There is something special about Paris which brings out the best in music and any artist who chooses to take inspiration from the romantic charm of the capital and its timeless districts. From Serge Gainsbourg to Francoise Hardy to Daft Punk, they have all originated from the ‘City of Love’ and are iconic artists who through innovation, found and created their own unique sound.
Jimmy Whoo is no different.
The DJ turned Producer started producing in 2011 and has formulated his own dreamy atmospheric sound, with his albums taking you on a cosmic journey, sparking nostalgic sounds of the 80's all the way through to today’s modern electronic beats. Born in Paris and growing up in northeastern suburb Pantin, it is the capital where he now currently resides, tirelessly continuing to perfect his trade in his studio in the suburbs.
His dedication and commitment to music knows no bounds and he has also appeared with his own slot on France’s ‘Radio Nova.’ Whilst mostly composing and producing his material as a solo artist, it is quite clear he thrives in the solace of submerging himself in sounds and producing something magic as an end result.
I’ve been listening to Jimmy Whoo for quite a few years now after being hypnotised by the 2015 album ‘Motel Music Part I’ and playing it on repeat wherever I travelled.
Having performed for Boiler Room in 2017, debuting his full live band, he has certainly kept himself busy, releasing ‘Motel Music Part II’ in the same year.
2019 saw Jimmy Whoo release the hypnotic 12 track album ’Basic Instinct’ and only recently releasing a music video for ‘Blue Orange Green’ featuring Chilly Gonzalez off the album.
Having recently returned from touring in the United States, Zeles Brand talked to the man himself to get a closer insight to how he started this journey, his influences and future plans.
1- When did you first get into music?
I started DJing around 10 years ago and production about 8 years ago.
2- How would you describe your sound/music for someone who had never listened?
I think it is a mix of all the influences I have, It’s like the soundtrack of the movie stuck in my head. I like to call this genre ‘Motel Music.’
3 - Are there any artists, bands or DJs who have inspired you and been an influence in finding and creating your own sound?
For the producers when I first started making beats I have been really influenced by the Californian sound of J Dilla, Madlib, Flying Lotus then later when I moved to a more electronic sound guys like Johnny Jewel. I was (and I'm still) listening to a lot of Sade, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Caldwell at the same time.
4 - You mentioned in your BCKSTG interview from 2013 that you didn’t care about making money from music and that was all about the journey. Is that still how you feel in 2020?
At that time I had a job, I created two music studios in the suburbs of Paris. I used to manage them as a day job. What hasn’t changed is the fact that I won't change my sound for money. The archives I got with it, the people I met, the places I discover and the satisfaction to do my own thing is priceless.
5 - I know you have expressed how you love to tour and only recently played Zone One in Brooklyn, New York. How was that experience?
It was my second time in New York. The first time was in 2014 so I was very excited to come back with my half on tour, Yann Apfel. It was the coldest night I have experienced in America, it was freezing outside. I really enjoyed playing at Elsewhere, I would love to come back to NYC soon and play it again.
6 - What was the last song you listened to?
A guy called 'Jay Daniel' and the name of the song is "Paradise Valley"
7 - Favourite album of all time if you had to choose one?
Sade " Stronger than pride"
8 - Any upcoming artists you would recommend who you are enjoying at the moment?
Three new artists coming up this year who I love are Alsy Maria, Peter Dallas & Rose
9 - What’s next for Jimmy Whoo?
Staying alive and keep doing my thing with progression…
Check the new video for "Blue Orange Green" feat. Chilly Gonzales Directed by Hana Haley below.
Also check the below awesome short film Written & Directed by Johnny Hardstaff featuring tracks from Jimmy Whoo’s ‘Motel Music Part II’
