Berlin based Jepe makes his debut on Constant Circles with a killer remix of Joal, following solid releases on the likes of Aeon, Frau Blau & Moodmusic. We invited him along for a chat and a guest mix on the radio show with Just Her.
Hey Jepe, welcome to CC 🙂 Firstly, what is your background and how did you get into music?
I always say I am a DJ by accident. I was doing radio, having a radio show on a local radio and was invited for djing at a party in the university. At that time indie, and indie rock and some electronic. Very uk influenced.. I remember Apollo For Fourty, Arkarna, Goldie, Underworld, Prodigy.. It was 1995. That party went to a club.. And I follow.. And stayed there as a resident for 16 years…
How would you describe your sound – do you think your music falls into a particular genre?
Well maybe.. I think I was never a one genre guy and somehow this may interfere with my career.. for good and for the bad. I know I have my fingerprint with some sort of Melancholic atmospheres but nothing specifically, you could say it’s deep house, melodic or indie.
You are making your debut on Constant Circles with a killer remix of Joal – how did you approach the remix and what direction did you take it?
I told Joal that i really like that track atmosphere and that transported me to a good dancefloor Vibe. Joal is a master on beat programming and does great compositions. There was a part more complex that I would like to deconstruct more into my own way to play it.. and he was very happy when I suggested it.. so I give it a try. With the excitement I got more involved and by the end I was going for a more bouncy bassline and a synth Arp line.
What is your production process – is each project or track different? And what are your key pieces of studio kit?
I tend to start with a very easy beat. Usually (unless I have a clear idea) I had a bassline and then build the beats around it. I don’t think I have a very complex beat patterns. Basically they are add ons to the bassline and synth parts. I never start for some reason with a melody. Usually I get bored very easily so if i do a melody I know I would delete it…
What would be your dream label to release on and why?
I would say a personal achievement would be an EP on Kompakt for the history and what it always represented for my on electronic music. I am also very happy with my relation with Moodmusic that started last year though Sasse, because it was always a big inspiration (priligy).
Can you tell us something that most people won’t know about you?
I dont like football and never liked or ate anything with sugar. It Is not a trendy or health related thing it’s just I never liked it.
What do you have coming up in terms of releases and gigs (or live streams)?
I wish i would have gigs. Somehow suddenly releasing music has another sense of purpose and fortunately people can also listen club music outside or without a club meaning. And I think that also affects our creativity nowadays. I just had a remix with my friend Takumi Motokawa (as Battera) for Of Norway on Connaisseur. I will have this release on Constant Circles (Remixing Joal) also an EP on AEON that I am very happy and proud. Also a track on Hosted and my album remix parts on Moodmusic (with Dod Palese, Denite, and Takumi Motokawa remixes).. I am probably forgetting something.. (maybe on purpose).
How did you put together your guest mix for the radio show & what have you included – any exclusives or surprises?
I try not to overthink when I want to do a show or record something. I always like to add my new tracks and some new material I think they can show part of my future sound, and mix it with some people or labels I like or new projects I appreciate. This is no exception there are some Jepe tracks, new material, future releases and cool tracks which I hope people enjoy:)
Check out Jepe’s guest mix on the Constant Circles Radio show with Just Her:
