Get To Know – Jenks (UK)

One of the most consistent thing about Grid, apart from the unfaltering quality of their music, is their inherent policy to push new artists. Jenks is no exception. At just 16 years of age, this highly productive young producer already has a good handful of releases under his belt on Informal, Gyro and Kingpin Records, and this his debut on Grid, the ‘Already Dead EP’ sees him bust out 6 tracks of intense, gut rumbling DNB. I don’t think I’ve ever come across  such a young artist of such a high calibre and when the promo came through, I decided  there was no way I was letting it pass.

Ladies and Gentlemen, INSIDE DNB gives you, JENKS!

Hi Jenks. Welcome to INSIDE DNB. The bio on the press release for this EP says you started mixing EDM at just 8 years old. Dance music culture is in the family, right? 

Hey, thank you for inviting me on here. Music has always been a big part of my life and my parents had loads of influences on me. My dad used to be in a band so he has always inspired and motivated me to make music. Surprisingly my parents weren’t actually ravers!

So, talk us through those early years. Because of your date of birth you’re automatically classed as a digital native, but embarking on a career in making DNB in your early teens is still pretty mad. Most kids of that age are only just discovering music properly, let alone making it!

I first found EDM through my friends when I was about 8 and immediately bought myself some beginner decks. When I got to the age of 12, me and my best friend Archie [ACP] fell in love with Drum N Bass and bought some software as quick as we could. We never really took it seriously until COVID-19 hit!

You’ve absolutely nailed your own sound. Listening back to your previous releases and then the 6 tracks on this EP, you’ve hit a steady balance of light and dark in the majority of your compositions. What’s the process when you sit down to write?

Honestly it varies on the tune. I usually never have an idea in my head but I know roughly the vibe I want to go for. I spent 2021 really trying to work on my sound and I now have a decent sound bank to use. I usually start off with some basic drums and then put in synths around the drums and then continue to work on the drums again to help them compliment the other sounds.

You’ve teamed up with both Lumia and Teezy for two of the 6 tracks. Tell us about them and how the collabs came about?

I loved making these 2 tracks with them. They are both sick producers and nice to work with. Me and Lumia knew each other through informal and he hit me up asking if I wanted to make a tune. He then sent me some stems and I got to work on it! Teezy is an artist I have really rated for a while. We had talked about making a collab in the past but we never got round to it. He then sent me some stems in November and I had a lot of fun working with his sick sounds!

Talk us through your equipment set up. I’m guessing that your bedroom is also your studio?

Yeah I’m producing in my room at the moment. My dad recently made me a desk which has been very helpful and made producing a lot easier. I am currently using Adam T7V monitors along with Behringer DT 990 headphones. I also recently purchased the Behringer neutron synth but I haven’t quite got my head around it yet haha!

Talking about the music directly now, where do your draw your influences from in terms of sounds and styles? Do you favour certain labels or DJ’s? I mean, how would you categorise yourself?

influence me especially my friends. The Souped Up artists all really influence my music, everyone on Hospital records also. I’m also very inspired by Imanu and his futuristic sound. I source most of my samples from ‘By The Producer’. They are always top notch. I also sometimes make my drums in serum but this is something I’m looking to do more of. All of my synths are made in serum but I’m currently trying to make some more on my new hardware synth!

If you’re making this much music, and to this standard (which seems to be consistent), then you’re not going out much? (are you one of those production hermits?)

Haha! When lockdown hit there was nothing to do so I set myself a goal to really push my production. Now that places are back open I have less time to produce but I try to have a production session every couple of days.

How about DJ’ing then? You started off mixing, but are there any plans to get out and play more? (post lockdown or whatever)

I’m really keen to play out more. At the moment the focus is really on my exams at school but I hope that next year I can start to play some more sets!

I’m guessing the ultimate dream might be to make music full time once school is over? (is this a plan?)

This is definitely my dream and it’s something that I’ve thought about a lot. I wasn’t sure whether to peruse music completely or just keep it as a side hobby. I’m planning on taking music production at collage so I’ll have to see what happens from there!

You’re basically at the very forefront of the newest of the new wave of DNB producers. Who would you cite as influences, either from the past or present. (old skool/nu skool)

I think all of the older producers really shaped how the scene is today such as Andy C, Shy FX etc. I think some new producers are really pushing DNB in a new direction which I love. Imanu and Simula for example, both pushing a new futuristic sound which is inspiring so many people!

Jenks, it has been an absolute pleasure inviting you into the INSIDE DNB fold. We wish the very best of luck with the EP and all future releases. This scene has a lot to be proud of, but allowing space for and encouraging new talent is possibly one of its best attributes. KEEP MAKING BANGERS!