FUTURE WAVE: JJESS and K2RAH Discuss The Rising Value Of The Black Electronic Space.

In the vibrant landscape of the UK electronic music scene, a groundbreaking collaborative project between So Future and New Wave is set to redefine the narrative. Focused on highlighting black electronic DJs, this innovative venture takes place at the Time & Space Location in East London, offering a curated space adorned with modernist design and collectibles that embody vibrancy and a futuristic aesthetic.

The project aims to showcase the evolution and diversity within the electronic music space, emphasizing the talent and creativity of black DJs who have significantly contributed to the scene. The collaboration merges the sonic and visual realms, with DJs creating immersive sets against the backdrop of carefully curated design elements, creating a unique and multisensory experience for the audience.

The So Future x New Wave Collaborative Project, FUTURE WAVE, goes beyond a mere fusion of music and visuals. It represents a celebration of the rich history of electronic music, acknowledging the contributions of black DJs in shaping the landscape. The carefully designed Time & Space Location serves as the canvas for this exploration, where modernist design and collectables amplify the vibrant and futuristic aesthetic.

At the heart of this collaboration are remarkable DJs, JJESS and K2RAH, PDR, Haruna Jabek, Reon Vangér and Ronnie Loko, each bringing a distinct journey and perspective to the project.

As JJESS and K2RAH weave their sonic tapestries in this immersive setting, the audience is invited to experience the evolution of electronic music through their unique perspectives. This collaborative project not only elevates the representation of black DJs in the industry but also fosters a vision for a more inclusive and innovative future in the electronic music space.

JJESS & K2RAH Conversation on the London Black Electronic music scene

JJESS: Limiting it to just London seems unfair because a significant portion of the scene originated in the north and other regions. However, speaking of my personal journey, radio stations played a pivotal role, introducing me to the scene more than anything else. NTS, for example, was influential. I began my DJing journey at a radio station, where I was exposed to a diverse range of electronic genres. That experience was crucial in shaping my musical exploration.

How about your journey?

K2RAH: Having roots in Manchester and being exposed to the electronic music scene in places like Sheffield during the early 2000s shaped my musical journey. Garbage, with its unique style, served as my gateway into electronic music, although back then, I may not have identified it as such—it was an extension of my broader taste in R&B and hip-hop. SoundCloud and the blog era of the internet played a crucial role in expanding my musical horizons. Exploring various genres like club music, Jazzy club, Baltimore club, and mighty bass became possible through online platforms and the experimentation of bedroom DJs during that era.

The emergence of online radio stations and community platforms provided spaces for playing non-mainstream music, contributing to the development of what we now recognize as a distinct scene. When I started DJing, I delved into house music, not exclusively as a house DJ but as a means to learn beat matching. R&B house remixes, featuring artists like Tito and Moses, became my training ground. I initially learned to DJ on Serato with vinyl, eventually transitioning to CDJs. The switch posed a challenge, leading to a less-than-ideal first set in a club setting. Eventually, I sold my 1210s, which I now regret, and embraced CDJs. My comfort with house music grew, prompting an expansion into a hybrid of electronic, R&B samples, and dance rhythms—an era where blending genres seamlessly became an enjoyable exploration.

JJESS: The R&B influence played a significant role in shaping my musical taste, drawing from the sounds I grew up with on channels like MTV Base and 106 & Park. This exposure to popular music at home became the foundation for my reference point in the world of electronic music. As I explored the electronic landscape independently, I found myself gravitating towards the more soulful side of R&B. It's this fusion of both elements—the familiar R&B vibes from my upbringing and the newfound appreciation for soulful electronic sounds—that has truly defined my musical journey.

K2RAH: I see the parallels between jazz and my approach to music. I resist confining myself to a specific style or sound; instead, I consider myself a vibes DJ. The range could span from 160-foot work to 110 or anything within the spectrum of black electronic music. It's about embracing the diversity within the genre and allowing the vibes to guide my selections rather than adhering to a rigid categorization or predefined stage of DJing.

JJESS: I resonate with the term "collector" because describing my musical inclinations often defies traditional genre labels. The interplay and borrowing of elements between genres like drum and bass or jungle make it challenging to neatly compartmentalize. The beauty lies in the fluidity and the ability to blend these influences, making the mixing process an exhilarating and dynamic experience. At the end of the day, being a collector allows me to appreciate the interconnectedness of different musical styles and find joy in the creative fusion that emerges.

K2RAH: Certainly, there does seem to be a gradual shift in the visibility of black women DJs in electronic music, perhaps driven, in part, by a heightened awareness post-George Floyd. Figures like Sherelle, Jam Supernova, and Season Six Music are contributing to this change. However, the challenge remains in navigating the spectrum between the grandeur of events like Warehouse Project and the more intimate 50-cap venues in South London. Breaking into these spaces can be challenging, given the lingering stereotypical image of an electronic DJ, often portrayed as a white male figure like David Guetta.

While the landscape is evolving, the historical view persists. The rise of community radio stations, such as Radar Radio and NTS, along with venues like Birthdays, has provided platforms for exploration. Yet, the initial DJ bookings sometimes felt like token efforts to diversify lineups. However, seizing these opportunities allowed you to showcase your skills. Initiatives like So Future demonstrate the proactive approach of creating opportunities when they aren't readily available.

Collaboration and community involvement emerge as crucial themes. The current trend of individuals working in silos could potentially be more impactful if efforts were consolidated. Owning our narratives and being actively engaged in the community seems pivotal in shaping a more inclusive and supportive electronic music scene.

JJESS: Elijah's perspective on working sideways and within, rather than strictly upwards or downwards, resonates profoundly. Recognising the unique strengths and contributions that each individual or entity brings to the table allows for collaboration that transcends individual capacities. By pooling diverse skills and perspectives, there's the potential to create something more significant and impactful than any single participant could achieve alone. It's a powerful ethos of mutual support and collaboration that can elevate the entire community.

K2RAH: the holistic approach to building a thriving community in the electronic music scene involves recognizing and leveraging diverse skill sets. While being a DJ is a crucial aspect, the collaborative effort extends beyond that. A successful community requires promoters, individuals skilled in marketing, and content creators. It's about acknowledging that the strength of a collective goes beyond the individual components.

Building a community of DJs, incorporating resident DJs, and organizing events become integral elements. The focus is on identifying areas where everyone can contribute and complement each other's strengths. This collaborative mindset is exemplified by initiatives like So Future and New Ways, where individuals bring distinct skills to the table. In this case, the collaboration extends to production skills and magazine expertise, combining with the musical aspect. By bringing together different talents and mediums, the entire scene is poised to elevate and thrive. It's a model of collaboration that fosters growth and innovation within the community.

At Shoreditch House on November 9th, FUTURE WAVE discuss the resurgence of Black electronic music. The distinguished panel, featuring industry professionals like Hannah Shogbola (Booking Agent at UTA), Jamz Supernova (Label Owner – Future Bounce, Broadcaster – BBC 6Music, DJ), and Juls (Afrobeats Producer, DJ), promises an insightful exploration of the current music landscape. Additionally, the DJ sets from the So Future and New Wave camps, including talents like SHAII, kenzel, K2RAH, and PDЯ, ensure an immersive experience that celebrates the vibrant diversity within electronic music.

RSVP HERE