Back in 2008 we mentioned Jackhigh as one of the European players in the international Beat Generation movements. Now he’s back in the spotlight as BNJMN, with a quicker tempo release on Rush Hour recapturing the industrial energy of Drexciya and other Detroit greats. We shared a quick Q+A and the kind gent gave us a 30min DJ mix, see below…

You’ve recorded using a number of guises (Jackhigh, 141, Rewolf, Singing Statues, and BNJMN). Does having an alias inform your production? They seem to each have a signature sound, is this something you consider when producing? Where do the BNJMN tracks sit within this?
The aliases were always an afterthought after recording a bunch of material. I make a lot of different kinds of music, so it makes sense to put them under different names. When I’m producing a track I usually know which alias it’s going to be put under, at the moment its either the BNJMN stuff or if I’m using guitars and laying down vocals it’s under the Singing Statues alias. I doubt I will revisit the other aliases, but there may be new ones in the future!
The aliases were always an afterthought after recording a bunch of material. I make a lot of different kinds of music, so it makes sense to put them under different names. When I’m producing a track I usually know which alias it’s going to be put under, at the moment its either the BNJMN stuff or if I’m using guitars and laying down vocals it’s under the Singing Statues alias. I doubt I will revisit the other aliases, but there may be new ones in the future!
It’s been a short while now since the BNJMN 12″s have been available, how does it feel to see them on shelves? What’s the response been like?
Yeah it’s been really good, releasing through a label like Rush Hour is great because they already have a lot of followers and you get a lot more press than if you released stuff by yourself or on a smaller label.
Yeah it’s been really good, releasing through a label like Rush Hour is great because they already have a lot of followers and you get a lot more press than if you released stuff by yourself or on a smaller label.
It seems many of your contacts have been made online (such as with Teebs, Lukid or Up My Alley), how pivotal has the Internet been in pushing your musical connections?
Yeah it’s been the main way of communicating or getting in touch with likeminded people, I don’t live in a bit city and I’m not really connected to a scene, so the Internet really helps. Back when I was creating music under the name Jackhigh there was a sort of worlwide beat movement which was fun to be a part of, but it seems like most people have branched away from that and have developed their own sounds in whatever form.
So, is MySpace now dead out? It certainly seems to have had its time. I’d delete my account if I could recall my password…
Haha yeah, it looks that way. I may delete mine soon actually, its so ridiculously slow it’s not really worth having.
In addition to musical pursuits. What are you up to? A dayjob? Other interests?
It’s pretty boring really, I work at my dad’s business sat in an office answering phones. In my spare time music is obviously my main interest, but also really into football. I play in an online team with Lukid and sSuavee (for those who remember him). Fifa 11 is where it’s at.
Tell us about the mix you made please.
It’s just a short mix of some house/techno based tracks I’ve been into lately, put together in ableton.
It’s just a short mix of some house/techno based tracks I’ve been into lately, put together in ableton.
And finally, any details on where you might be heading next? Musically or otherwise? Will Sunless Records re-emerge?
My main focus at the moment is putting a live set together, I have a booking agent now so I’m hoping to get out and start playing soon. I’m constantly working on new music aswell so hopefully there’ll be some new releases soon.
My main focus at the moment is putting a live set together, I have a booking agent now so I’m hoping to get out and start playing soon. I’m constantly working on new music aswell so hopefully there’ll be some new releases soon.
BNJMN – mix for SHOOK (download – right click, save as…)
Tracklist
kenny larkin – tedra (rush hour)
kassem mosse – thalassocalyce (Kinda Soul)
d’marc cantu – set free (MOS)
lawrence – just like heaven (smallville)
bakey ustl – nose candy (firecracker)
policy – lights over fort lee (rush hour)



One Comment »
Check out this rad little minimix of BNJMN’s forthcoming sophmore album!
http://soundcloud.com/rushhourrecords/bnjmn-black-square-album-mix
You can order this release @ http://rushhour.nl/store_detailed.php?item=61194
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