The one and only - JMP UK
Introducing: Jean-Marie Pierre
DJ /Producer Name: JMP
Follow on Instagram: @officieljmp
Mix cloud/SoundCloud Link: @officieljmp
How did you get into DJing?
My late father was an architect but his real passion was music. He played the piano and guitar and always had music playing in the house when I was young. He passed when i was 7 but the rhythm and flow lived in me. When I was 11, my sister’s boyfriend then who is now her husband introduced me to DJing. I was always at house parties with them. He use to mix on this software called PCDJ Red by Viewsonic (that was back in 2001). He was one of the very few to listen to UK Garage and House in Mauritius. And that was my first love. MJ Cole - Attitude and Bob Sinclar - Vision of Paradise was my two favourite tracks and still is up until this day.
Where was your first ever gig?
My first gig was when I was 16 at this bar in Cambridge called NUSHA bar. Myself and a friend who also loved the same style of music asked the owner if we could put on a night. He agreed and didn’t even think to ask for our age. We were mixing on two CDJ 100 and this Pioneer DJM600 mixer.
What drew you into a career as a DJ and music producer?
I always knew that I wanted to be a DJ from when I was very young. I had always been into music. But coming from a Mauritian background that wasn’t the ideal job so I was made to focus on my “education” and pushed to get a “good” job. I was DJing on the side whilst studying and also working. In 2017, I had a realisation and wasn’t happy about what I was doing and I remember telling my boss that i was quitting to go chase my dream. Since then I never looked back and went in full force to try and win as many DJ competitions possible. I since was runner up for a Defected Competition back in 2017 and played with them at Ministry of Sound, same year i was finalist for the Mixmag DJ competition and was given the opportunity to do the Mixmag Lab (I wasn’t even supposed to as that was the price for the winners but life blessed me with a hell of an opportunity), I then went on to win the DJ Mag competition and played at Leed Festival in 2018 on the Relentless Stage with a hell of a line including Jax Jones, Mike Skinner, Boston Bun etc and finally I managed to win the Defected competition in 2019 and played with them at their Defected Croatia festival (a dream come true).
As a DJ what house genre do you specialise in?
Tech House, House, Afro House
How did you start producing and what gave you the motivation to keep going with it?
It wasn’t until 2018 that I understood that music production was important to make it as an artist so I started learning music productional various schools. I manage to win a free course at Point Blank which I found really helpful and gave me a lot of insights into music production and in 2019 I gave it a go and my first track Hands In The Air Now was released on Digital:Groove Records which got played at Hi:ibiza and was supported by the likes of Paco Osuna, Blond:ish, Roog etc. And that was a motivation to continue my path.
How would you describe the music you produce?
I like different styles of house. JMP represents a tech house and house whilst my new alias (I am still trying to figure out a name) is more geared towards Afro House and spiritual house vibes.
What is the name of the next track you have coming out? release date?
JMP - I Don’t Smoke
JMP - Midnight Dance
No releaser date yet
Do you play any musical instruments?
Sadly not but I will learn the piano at some point.
Who would you like to collaborate with as a producer and why?
GAWP, KINK, Claude VonStroke and Harry Romero are produces who’s sound inspires me and it would be so cool to have a collaboration with them.
What is your favourite festival of all time?
Defected Croatia
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Have faith in yourself when no one does and always keep moving forward even if you can’t see what’s ahead of you.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Have more humble people. Spread love and not hate! DJs/Producers tend to hate on each other for no reasons. Work hard just like they have and put the hours in instead of having an ego.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what career advice would you give yourself?
Follow your dream and not those of your parents. You only have one life to live so you might as well make as many mistakes, learn from them and live your best life.
What’s your favourite animal and why?
I really don’t have one but I like dogs cause they are mens’ best friend apparently.
What do you like about working with Exigo Records?
The people behind the record label. Thats the most important thing to me! If i don’t believe in something or believe someone have good intentions, i don’t roll with them at all.
