Jerome Sydenham.New York, London, Nigeria & Cooking

“Some people say great DJs are great cooks. I certainly regard myself as one... ”
New York afro-house/ tech pioneer Jerome Sydenham makes a rare London appearance next weekend, spinning at newly revamped venue Pacha (for former Cross party Twisted Disco: Friday April 25).

Chatting to Skrufff this week, the hugely eclectic producer promised to play ‘an energetic blend of house into tech House with flurries of pan-african electro’ though stressed he won’t be preparing his set too much upfront.

“I certainly do not know my first or last records in advance, I try to prepare more of a specific range depending on the club and crowd,” said Jerome, “This leaves me room to be spontaneously creative as it is important be able to feed off of the energy of the crowd.”

Skrufff (Jonty Skrufff): how does playing in London differ from elsewhere (if at all?) are crowds more knowledgeable? harder to engage?)

Jerome Sydenham: “I would simply say that vibes vary from club to club more so than country to country. London is always an exciting challenge as it is, after all, a musical hub.”

Skrufff: Last year you launched Apotek Records in Germany: why Germany: how does the German market- and scene- compare to London?

Jerome Sydenham: “In my opinion, Germany as a whole is more of a center for Tech-based music and have suitable distributors to boot. Whereas in London, the range is wider and therefore more competitive in the wrong sort of way (it kinda’ reminds me of New York)”.

Skrufff: What's your view of the New York club scene: how does today's club scene compare to the late 80s?

Jerome Sydenham: “New York is the most amazing city on earth. However, that being said, the dance music scene is having it rough there at the moment and lack of venues make it worse. On the other hand, the live band scene is thriving and let's not get into the fashion scene were the music is crap with the best crowds (which again kind of reminds me of London). Nothing compares to the late 80s which is why Berlin is so interesting as it somehow capture that precarious energy.”

Skrufff: A lot of the early New York DJs like Todd Terry and David Morales grew up around gang culture in the 80s: how much did you encounter guns and block loyalties in New York back then?

Jerome Sydenham: “My journey started in Brooklyn in a super cool artistic neighborhood called Fort Green which had it's fair share of crackheads and petty crime (plus the occasional kidnapping). Then years later I moved to Soho in Manhattan and the only irritating thing there was the annoying shoppers on weekends looking for Marc Jacobs, Prada etc. Both stores happen to be across the street from my loft.”

Skrufff: You worked as an A&R for major label Warners looking after groups like En Vogue: still a time when record labels splashed loads of money around: how were those days for you (what was the most over-the-top/ decadent situation you encountered?

Jerome Sydenham: “Hahahahaha, I don't think I could answer that question legally. But we had an absolutely excessive great time. It is amazing I survived the decadence.”

Skrufff: You've been DJing since the late 80s: is it easier to prosper now than back then? (what are the key attributes for sustaining longevity?)

Jerome Sydenham: “I have always been musically independent and forward thinking as opposed to be caught in any sort of hype. My love for good music of any sort has kept my imagination active. To be quite frank, I still enjoy the whole bloody thing. But I do have to add that the entire industry is in a state of upheaval and unpredictability. So I guess high quality tunes will guide us.”

Skrufff: Have you ever had any crises of confidence: or got bored of either the music or Djing lifestyle?

Jerome Sydenham: “To be completely honest, no. Simply because there are always transitional periods and those who are talented and committed will enjoy the ups and downs of this privileged journey.”

Skrufff: Why do you think the US has failed to embrace club culture to the extent of countries like the UK and Australia?

Jerome Sydenham: “The US is the greatest consumer of far more things than any other culture on earth, music, film, junk-food etc. We have the problem of a new generation preoccupied with mass media-based hip-hop. Hip-Hop, House and Techno used to co-exist happily back in the day. Eventually the urban dance music scene started shrinking and New York slowly became the last outpost. As we all know it is hard to compete with oversold genres whereas Europe always has enjoyed a healthy promotion and press in the dance music world.”

Skrufff: And why hasn't house music marched hip hop's mainstream/ crossover success?

Jerome Sydenham: “Blame it on US major labels and advertising.”

Skrufff: Why do you put stew recipes on your myspace?

Jerome Sydenham: “Stew is absolutely my favorite food.”

Skrufff: How much do you see parallels between cooking and Djing?

Jerome Sydenham: “Some people say great DJs are great cooks. I certainly regard myself as one.”

Skrufff: How important is image for DJing: how much attention/ effort do you put into clothes/ haircuts etc for playing?

Jerome Sydenham: “I think it is all about the tunes but hey man, if you want to add some flair, go for yours.”

Skrufff: How big a role has luck played in your career?

Jerome Sydenham: “It's always all about hard work. For those who don't understand that, that means complete dedication and commitment. (experience is one of the best teachers).”

Jerome Sydenham spins at Pacha London on Frday April 25 (alongside Jonty Skrufff, Graeme Lloyd, Fabian Chui and Ben Gomori).

http://www.pachalondon.com/

Jonty Skrufff (Skrufff.com)