Any thriving music scene maintains its longevity through regeneration and an injection of new talent, and for our neighbours across the channel, Mr KS represents one of the great new hopes. The French DJ and producer has gone from being mentored by some of the country’s most well-respected names, to releasing and DJing alongside them. His style is distinctively French, with ….., yet possesses a cross-border appeal. Releases so far come from (djebali) presents, Tsuba and one forthcoming on Just Jack Recordings and he’s soon to make his UK debut in Bristol this month. Ahead of a two appearances across the weekend at Love Saves The Day, Mr. KS has answered a few questions and laid down an exclusive mix for us, with a premiere of his forthcoming release for Just Jack Recordings.
Catch Mr. KS on the Saturday at Love Saves The Day and on the Sunday at our afterparty at The Social Club, with Tom Rio, Admin, Robin Sure, Harri Pepper and Yanis Youdj. Earlybirds sold out quicktime, but you can pick up limited £7 tickets here.
Download Mr KS’s mix. Tracklist coming soon – follow us on Soundcloud for updates.
For those not in the know, could you give a little introduction to Mr KS?
Hey, I’m Jean-Pierre B. aka Mr KS, DJ and music producer, living in South of France. My debut EP was released on November 2013 on (djebali) presents and the second one was on Tsuba records released on February 2014!
You’re among a new generation of house producers in France. What are your views on the health of the home scene at the moment?
French scene has always been very exciting, in every genre of music, at anytime, but specially these days. Guys like Apollonia spread that house vibe all around the world…there are a LOT of parties mainly in Paris and Lyon with amazing lineups every weekend. A good time for France and it’s just the beginning 🙂
Would you say you and your contemporaries are doing anything differently to the more experienced heads like Djebali, Dyed Soundorom and Dan Ghenacia?
I can’t speak for others, but, as far I’m concerned, I think we share the same roots, vibe and groove, with different approach in our production and in our DJ sets which make things even more interesting. I guess that’s why djebali released my music! There is a connection and it’s not only because we are all French 🙂 Having the support from Djebali, Jef K, Shonky and Chris Carrier is really important for me as you can imagine!
You’re due to play at Love Saves The Day on the Saturday at the end of this month. Will this be your first UK festival? How are you feeling about it, and what are your general impressions of the UK festival circuit?
First UK festival and first gig in the UK too! Playing alongside Nina Kraviz, Craig Richards, Subb-ann and my Just Jack partners Dan Wild and Tom Rio…wow woW WOW! It will be a great time for me as a DJ and as a music lover!
The next day you’ll be heading inside for our afterparty at The Social Club. A different time of day and environment to the Saturday. Will you be adapting your sets to the different situations? What can we expect from both?
Different times and situations mean different approach for sure! Expect some positive vibes for both. Thats why people need to come to Love Saves The Day AND the afterparty at The Social Club 😉
The next Just Jack Recordings release will be down to you. With such a successful debut EP with Beesmunt Soundsystem, how are you feeling about your turn?
EXCITED (That’s my new favourite word!) I put so much work on this one, plus it’s the first time any other artist has remixed my track. The Mole & Hreno’s MHMD Remix remix is C-R-A-Z-Y. We just started sending it to big DJs and the support is already great. Plus, the release is connected to my booking agency, so all this made the release really special for us. Did I say I am very excited? 😀
How did you get involved with the label and agency, and what was it about JJR that made them a label you wanted to work with?
Just Jack guys heard my tracks last year in Djebali’s sets, during summer when nothing had been released yet. They told me they loved my work and planned to launch their new label next year. I knew Just Jack parties in Bristol, they have a great reputation, so I simply said YES. No brainer! I’m now part of the label and their agency roster.
Could you tell us about the mix you’re made for us?
In my studio, with my usual setup: turntables, CDJ, mixer, some friends and good vibes! There are two special tracks, one is coming on a VA release for Music Is Love, and the other is from my next EP from JJR002: Da Season El Saison (Original mix). Premiere!
After JJR002 and Love Saves The Day, what else is on the horizon for you?
I will be in Berlin early June, with my hero Jef K and a lot of dates are also TBC/TBA. Release-wise I have three remixes coming soon for Overall Music, Keep It Zen Records, and one for the next djebali (presents). I’m about to work on some new materials for my second EP for Tsuba and I’ve had plenty of label requests too, so a lot of good stuff!
