Features
STARS OF THE YEAR: JAMIE JONES
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For many years Jamie Jones has been the people’s champion when it comes to UK underground house music. But 2011 was the year that his popularity spread far beyond the confines of discerning house heads. He became a name recognised worldwide, even by those that just dabbled in dance music.
This was largely thanks to the success of his remix of Azari & III’s ‘Hungry For The Power’. For many, it was the tune of the summer, the memory that they took home from Ibiza and then hummed all day at work. Also instrumental in his rise was DC10’s decision for a second year running to embrace the Anglo-American wave of house and techno DJs. To loosen the German and Romanian techno stranglehold by bringing in the likes of Jamie was a gamble, but one that paid off. The Hot Creations and Visionquest label parties were one of the island’s highlights: a new sound had officially arrived and Jamie and his label were at the forefront of it.
Throughout the year, Jamie’s Hot Creations label has released underground hit after hit. For some of the purists, certain releases were a step too far towards the mainstream – ‘Forward Motion’ by Hot Natured (Jamie, Lee Foss and Ali Love) divided the underground community. However, when you learn that next year Hot Natured plan to tour as a live band, the more accessible sound makes sense. Also planned for 2012 is a new initiative with Visionquest’s Seth Troxler called Hot Quest. Essentially a series of club nights spearheaded by the two DJs that have undoubtedly owned 2011.
As well as winning two awards at the Ibiza DJ awards at Pacha (best house DJ and best tune), Jamie had time to put together one of the most well received Fabric compilation mixes and a Radio 1 Essential Mix. Needless to say, his schedule was both physically and mentally punishing, but thankfully he has the endurance to soldier through. “I can have the flu and be sleep deprived, but as soon as I get behind those decks it’s like a switch flips on and I’m fine,” he says. And if you’re a fan of quality house, that’ll be music to your ears.
