Jamie Berry comes to Manchester!

CN - Give us a bit more info about yourself. Where you from, for starters?

JB - I'm from a small market town called Bourne in Lincolnshire. I moved to Leeds 10 years ago.

CN - For those that are unfamilar with your project, your website says .. "your main focus is on honing 20s and 30s swing influences into House and Electro genres with shuffling modern beats and vintage swing sounds." How did you get in to Electro Swing, Vintage Remixes, etc? ....can you elaborate on explaining the sound for those that are unfamiliar?

JB - I watched Parov Stelar's 'Catgroove' with TSC about 4 years ago on YouTube and I just thought 'I want to make that music!'.. I was totally blow away with his style! I guess vintage remixes is kind of what it says on the tin. Its classic 20s swing and big-band, remixed for the modern day!

CN - Nice description! What got you in to writing/producing/DJing?

JB - I never really wanted to be a DJ. I always wanted to be a song writer/producer. I think being in bands when I was younger got me inspired to write music people could dance to. I always loved just creating music which can make you shuffle.

CN - Ah!... a valid goal for any producer! Any other big influences? ...

JB - Early Daft Punk, Beatles, ACDC...

CN - Nice. Few classics there. You've already joined us at Prohibition Manchester a few years ago. How have you spent the years in between that show, and this one?

JB - Since then I've played in Canada, Australia, all over Europe and here in the UK. I've had a few EPs and singles out since then and had some tracks on adverts in the UK, Germany and US. So yeah... quite a lot has happened since!

CN - Busy schedule, eh?! "Delight" from 2012, is probably one of your most well known tracks, with literally MILLIONS of views on Youtube. Tell us a little about the inspiration for that one....

JB - I've just been with Octavia Rose today for the first time since we recorded Delight and we were both saying how impromptu and rushed it all was! I heard Octavia's music on Soundcloud when she was 17 and invited her to Leeds to record some vocals. My one regret with it is not making a radio edit, but it's not stopped people listening to it!

CN - I was always wondering how you two got to know each other! I saw you post on Facebook about bookings as far and wide as Austria...Tracks like Delight translate internationally.....and why do you think that is?

JB - I have no idea! I want to say something cliche like 'music has no boundaries'. Sod it. Music has no boundaries.

CN - haha - I guess not. You've played the infamous Boomtown festival....many people rate it as one of the best events currently running. How did you find it and why do you think people keep referring to it as so magical?

JB - I've only been once, but it was incredibly infectious. I think it's the attention to detail on all the stages, props, staff and that creates an amazing place which attracts like-minded people. Magical is right!

CN - Sound it! What have been your top gigs this year?

JB - Playing in Australia was incredible! Such a good vibe from all the places, but Byron Bay was probably my favourite. I have family there who came, which made it more special.

CN - Playing to friends and family always adds a special atnosphere, I find! When you're planning a set for gigs like those, whats your creative process?

JB - Making sure everything flows, is my main priority. I try to create like a crescendo of energy from start to finish.

CN - Awesome. Do you find that much different a head-space from when you sit down to write a new tune?

JB - Sometimes - I find writing music a much more complex process. I usually know whether or not I'm in the right head space to write. If I'm tired or had a rubbish day, it's usually safe to say I'm better off doing something else!

CN - You've been increasingly working with Octavia Rose in the studio... I hear you've got a new single due?

JB - Yes. We've only just started working on it actually! But should be ready just after Christmas. I have a single out in December with a student of mine which I'm very excited about!

CN - I believe Prohibition Manchester on Dec 10th, will be your first live show together with Octavia Rose... Exciting times!? ...

JB - Yes very exciting! We hope that we can do a little tour at some point next year together. She is an incredibly talented singer and musician and I want to take that to the stage.

CN - Whats in your 2017 diary we need to know about?

JB - Planning a US tour in the summer with a stop at Burning Man - which would be crazy! And an album!

CN - Looking forward to hearing that, and checking out news of the tour!! Who are your fave artists at the moment? ......"one to watch" and perhaps an old fave you keep coming back to...

JB - CatJam are wicked, love their garagey take on Swing. Also - Phil Mac's live show is immense! The best swing and bass you'll hear.

CN - Okay...change of pace....When you're gigging... top three things you never leave home without? (wallet, keys, phone don't count!)

JB - Flat-cap, braces and toothbrush.

CN - Desert Island discs time...Top three tunes of all time...

JB - Beatles - We Can Work It Out
Beach Boys - God Only Knows
Daft Punk - One More Time

CN - Brill. Thanks for taking the time from your production and gigging to talk to us.. we're really looking forward to having you on 10th Dec at Prohibition Manchester. We've even rolled in some extra sound system!

JB - Nice! Your last show I played at was immense, so I can't wait for this one!


CN - For those that want to check out Jamie Berry's social media, make sure to catch him on Faceook or Soundcloud.. or via his website...

You can also see him performing live with Octavia Rose, at the Zoo, Manchester, 10th December 2016. Tickets are available below!

Tickets are no longer available for this event