Hailing from Northamptonshire, UK, Just Kiddin have been working up a storm since their 2014 summer hit ‘Thinking About It’ released by Parlophone Records.
Fast forward a few years and the duo, aka best mates Lewis Thompson and Laurie Revell, have clocked over 200 million global streams on a smattering of commercial dance releases that scream out ‘quality’.
From the Perfect Havoc released ‘Change My Mind’ to collaborations on ‘Risk It All’ with Ella Henderson and House Gospel Choir [Atlantic], and on ‘Closer’ with Sonny Fodera [Positiva/Kolbalt], there’s not a Spotify playlist or mainstream radio station that you won’t hear JK on.
Just Kiddin continue to push their creative boundaries in their latest single ‘Moonshine River’ with Vancouver outfit, DiRTY RADiO. It’s ridiculously contagious with its original soulful vocal and danceable house beats.
Here we catch up with Laurie Revell to chat production, signing to Perfect Havoc Management, and just why the sounds of the underground and making their way mainstream.
Hey guys, thanks for joining us! 2022 looks like it has already been an extraordinary year for you; what have been your favourite personal wins so far?
Probably getting back out to Ibiza for a string of shows over the summer. It’s such a beautiful island, and a great place to test out all the tunes we’ve been putting out recently. The reactions have been amazing.
Your latest release on Perfect Havoc is a collaboration with Canadian group DiRTY RADIO. How did the record come about, and what was it like working on it together?
We’ve worked / hung out with DR a fair few times now and they’re a sick bunch of lads. And whether working or playing it’s pretty much the same vibe with them. While they were over here on tour, we took the opportunity to get together down in Brighton. We made a few ideas just jamming out in the studio, then I played an instrumental, immediately Shaddi started singing some vocals in a Southern American style which fit so well. We re-jigged some parts around and fully wrote the vocals and it was pretty much done.
Listen to ‘Moonshine River’ on Spotify
Talk us through your creative process when in the studio.
For me, the part that takes the most time is finding the right starting point. Whether that’s some chords that evoke some feeling, a vocal idea or a little sample that can be worked around. The rest is pretty straightforward. Once I can hear the potential in something, it’s just a matter of having fun, trying different sounds out and trying all sorts of chops and changes until it all sits together seamlessly.
You have an impressive catalogue of memorable releases. What are your top tips for creating catchy records that stand the test of time?
It’s cheesy but follow your heart. If something’s not exciting to you then it’s probably not worth it. If you love it then roll with it, you might just have to convince some people on the way.
You recently signed to Perfect Havoc for management, joining a roster of other talented names. What influenced your decision, and what are you hoping to achieve going forwards?
We’ve known the PH guys for a while which helps build trust, and we continually see how hungry they are. We’re gonna continue to grow and deliver the biggest tunes we ever have.
Listen to ‘Change My Mind’ on Spotify
Your streaming numbers are forever climbing, with some of your tracks reaching well into the millions. How important are streaming numbers for artists, and what can people do to better their chances of reaching fans online?
It honestly baffles me; I have no idea. Other than find your place in the scene and nail in on it. Keep doing what you’re doing, be patient and it will come. Or sell your soul to the devil.
More and more underground artists are leaning into commercial sounds; why do you think this is happening?
I actually think it’s more a case of underground sounds becoming more commercial. The mainstream is embracing the sounds that used to be underground more and more.
What are your go-to pieces of studio equipment?
My Roland Juno 60! It’s just so inspiring to play!
Listen to ‘Risk It All’ on Spotify
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Daft Punk, they brought JK together!
Lastly, do you have anything exciting in the pipeline that you’d like to share?
Lots of new music we are super excited about. We’ve made loads over the last few years and have some amazing bits coming for you!
UFO Network
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Dedicated to delivering the latest in EDM, from breaking news to fresh beats and exclusive interviews, UFO Network is committed to providing comprehensive insights into the electronic music scene. Founded in Helsingborg, Sweden, on April 19, 2015, by Jacques Maurice Julie and Darren Johnathan Bezuidenhout, it continues to shape the industry from its headquarters in Sweden, pushing boundaries and fostering creativity worldwide.
Just Kiddin x DiRTY RADiO ‘Moonshine River’ is out now on Perfect Havoc