Page 22 - Zone Magazine Issue 018

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T here’s a definite new breed of DJ’s who have caught up with Jimmy to find out a bit more about him: been cutting their teeth in Ibiza during the
last couple of years, Jimmy Switch being one of them who’s been proving to the clubbing world that he’s an artist who’s growing from strength to strength. DJ & producer Jimmy
Switch, originally hailing from Manchester, has experienced what is undoubtedly the biggest year of his life so far - with sets completed at some of the most established international venues, and bookings already confirmed for 2018 that will convey him to only further levels of greater success.
Jimmy started out of Data Transmission and Sankeys MCR in early 2012 & 2013, which in itself is impressive and deserves credit, but since then has experienced a meteoric rise within a narrow time span of less than 5 years, that has consisted of tough grind and aggressive determination that has witnessed him climb the ladder rapidly in a saturated market where competition is fierce.
Following on from his humble beginnings, he now holds a residency for Prism in Leeds and he most notably and respectably became the first resident of Abode LDN in September 2014, and has since lined up parallel with other heavyweight hitters such as wAFF, Darius Syrossian, & Patrick Topping being brief examples.
On a national level Jimmy has also impressively graced the decks in company of Hot Creations and Paradise night owner Jamie Jones at Elrow in Leeds, and other Hot Creations residents and regulars recently.
On an international scale Jimmy’s presence at god’s secret playground of house and techno – Ibiza, his seasons in 2016 & 2017 are what any young DJ and producer could only dream of, playing consistently throughout the summer and up until the conclusion of the season.
Sets over in Ibiza saw him quite literally further dilapidate the gritty underground settings of venues like Sankeys through his concise selection of high tempo, pack a punch, tech house records – and command dancefloors at Sundays at Space in 2016, with his name featuring on the same posters as icons including Green Velvet.
Jimmy plays generally deep tech with a classic house influence, which is supported by one of his own most memorable sets to date, at Café Mambo on San Antonio’s famous sunset strip, dictating a groove from everyone present with his funky, retro vibes being aired from the records he was mixing.
Looking forward to the final part of 2017, a hugely significant year in Jimmy’s opening chapters on what should be an illustrious novel in DJing and producing – with his tracks getting recognition from Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1 this month, as well as Mark Knight playing his track ‘Futura’ on Toolroom Radio. Out now on Krafted Digital and is a collaboration with Italian producer David Ricardo.
Looking forward to 2018 it has been confirmed he will be continuing his two residencies with Prism and ABODE, playing at ABODE in the park, Mint Festival, Studio338 & Snowboxx, with highly recognisable individuals also playing includes Seth Troxler, Jackmaster, The Black Madonna, Jamie Jones, being just brief examples of the line ups you can catch him on.
To polish off the Ibiza season, Jimmy has just been voted as the Grass Roots Newcomer DJ run by Ibiza Clubbing Guide. We
Where in the world are you right now?
I'm currently living in Ibiza doing my third season as a residency at sankeys.
Tell us a bit about how you started DJ’ing and where your first break came?
I was always a bedroom dj and did it as a hobby, I was then entered into the data transmission dj comp in 2013, it was my first set playing out and I won, from that I played hideout festival in Croatia.
You’ve been playing Ibiza throughout the summer, how’s that been for you?
Better than expected, from the opening to the closing I feel like I found my place within it all a little bit more. I've had the opportunity to play a lot more professionally, along side some very well established artists and musicians which made has made my confidence grow.
Any memorable moments at this year’s events that you’ll never forget?
Definitely Printworks in March this year was for me, my most memorable set to date. I knew the status of the handful of DJs who had played at this venue before me and that made me realise a little bit more about where am I in the grand scheme of things. E.g. The Martinez Brothers, Loco Dice, Jamie Jones
Abode have been keeping you busy, how did the residency come about?
It came about three years ago, almost to the date, when Kai, one of the owners asked me to come and play for a party in London called Fortay. The next day, after really enjoying my set, and realising I brought something a bit different to the table, he told me about an idea he had for another party he wanted to start. It was on a Sunday day time, in the heart of London, called ABODE. I agreed and became the first resident of ABODE and have been ever since.
Where are your favourite places to DJ?
So far my three favourite places have been; Sankeys MCR, it was somewhere I grew up in, I partied and played there and it's in my home town. Studio 338, it's where I've created and generated most of my confidence, patience, and the love I have for music today. Most of all MAMBOS, hands down. It's known by everyone and played by the most prestigious DJ's, past and current. The video of my set was the most viewed video mambos has ever had.
Which track has been your ‘go to’ track this
summer?
Definitely Pawsa - Speed Bump
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