Jess Bays interview: I want to find and craft my signature sound

Image Jess Bays

Jess Bays is currently taking the DJ world by storm. A graduate of the SubBass Academy, the young Londoner found her way into the industry as tour manager of Sam Divine and subsequently became A&R at D-Vine sounds.

A master of edits and remixes, Bays is now a regular feature in the capital city with a Sneak residency at XOYO as well as consistent appearances at EGG and Ministry of Sound. If the hype around her wasn't already big enough, she was recently featured in DJ Mag as a cheeky bubbler to watch, although her potential has already taken her talents further afield. 

Since last year, she has been making waves on the White Isle and scooped the award for Best Ibiza Newcomer DJ Runner Up after some huge shows at Zoo. She also featured at the Cafe Mambo Ibiza London Summer Party at McQueen in June and you can check out her promo mix below.

We caught up with Jess ahead of Groovefest 2016 where she has further opportunities to show off her chunky house selections in warmer climes.

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You studied at SubBass Academy in 2014 on the DJ Complete Course, how did that aid your development as an artist? 

SubBass taught me all the behind the scenes skills to DJing, things that I never even knew existed like phrasing, beats and bars for example. As a complete newbie you just assume that it’s easy to beat match but it really isn’t, it is a total art form in itself.

They also gave me my first ever set in The Loft at the world famous Ministry of Sound which is seriously special and a moment I will never forget, so a big shout out to Graeme & John for kick starting my career!

As you find yourself in high demand, bookings are now coming through thick and fast, how has it changed your lifestyle?

It’s literally like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s the dream job, playing music you love to people who appreciate it for what house music is. Back to back gigs on the weekends are crazy most of the time running on no sleep but who has fun when they’re asleep? I love it and hope to do it for a very long time.

What plans do you have for the future, productions or perhaps a label of your own?

At the moment with regards to production I’ll be pairing up with a few people working on stuff behind the scenes for a while to get ready for next year. It’s something that I’m not going to rush into, I want to find and craft my signature sound.

Talk us through your job responsibilities as A&R for D-Vine Sounds... 

How has your's and Sam's relationship changed as you've become business partners?

As A&R it’s my job to hunt the new talent and go through all the demos that we get sent on a regular basis. Nothing is a better feeling that when we sign something and it goes to number one on Traxsource.

The support for the label has been insane. I’m Sam’s tour manager too so now we work together on the label along with Kamilla, our label manager, we’ve become even more of a solid unit. She’s backed me as a DJ from day one which drives me even more to achieve my dreams.

And now you've started to branch out and make your own music, what has that experience been like?

I’m really enjoying working out what kind of house I want to make. It’ll be a slow process because my first track has to be special, and I need to work alongside the right producer too. I can only imagine what it must feel like to drop your own track to a big crowd.

You won the Award for Best Ibiza Newcomer DJ Runner Up, what are your fondest memories from the White Isle? 

I did! It was such an achievement for me because Laidback Luke presented the award to me. It has to be playing on Bora Bora Beach for a 2 and a half hour set with all my best friends there to support me. Memories for life, Ibiza is a very special place.

You’ve supported some massive name DJs, what has been your most memorable moment from one of these gigs?

I think one of my favourite DJ’s that I’ve supported has to be Claude Von Stroke at the We Are FSTVL afterparty at Studio 338. He is insane. His track selection is second to none. But just recently I played with Annie Mac too for The Social where I took over from Sam. That was a seriously big milestone for me as I had always wanted to be billed alongside her after all the support she has given me. 

You’ve nailed down residencies and regular sessions at some big name clubs (XOYO, EGG to name a couple) how important do you think these regular, core shows are to your progression in the scene? 

Getting your name about in London is key because in the scene everyone knows everyone and the majority of the dedicated ravers are going to all of the parties in London.

In all of London’s main clubs you have the chance to be spotted by the big dogs so get stuck in I say and make it happen! I love getting to know ravers and seeing familiar faces at my London gigs so that's really cool. XOYO & EGG in particular are always insane parties every time I play. The crowd there is spot on and the hospitality second to none.

You’re on the bill for Groovefest in the Dominican Republic, is this the first foreign festival of this nature you've played at? Are you looking forward to it?

Yeah it’s the first Festival I’ve done abroad and I can’t wait! I already have butterflies for it and it’s still a few weeks away. I have always wanted to go purely because the line ups every year are serious so to be asked to play is an absolute privilege.

Even more so that it’s for D-Vine Sounds alongside Sam and Dantiez Saunderson so everyone needs to get their tickets ASAP and I’ll see you under the palm trees!

Like this? Check out Five of the best at Groovefest

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