Port Calls DJ J-Felix
On Saturday 30th October we welcome DJ J-Felix to Port to spin some tunes for our first Bottomless Brunch event.
We’ll be celebrating the end of British Summer Time, serving up a delicious brunch menu, complete with flowing drinks and free-flowing tunes with renowned DJ J-Felix on the decks.
J-Felix is a Brighton based instrumentalist and producer, flying the flag for Modern Funk, Boogie and Soul.
We caught up with him for a musical education - from rare records digs, to timeless tunes and his must-pack vinyl.
Over to J-Felix…
What have some of your musical highs in your career?
There have been so many, both a solo artist and playing guitar for others. Supporting the legend, George Clinton at Electric Ballroom in 2015 with my band was insane - I had just released my first record and what happened that year was totally unexpected - big radio plays on BBC6Music and Apple beats and then this support show right after I released the album.
Another big one was touring with Swindle and his band in 2019 - playing West Holts at Glastonbury and the beautiful town of Sète in France were highlights of the tour. Swindle and his band and the guest artists we had a long are such a positive and talented group of people, this experience will have a lasting effect on me.
I also have to mention touring with Alice Russell as her guitarist - she is an incredible artist with authenticity and integrity - a highlight was playing Womad in Caceres, Spain - the biggest crowd I've ever played to, in the 10's of thousands and an incredible little town. It was great to play with her and meet her band after years of being a fan. I'm lucky in that way, I often need up working with people I am a big fan of. It was the same with Swindle.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
There are so many, this is always a difficult question, but I always reference dub and reggae producers like king Tubby, Lee Scratch Perry and Mad Professor. There's something about the way they treat music with FX and production that has trickled through into lots of electronic music today. We have a lot to thank them for. George Clinton and James Brown for the Funk and Gil Scott Heron. I loved the Clash when I was younger and Drum and Bass from Roni Size and the Bristol guys when I was growing up - tricky and Massive Attack were on heavy rotation growing up at home in Bristol too. Of course Prince and loads of Hip-Hop stuff including the UK stuff like Ty, Roots Manuva and Jehst.
What’s your go to tune to ease you into the weekend?
I'm not sure I have one, but a regular go to record for me is 'Kind of Blue' by Miles Davis. I put this on regularly early morning with my daughter - it seems to have soothing and meditative affect on both of us.
Best surprise discovery on a record dig?
'Good To Go - Jump to the Beat' - this is a soundtrack to the film 'Good To Go' which I still haven't seen, but it documents loads of GoGo music which is this mad form of Funk from DC - Trouble Funk are probably one of the biggest acts. It didn't really last long or seem to stand the test of time, I bought it from Centre For Better Grooves in Bristol after DJing with Wrongtom at Love Supreme festival, as he played loads of GoGo and I honestly had never even heard the term. I asked the guy who works in the shop and he showed me this compilation - we chatted about playing it out and he advised me not to 'Drop the Bomb' (famous Trouble Funk track) because he found it seems to have the opposite affect on the dancefloor - it went down like more of a led balloon when he last tried it apparently, but I am determined to make this work one day. This put me on to a few more GoGo records, mostly from Trouble Funk. Brilliant drums.
What’s a tune(s) that you always return to?
Tricky - You Don't - nothing sounds like this! I listened to it my childhood, probably on long car journeys with my parents a lot. It sounds like sunshine and a bit reggae-ish, but very rainy and Bristolian at the same time - hood up, head down, loud in the headphones sort of thing. I love the combination of Tricky and the guest vocalist, Ragga on this one.
What artists are currently always on your playlist?
For listening at home - I really can't get enough of MNDSGN's latest album, Rare Pleasures. It's got this reoccurring theme which hypnotises me. For playing out when I'm DJing - I often play something by Ty at the moment, I think I rediscovered love for his music since he sadly left us last year (it's a shame how it takes a death to remember an artist sometimes). There's a tune called 'Holding You Tight' that's a few years old now by a group called Sure Thing that often gets a spin too. Heavy Boogie flavours with tight production you can tell was done by a bunch of people that often make bass heavy music.
Any guilty pleasure tunes that you’d care to share?
There's no such thing as a guilty pleasure. I have no shame in liking 'Toxic' by Britney Spears.
Your current favourite x5 must pack records?
Stephanie Mills - Put Your Body In It - this era if was incredible and this is a fine example of the sound.
Xavier - Love is on the On/ Work that Sucker to Death 12" - Both sides are impeccable, produced by George Clinton and Bootsy, but leaning more toward the disco sound. 'Love Is On The One' is reminiscent of 'Off the Wall' by MJ.
Children of Zeus - Story So Far EP - I play 'Tonight' off this a lot - they flip 'Luck of Lucien' by ATCQ and ride it beautifully. The combination of Tyler Daley and Konny Kon on this throwback, but done in a modern way type sound is a deadly blend. They deserve all the success.
Don Blackman - Don Blackman - this album will always be in my top 5 albums of all time. I usually play 'Heart's Desire' or 'You Ain't Hip' which is bonkers. Great reps courtesy of Mr Bongo records.
Kojey Radical - Cashmere Tears - I technically don't pack this because it's only on digital so more put it in my pocket on USB, but I love this. I worked on this project with Swindle playing guitars and bass, so there's definitely Bias involved, but I love the way Kojey rides this beat - it's like a modern take on G Funk.
To hear DJ J-Felix play out book into Port’s first ever Bottomless Brunch on Saturday 30th October.
See you there!
Timings
Saturday 30th October
11.00am - 3.30pm
£35 per person
Book early to avoid disappointment.
Call the Port team now on 01323 438 526
#PortSessions
Ts and Cs
You must be over 18 years old to attend.
Please note that cancellations can be made up to seven days before the event.
Thereafter refunds cannot be given.
See you there!