Jay Carder Mix
Jay Carder’s unique blend of UK bass, techno and breaks has seen her come into her own in 2022 and we’re super excited to welcome her for Tapes #82.
This year she’s had sell-out headline shows in the UK and further afield in India and Istanbul; as well as debut sets at Glastonbury, Gottwood, Westival and London’s Fold. A true lover of radio, Jay covers a length and breadth of sounds on air, from club bangers for The Dance Show on Rinse, to UK bass for Kaizen on NTS, and underground Indian trip hop on Soho Radio.
Jay Carder’s unique connection to the dance floor is key to her energy and ethos. She started her promoter/DJ journey 8 years ago throwing events with collective 4 To The Floor London, which attracted house dancers, hustlers, b-boys, voguers, waackers and other dance styles from Paris, Japan, Berlin and major dance cities from around the world. She is now a resident and promoter for Birmingham-born, London-based Voyage events, and runs her own club series ‘House of Carder’, which has seen sold out shows with Bruce, Breaka, Dr Banana and K-Lone.
TRACKLIST
E-Unity - Diva Encounter
Debba - I Said
Akkord - Smoke Circle
Toumba & SIM - Ard Jaw
Rainstick - Draco Beat
Silene - Down Source
Eich - Induction
Erik Luebs - Cosmic Shuffle
Protect Ryan - Left Behind from Shambala
Frederik Tollund - Perpro
Dyslecta - Lemon Tek
Bakey - Dismantle
Dismantle - Ghost
Jook & Blumey - Shade (feat. Logan)
FLiik - The Talk
Danvers - 11th Step
Jay Carder - Reverse Disorder
Lee Bannon - Value 10
Coco Bryce - Hold The Line
Fracture - First Aid Kit
Calibre - Wetter
Surgeon’s Girl - Sever
Thanks for getting involved in our Tapes Series! Can you start by introducing yourself?
Hello! I’m Jay Carder, a DJ/producer based in East London. I’ve been djing for around 8 years and producing for 2. I run events under ‘House of Carder’ which push mainly sounds of UK bass and techno, and have radio shows on Rinse & Soho Radio.
Tell us about this mix - where was it recorded and favourite track inside?
I recorded this late at night in my living room. The house was empty and I had the joy of turning the lights down low and blasting it as loud as I liked (that’s pretty loud haha). I know it’s a cliché to ‘go on a journey’ with the music but I genuinely went on one myself putting this mix together. Starting at 105bpm I tried to weave through as many of my favourite genres as possible ending up at 165bpm.
I haven’t put a recorded mix out for a while and I particularly enjoyed putting together something nice and headsy, to provide more of a ‘listening’ style mix to what I currently have online. It’s bursting with understated, stripped back bangers. My favourite track is ‘Dismantle - Ghost’ – the bassline absolutely destroys me every time; it’s so warm and fat – one of those sounds I could listen to on repeat forever. Ideal for the cold winter months.
What is the ideal setting to listen to it?
This one’s for working to, for driving at night to, for wandering to. You could potentially get ready for a night out to it, but to me, it screams more ‘wine & cheese’ than ‘pinger and kebab’. As mentioned before – it’s all slow builds and understated bangers. I’d suggest it’s essential you listen on good speakers/headphones. There’s a lot of really intricate sounds in there to keep ears happily entertained throughout. As with all my mixes, there’s a heavy dose of bass too, so you want to be able to feel that.
Tell us about your debut EP that’s just come out on ‘Faux Poly’ - what compelled you to move into producing/releasing music?
Ahh yes, it’s finally out! It feels great to have music in the world. I’ve been producing since the beginning of lockdown – it’s something I’ve always wanted to do but have simply never had the time to put into it (spending hours crafting the perfect snare simply didn’t fit my manic schedule…but lockdown suddenly gave me a LOT more time coupled with a need for a creative outlet). I started having lessons with Joe from Kassian and renting their studio in Hackney Wick. Last year Kassian started their label Faux Poly and it felt like the perfect home for my debut EP, especially because all of the tracks were made in their studio while I was saving up to buy a new laptop. I love making music – it’s just about finding the time and headspace for it.
In terms of reception, I’ve been pretty overwhelmed by how it’s been received; Mary Anne Hobbs has been super supportive and played ‘Eva’s Stoned’ numerous times, and both Jaguar and Tom Ravenscroft have played the other two tracks on Radio 1. Madam X has played tracks on NTS and Jossy Mitsu on Rinse – and there’s been many more plays across the internet and community radio. I’m so grateful to everyone that’s supported, it’s such a big moment putting out that first release!
As an in-demand DJ, radio host and now producer, how have you managed to find a balance with juggling several plates?
That’s a good question…juggling plates is something I’m still learning to do and every week is different. I still have a day job, so meeting deadlines comes naturally albeit sometimes at the deficit of sleep or routine (she says writing this at 2am haha). Djing and broadcasting are my two first loves – I will always find the time for them (I’m a firm believer in ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’)... Production-wise, I tend to work in the evenings once everything else/daily jobs have been taken care of. It’s not easy to just slip into the mindset and ‘make good music’ and this is definitely something I’m learning the hard way – but some of the best advice I’ve been given is that every loop or track is still a part of the learning curve, and no time in the studio is wasted. I’m notoriously bad at timekeeping but never miss a deadline. Whatever ‘balance’ that is, that’s how I’m currently working(!)
You’ve been doing the rounds on the festival circuit this summer, what’s been your standout moment?
This summer has indeed been a corker! I’ve never before managed to cop tickets for Glastonbury, but this year saw me attending for the first time thanks to playing with Sportsbanger – and it was unreal. I understand the hype for that festival now. That on top of the fact that everyone involved with Sportsbanger are bonafide legends (big up Jonny Banger for having me). Other highlight sets include Gottwood and We Out Here’s Lemon Lounge – truly memorable experiences. Festival crowds are just great because everyone is up for having a proper party, and they’re in a good headspace – not to mention being super open musically. As always it’s the people/dancers who make the set, and I was fortunate enough to experience this numerous times over the summer. Roll on 2023!
Lastly, any exciting plans coming up? Can we expect more releases anytime soon?
I hope so!! I’m beavering away in the studio as often as I possibly can, and have finally managed to get hold of a new laptop – so watch this space for new music. DJ-wise, I’m kicking off 2023 with a Jan/Feb tour of India, and have some exciting developments for House of Carder (my own club night) to announce soon alongside some bucket-list festival bits. Lots to get excited about!