JKS – “The importance of silence is underestimated”

We caught up with JKS to subject him to the quick Q&A.

Why music?

Music makes me feel alive.

If you didn’t make music, what would you do?

Sound engineering. I’m fascinated by the physical principles of sound, not necessarily as a sound engineer in music, but more generally.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Always follow your heart – in your relationships or in your professional life.

What inspires you?

Musicians who have their unmistakable sound.

What’s the next big thing?

Artificial intelligence x music industry – it could get a little scary. It will have a significant impact and not for the best! Imagine Spotify providing playlists created using only AI, based on people’s tastes, so they have no one to financially reward.

Best club experience?

RSO, Berlin & K41 (∄), Kyiv.

What was the worst job you’ve ever had?

Packaging of medicines in a warehouse.

How do you know when a title is finished?

I feel like at some point I know I can’t add more or I’ll lose the energy I want to express.

What was your last job and when did you realize you could leave it?

Sound assistant for French television. When I started making more money from music than from this job, I realized I had to give it up. Plus, music was going pretty well, so I wanted more time to create and focus on my passion.

What song would you have liked to have written?

James Shinra – “Anxsrv”.

What is the easiest way to be successful in the music industry?

To be honest, there’s nothing easy – it takes a lot of mental strength, but I would say focus on having your own sound and not trying to make music that sounds like other artists. And unfortunately also attach great importance to social media,

What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?

JKS – “Firedance”. I hate it, haha.

Recommend a film to us.

Quentin Dupieux – reality.

Recommend a book to us.

The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier.

What or who is underestimated?

The importance of silence is often underestimated.

What or who is overrated?

DJs booked just because of Instagram.

What are you addicted to?

Pretty much anything that gives me dopamine – I have ADHD.

What are you in the mood for?

To be able to live off my music all my life and still be happy with it.

What is your biggest regret?

I don’t have enough time to devote to drum training (I did it for ten years before I started touring).

What would improve your life the most?

To be able to control my concentration better so that I can better control my ADHD.

What was the worst gig you’ve ever played?

When I started touring seven years ago, it was in Lyon, in front of no one except the people working at the bar.

Collaboration: rich creative experience or thrill?

Creative experience!

What is the secret to a great mix?

It’s all about the choice. Don’t just mix technology.

If you could only listen to one more song, what would it be?

Pink Floyd – Echoes.

How do you relax?

Listen to music, but not techno.

What software/kit could you not live without? Why?

Waves H delay. I love it. The way I use delay on my percussion determines my sound a lot.

Art or money?

Both are related to me now. Art is necessary to make money and money is necessary to make art.

Ronaldo or Messi?

Football is not my thing.

Weirdest place you’ve ever written a track?

In the sky (not so strange for a DJ though!)

A must-visit record store?

Bikini wax, Berlin – very sweet and cozy!

What is your biggest frustration in the music industry?

Definitely the fact that image and social media are now more important than the music you make.

What is your favorite label? Why?

In electronic music I would say Ilian Tape. The artistic direction is simply great. Everything sounds harmonious and the music is cool and varied.

What’s the worst thing about making music?

The worst thing is that I can’t control my inspiration.

What is your motto?

Never stop believing in yourself – that’s why I’m here today.

Name something timeless

Pizzas.

Tweet us a tip. What is the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?

Try to focus more on the quality of your elements and how they fit together well rather than the quantity of elements.

Complete this sentence: “At heart I’m just a frustrated…”

…drummer/percussionist who couldn’t continue to be part of my band and still feels the need to create!

If someone saw a performance of yours in 1000 years, what do you think they would say?

It still has influences from music from the past. My music has a lot of tribal percussion influences, so I’m sure you would recognize some elements that existed 1000 years ago! 🙂

Can music change the world?

I wish. But I’m not sure because many people underestimate the importance of music.

What are you listening to?

Pariah @ Freerotation 2024, Baskerville Hall, UK.

What should you do before you die? Travel more and more and more

Releasing albums that I’m completely happy with. And not just my current project. I’m talking about music in general.

Find JKS on Instagram.

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