On 15 June, as part of the Cybernetic Event party series, a landmark party for all fans of neurofunk will take place at The Most Open Air, the mecca of summer underground culture. One of the gurus of the global neurofunk scene, Gábor Simon aka Jade, has been invited. Ever since the release of his very first record, issued on the legendary Black Sun Empire label, Jade has been bombing the scene with hit after hit for 11 years. Over these years, the Budapest native has become an integral part of the neurofunk scene and has been honored with remixes by such heavyweights as Phace, Audio, and Icicle.
After close collaboration with Black Sun Empire, the notorious Dick Dale bootleg “Misirlou” (also known as the theme from the film “Pulp Fiction”), as well as his own highly acclaimed album released on Citrus Recordings and a successful EP on legendary Lifted Music, Jade has now focused his talents on his own label, Eatbrain. By the way, just a few days ago, a collaborative record by Gábor and the Ukrainian-Russian project Teddy Killerz was released on the label.
TopDJ: How did your career begin, and how did it develop?
Jade: I never studied music. My parents were firmly against it. But I always wanted to create music. When I was alone, or simply walking down the street, I would always beatbox and hum the crazy motifs that came into my head. As computerized audio systems developed, I got the opportunity to try my hand at it. It took me four years to reach a professional level. This happened when my old friend Matt-U and I teamed up and signed our very first music together to the Black Sun Empire label.
Before that, I had started DJing. It was still a time when you could play exclusively from vinyl, but I gave it up very quickly when I realized that without writing your own music, getting bookings was simply impossible. I regret that now, but I sold my vinyl, including some of the rarest records. Then I returned to DJing, and only then did promoters take notice of my tracks and start showing interest.
TopDJ: Why neurofunk and drum and bass in particular? What attracts you most to this music?
Jade: Kemal, Bad Company, and Ed Rush & Optical opened this path for me. I liked their style because it does not draw attention to itself with poppy sounds and elements that you can hear on the radio every day. Instead, they play with your brain, using rather intricate motifs and strange melodies. And, of course, I liked the tempo of this music.
TopDJ: What other genres of music do you prefer?
Jade: I definitely can't describe genres; I've never been particularly good at that, but I can tell you about some of my favorite artists. Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor—simply a genius. Mike Patton as well. The closest thing to neuro that I've really been enjoying lately is Koan Sound. I like how they slowed neuro down and combined it with jazz elements.
TopDJ: When did you decide to found your own label, Eatbrain, and what prompted you to launch it? What is the story behind the name?
Jade: Over the course of my career, I released music on almost 20 labels, and that was enough for me. It was time to move on. The name and logo took up a great deal of my time. I wanted to give it some kind of special name, a name that didn't exist at all—just invent something. I also love zombie films. And I have a great deal of respect for Romero.
TopDJ: Your label is very popular now, and many people believe that it preserves the traditions of good old neurofunk. Did you assume from the outset that it was destined for success?
Jade: It's so nice to hear that. Yes, that's exactly what I'm trying to do. There is still a lot of work to be done. This year will be a breakthrough year for the label, I'm sure of it. I'm currently working with nine (!!!!) different artists who are working on EPs for Eatbrain. I love doing this! But it also takes time away from writing tracks. I will keep writing, but the last six months have simply been crazy.
TopDJ: Which countries have you visited for your performances? Have you encountered any amusing situations related to local culture?
Jade: I've toured New Zealand and Canada several times, and I even played in Hong Kong once. I've played in practically every country in Europe, including Ukraine. The day after my party in Luhansk, I asked the promoters for coffee, and they said: “NO, drink vodka and have a cucumber with it!”—and I did.
TopDJ: What are your wishes for the Ukrainian audience?
Jade: It's been a long time since I was last in Ukraine. I never thought I'd have to see so many ravers wearing suits, respirators, and so on. I hope you stay the same, and that we'll have a crazy summer night in Kyiv! All the best to you!
Thank you, Jade! We will see him on Saturday, 15 June, at the summer club The Most Open Air. Joining the party’s headliner will be Ukrainian representatives of the neurofunk sound: Teddy Killerz, Fade, Jabro Grow, Naum, Rippers, and Agressor Bunx.
Interview: TopDJ. Translated from the Russian version published by TopDJ (topdj.ua).
