - https://open.spotify.com/
Form and Function is a record that started with a simple idea – what kind of record would I have made 10 years ago if I had the technical skills and experience that I have now? I remembered having so much fun making music in the beginning, and I’d lost that over the years while trying to push myself into a more serious lane. As it turns out, prioritizing fun again allowed me to make some of my best work to date.
I am influenced by myself (especially this record). I know that sounds a bit egotistical, but I am creatively isolated here in Indiana. I only have myself to bounce ideas off and to give feedback to.
I am no island though; this record wouldn’t have been possible without decades of dance music producers that have inspired me. I wanted this record to shine bright as a testament to the profound beauty of dance music in all its forms. I hope it does!
I really like track 7. Reminds me of a movie soundtrack! You have a new record label too, Sports Songs?
Yes! Sports Songs is my little baby. Haha! First, I created the label to utilize my music to raise money for highly effective charitable organizations. Accordingly, 100% of the money received from releases or future events will be donated to GiveWell’s Maximum Impact Fund – which supports the world’s most effective and efficient charitable organizations.
Second, I created the label to open the door for myself and others to just make fun dance music. The name is a play on the album that first got me into dance music – Jock Jams. It may be cheesy but every single one of those songs will rip up a dance floor no matter where you are! Trust me, I’ve rinsed that album out so many times haha!
If you’re reading this and you like to make fun dance music and you don’t take yourself too seriously, you have a home at Sports Songs. Hit me up!
So you love to be weird, you were voted as one of the Top 5 weirdest Boiler Room sets by VICE?
I produced a 30 min track and then pretended to DJ the entire time it was playing while also removing 16 tank tops. It was a big troll the trolls moment for me. I’d always aspired to play a Boiler Room and I thought it was a great opportunity to debut one of my long-form electronic compositions. Nothing like someone telling you that your blends suck when you’re not even blending! 11/10 – would definitely do it again! :)
That is very brave! Do you think the promo worked?
I don’t think it worked very well as promo. I’m pretty sure it convinced just about everyone who watched it to not book me to DJ their party haha!
It may be hard to believe but I wasn’t trying to be weird. The idea just popped in my head to make the track, which took a day or two to iron out, and then I figured that taking off all those tank tops would be a great way to distract everyone from the fact that I was pretending to DJ. I had a whole timed out schedule of when to take off each tank top, take off my headphones, clean the needles, “blend” tracks in, etc.
This is the only time I’ve shared publicly that it was an original track instead of a DJ set. Boiler Room really dragged their feet in publishing it because I think they had some idea that something was off, but I eventually convinced them to post it in the end because I said my family wouldn’t stop asking for the link so they could watch it (partially true haha).
Wow... Right, tell us about Astro Nautico.
Legendary crew! I am eternally grateful to have met them and for all the memories!
I was one of the resident DJs for Astro Nautico and their legendary FREE CANDY parties and beyond. Infinitely blessed to play alongside underground legends like Sam O.B., Kuhn, Paul Jones, The Range, Photay, Octo Octa, Time Wharp, CHITS, Dreams, and many more – all the while wearing the infamous b2b mumu.
The B2B Mumu? What is that!?
The Astro Nautico crew would open and close the parties with B2B sets and somehow (probably my fault), we ended up establishing a rule that you could only DJ if you were wearing this big floral mumu. It was a size 5XL and very comfortable/breathable.
Sadly, I have since lost the mumu. Safe travels old friend, safe travels.
You released a series of long-form electronic compositions similar to one in the Boiler Room set?
This one was released in collaboration with Blankstairs. A 25 min sludging mind melter that has been used as the backdrop for a couple yoga and meditation classes.
Michael Jukeson - Addendum/Self (A/VMIX1) - YouTube
I love the fact you are different and inspiring! Do you ever do anything normal? Tell us about your hobbies.
I do a lot of normal stuff! I love to learn new things, read, cook/bake, fix/build things, play sports, run, work on cars, hike, etc. I am closeted anime nerd as well… but don’t tell anyone :)
Aww those big big emotional eyes.... Tell us about Club by Michael – Escape from Nature.
• Club by Michael was put out as the debut release on Escape from Nature, a record label founded by my good friend Orlando. This record was a bit of a flex at the time. I wanted to really carve out a space for myself in the deconstructed club space... and, well, I did just that. I’m confident this record has yet to hit its stride, perhaps in 2030? The label went on to put out amazing music by Celestial Trax, AceMo, Copout, 2lanes, and more. Remixes by NA Nguzu, Photay, and Air Max 97.
And the Guinness World Record Attempt??
I attempted to break the world record for Longest Dance Marathon by an Individual and made it the 40 hour mark and unfortunately ran into an issue with salt deficiency (serious cramps shooting up my legs) that caused me to call it. But! I did raise about $2,600 for GiveWell in the process so I still call it a win. Contemplating giving it another go for my 35th birthday or perhaps twerking across the country. I’ll keep you posted :)
That is amazing.... $2,600.... go you!! Well done. I've been involved in one of those things it's not easy!
The #nomoresad Initiative. What was that all about?
I recorded over 800 dance videos for people all over the world with a simple mission - to make them happy! The project was pretty simple - you submit your name and your favorite song or you can nominate someone by submitting their name instead. Then I'd record a 30 second impromptu dance to make the recipient happy! It was a pretty big hit and it actually took me years to fulfill all the requests... but I got a great set of legs out of the deal! Plus it really made a big impact on the people who received dances!
Watch here: #NOMORESAD.tv
So what do you use to produce and why? Any favourite VSTs?
I mainly use Reason 11 to produce my music. I had used Reason 4 for most of my career and just recently switched to 11 two years ago. Reason just feels more intuitive to me than other DAWs.
Reason 4 had so many limitations, but it was just like a native language that I was fluent in, and every time I tried to switch to something else it would throw off my whole workflow. I had workarounds for workarounds and so many funky quirky ways of making music with it, but I am very glad I finally made the switch.
Ok so now I'm getting why you're Justin The Lover.... You really are full of love! Degree in Love... you should be just Love Love Love! So The Degree In Love, what was the concept?
I took a few years out of the music scene to get a degree in Love from Butler University. I developed a curriculum and presented it to the individualized major program advisors, and they approved it! As far as I know, I am the only person in the world with a degree in love. The degree program was focused on the study, practice, and education of altruistic love to create a more loving, kind, and equitable world for all. My studies are the reason why I decided to donate 100% of the money from Sports Songs to GiveWell.
The Butler Collegian - Love Major.
You are really something very special. Do you think your good vibes and loving attitude can come through in your music?
I hope this record does! The main goal with this record was to have as much fun as possible while making it and then to share that joy with the world! I started out in music making goofy remixes and just having fun, but it shifted and then a lot of the music I made for a while was deep, dark, and grungy (e.g., my Boiler Room set). I have always been an outwardly positive and upbeat person, but I also needed an outlet for the parts of myself that were dark, mucky, and sticky.
I have done a lot of work to integrate those parts of myself in a way that I now feel comfortable and excited about expressing good vibes in my music again and it feels great!
So tell us what is forthcoming!
I'm currently working on Form and Function Vol. 2 and Vol. 3! I will also be releasing several Sports Songs Booster Packs of remixes that I’ve done under the Sports Songs Universe umbrella. I’ve amassed around 100+ of them and I’ll be releasing them in small batches monthly. Will soon announce details for Sports Songs tryouts and welcoming some new recruits to the team. I am also building out a van that I can produce in and DJ on top of that will serve as Sports Songs headquarters as I travel around North America and beyond. Lots happening and lots to be grateful for!
Do you ever plan to come to the UK?
Definitely! I’ve been a few times, but I’d love to come back soon and play some tunes! :)
Can't wait to see the DJ van! Tell us about your favourite movies.
My favorite movie of all time is Big Trouble in Little China starring Kurt Russell - nothing really makes sense, there are huge plot holes, characters instantaneously master new skillsets without any explanation, and it’s just absurd – but it is also incredible. I’m also a big Jackie Chan fan! Some of my favorites of his are Rumble in the Bronx, Wheels on Meals, The Prisoner (a truly bewildering experience if you haven’t seen it), and City Hunter. Kung Pao Enter the Fist is a great movie as well – if you haven’t seen it and you have a childish sense of humor like me… you must watch it.
I'll have to have a look for that one! Any favourite quotes?
“You are far more beautiful than you think you are.” Man! Is that true or what? I try to remind myself of that every single day. Still working on believing it though!
What do you think about our JDNB website?
I love the website! It is a great resource to tap into up-and-coming artists and established heads too. Plus! Great interviews! :)
So it was mental health week last week here in the UK. Can you give some words of advice for anyone that suffers from anxiety and anything you may do to help you stay happier?
My best piece of advice is a question that one of my best mates and I share with each other from time to time – “What would I be doing right now (or in this situation) if I truly loved myself unconditionally?” Learning to love yourself unconditionally is the greatest lesson you will ever learn.
A second piece of advice is to look outside of yourself and your problems – practicing altruism will put your whole world view into perspective. I like to play this game where I do something at least once a week to help someone without telling a single soul. It doesn’t have to be a big thing – e.g., writing an encouraging note, paying someone’s utility bill (a lot of services will allow you to pay someone bill that is past due without needing to give a name over the phone), cleaning up the neighborhood or local park, taking the neighbors trash bin in, etc. Get creative with it! But! Don’t get caught! Over time you will realize that your self-perception shifts – and you start to see yourself as a kinder, more loving, more compassionate, and more respectable person. More importantly, you start to see the world as a wonderful place that is full of opportunities for love and compassion.
Hummm.... food for thought. What do you do in your spare time?
I work as a handyman, builder, and fabricator. I spend most of my free time doing the same actually! I like working with my hands – it is a nice counterbalance to the mental work of making music. I can just zone out and solve physical/tangible problems for a while. Also! My girlfriend, my dog, and I love to spend as much time in nature as we can!
Aww well big up the love, the love of your life and the dog! It's been great talking to you, we wish you all the best for the future and beyond!
Thank you! It’s been great! Cheers!
Interview by Missrepresent June 2022
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https://justinthelover.
https://www.justinthelover.
