Jordan | A Journalists portfolio

Pete Jordan is a highly respected and well traveled DJ, who has toured with the likes of Dizzee Rascal and the Prodigy, he also happens to have just released his new record label – Weird Science. Pete took the time out to speak to our collaborator Matthew Trevett about his view on the music industry at the moment and his ideas for 2012.

MJ: As a DJ and well involved in the music business, how do you think the industry is doing at the moment?

PJ: “Globally electronic music is in a stronger position that it has ever been. The correlation between recession and people wanting to go out and dance is as strong as ever. That doesn’t mean it is all positive though, the change in people’s tastes mean the larger ‘celebrity styled’ acts get more money and the mid-range of the DJ pool suffers. In reality though, there are constantly challenges in the industry that you have to encounter.”

MJ: You have toured with the likes of Dizzee Rascal and The Prodigy, how does it feel to be alongside such big acts?

PJ: “Good and bad. Great as you get to play to massive crowds of 15000+ and play on a bill with people you have a lot of respect for. It is a stark reminder at how big these acts are, and as a performer it is hard to gain people’s attention as it would be at a club event.”

MJ: As a DJ you get to travel the world, where is your favorite hot spot of all time?

PJ: “Wherever the people are like minded really – I’ve had very memorable times throughout Eastern Europe and Australia etc. It’s really about finding the right gig where people connect with what you are about musically.”

MJ: You describe yourself as a workaholic, where do you think that mentality comes from?

PJ: “I always joke that I’m making up for my lack of talent. Having originally been based outside of London, it takes 10 times as much work to get yourself noticed when you are not in the capital. I think the work ethic comes from my parents who both worked so hard to provide me with a great upbringing.”

MJ: What’s the craziest thing you have seen happen during one of your sets?

PJ: “So many things! I think the 10th Birthday show we did in London will be the most memorable, seeing how dance music had changed forever as acts like Skrillex (who played his first European show that night) have been able to draw in a crowd who would typically only do guitar based gigs – quite a powerful experience!”

MJ: If your car was on ‘Pimp My Ride’ how could they blow your mind and improve your wheels?

PJ: “I would definitely convert the back of the car into a bed and office, and have auto-pilot so that I could either sleep or work whilst driving from place to place.”

MJ: You have a fully active and popular SoundCloud profile, do you think social media is key for people like yourselves to get your name out there?

PJ: “Yes! It is essential. Regardless of how talented you may or may not be, without exposure you will not get anywhere in the industry. Social network is the key to that exposure these days. “

MJ: You have recently launched your ‘Weird Science’ label, how is that doing?

PJ: “Weird Science Recordings is all about expressing the deeper side of what I am into. As Jordan & Santero we are able to drop back into styles that influenced us when we were cutting our teeth in clubs. We have signed tracks from superb acts like Ursa Major, Citizen and Coin Operated Boy, and bringing through new talent like Your Ex-Girlfriend. Its early days but we are getting a lot of love already from some far-reaching places!”

MJ: Which of your tracks that you have produced should people go out and get right now?

PJ: “I would certainly check out my solo production called Cuzeyeneedat – I still haven’t signed it yet, mainly down to being so busy to send it out. However the online love for that track is massive. As Jordan & Santero I would check out Aha Okay, Oh Yeah and all the new Weird Science releases as our sound develops further.”

MJ: Which festivals and nightclubs can we catch you at this year?

PJ: “2012 has seen me focus on playing more of the right places rather than doing loads of shows. I will be performing on the main stage of Global Gathering Festival, and you can see me at Gibb Street Warehouse in Birmingham on April 27th, my Spectrum Warehouse Party on May 5th, C-Y-N-T in Cardiff on May 6th, and at all future Weird Science and Spectrum events.”