Nightclubber live: Jean Pierre

Jean Pierre is a DJ and producer with over 20 years’ experience in underground electronic music circles. Originally from New York, he’s played at some of the most iconic venues in the world and a few years back launched his own label, Pakate Records, which gained momentum from the start thanks to a killer release by Fletch that came backed with a remix by the always on-point Franco Cinelli. What’s more, the man himself has repped everyone from Cuttin’ Headz to Hot Creations.

Jean Pierre now resides in Barcelona, where he's drawing inspiration from the vibrant local music scene. We caught up with him recently to learn more about his recent move, the evolution of his music, and what’s next for him and his label. What’s more, we also hosted a killer mix from him for our live series - recorded at the Jolene Soundroom in Miami. Read on to learn more about the man himself and be sure to check the mix too.. 

How has your move to Barcelona been so far? What has the city brought to your music and professional life that other places haven’t?

Hey guys, love it here, man. It has brought a new burst of creative energy into my life, especially working at La Marina Studios with all these amazing artists in other rooms. NYC and Miami will always be home, but right now, I am really happy here.

What made you settle on Barcelona by the way? Had you visited a lot before?

I was looking to be in Europe, especially during the summer because last year, the back and forth from America was killing me. I wanted to give myself the opportunity to work with new promoters and be closer to the action. I had visited a couple of times in the winter and loved it. The food is amazing as well!

How important is it for you to have a strong team around you, especially when it comes to managing a label, touring, and creating music? How has your team contributed to your recent successes?

Francesco, my label manager, has been a tremendous help in this whole project, and now with Mindsalike management handling the showcases, I feel like we are going to make some major moves in the coming months. It’s super important to have people that believe in your vision in order for it to keep growing and evolving. I am really happy with everything we’ve done so far.

With Pakate gaining traction, how do you see the label evolving in the coming years? Are there any specific goals or milestones you're aiming for? What other labels do you really look up to? Is there a particular ethos that you strive to uphold with each release?

We are working on our second vinyl-only release, which I am really excited about. We want to pursue releases in both the digital and vinyl realms. We have releases upcoming by Late Replies, Natalia Roth, Bodeler, Davide Mentesana, and Zamoras. Regarding labels that I look up to, of course, Cuttin’headz is on the list, as well as FUSE. The Mason boys are doing an incredible job with their label Whippin, and their events are wicked. I am also a huge fan of Dungeon Meat and Slapfunk, which inspire me on a more underground tip consistently.

As someone who has worked with a variety of respected labels before launching your own, how do you see the role of independent labels in today’s music industry? What do they offer that larger, more established labels might not?

I personally like to push younger, up-and-coming artists instead of the more established ones. It inspires me more, and it's a great feeling to get this incredible feedback from veterans supporting the label and the artists. Some established labels get into machine mode and just bang releases out, losing the essence of how it started. We like to take our time with every release and make sure the artwork and music are as fresh as can be.

You’ve got upcoming releases that feature work by Maher Daniel and Jay Tripwire. Can you share more about these projects and what listeners can expect from these collaborations?

I am really excited about having these amazing veterans do remixes for us. The original tracks are collaborations by my good friend Danyelino from Space Miami and myself. We've played together so many times on the Space Terrace and spent a significant amount of time in my studio in the 305. These tracks are on a more minimal tip, and that’s what motivates me to go back to vinyl to showcase this music and the remixes. I haven’t heard them yet, but I am sure these guys are going to kill it. So much respect for both of them.

Do you generally give artists free rein to work on remixes? Or do you ask them to go in a particular direction? Are you ever concerned that they’ll do something that doesn’t resonate with you?

I usually go with letting them do their thing. If I am reaching out to them to do remixes, it’s because I love what they’re doing and respect their work. When I do remixes, I usually expect the same treatment, as everybody has their own vision of the original work, and we’re just trying to add our twist to it.

Tell us a bit about your experiences at Sunwaves. You’re also about to release a remix in celebration of the festival, right?

Sunwaves is always special for me. I have always felt right at home there, and just to be a part of it is truly a blessing. Playing with my bro Jesse Calosso is also a great experience because we both prepare like crazy and push each other to do the best we can on that stage. Yes, the remix is for a label in NYC called Olympo. I finished it a couple of days before heading to Romania for the festival and was excited to play it out. I did that in the beginning of the set. There’s another track called Sunwaves that I am working on with Miguelle, and it’s almost wrapped up—I’m looking forward to sharing it with everybody.

Social media plays a big role in an artist’s career today. How do you balance the need for online presence with staying authentic to your underground roots? Do you see it as a necessary tool or just a part of the game? 

I do what I can, it’s not my priority but I do see the importance of it now. I still think we must always remember that we are booked to play music and make people dance, not entertain them on their phones. I try to keep that close to my heart and not spend too much time there. 

I read elsewhere your sound has evolved a lot in recent times. Tell us a bit about this. How do these tools shape your creative process, and do you find they push you in new directions musically?

I think growing up has influenced my sound a lot. I have been doing this for well over 20 years and obviously we don't play the same records we used to even though it's fun to go back and listen to what's in my itunes from the early years. So much good music there as well! 

Playing in Europe has helped me grow a lotl. Different venues have different vibes so the music can't always be the same. I love to read the room and if I have to go a different direction because that's what the crowd wants or is feeling, you gotta be prepared for that. 

Lastly, let’s focus on music for a bit… what was the first track you listened to today?

Model 500 - The Chase (Smooth Mix)

What’s been the most exciting track you listened to this year?

BELLA - Orchestra Spring. I love this record!

What’s the one secret weapon you always use to rescue the dancefloor?

Past couple of months it's been this track called Unity by Warren Blake. Haven’t heard anybody play it and it always works for me!

…and from your own tracks, which one are you most proud of and why?

I still think Bogus is on the top of the list after all these years people still play it and talk about it. I have walked into restaurants in Naples, Italy and Milan and they have it in the background. It's a sick feeling to have been a part of that one.

Listen to Jean Pierre’s live mix from Jolene Soundroom in Miami below

Keep up with Jean Pierre on his website, Soundcloud, Facebook, Beatport and X

Keep up with Pakate on Soundcloud, Instagram and Beatport