Interview: Five Minutes with JAS CRW
Image credit: HdDaze
Rising afro-urban trio JAS CRW have just premiered their track ‘Report’ via the renowned CLASH Magazine. The single was produced by renowned talent Jamie Rodigan (son of BBC Radio 1 presenter David Rodigan). ‘Report’ will feature on their upcoming EP, Greetings From which will be released later this August. To date, the trio have performed at well-known festivals including, Paléo Festival, Open-air Frauenfeld and Open Air St. Gallen. JAS CRW has also seen airplay from BBC Radio 1’s Toddla, BBC 1Xtra’s David Rodigan, Reprezent Radio, Heart of Love Radio and Apple Music’s New Music Daily. The trio’s stream rate has risen just below 500 000 plays across streaming platforms.
We find out more about the rising trio in this exclusive.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
It depends on how the vibe is. Sometimes we already come with ideas or we just start playing around and then come up with an idea. But it really can be both. Mostly we hear the beat and then we come up with a melody.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Yes, we got Naomi Cowan from Kingston Jamaica on the song ‘Honey’. Dotman from Nigeria on ‘Type of way’. Rtkl and Mdr Tilla on ‘Don Kno’. Besides that, we worked with very talented producers. The song ‘Report’ was produced by the LDN based producer Jamie Rodigan and ‘Honey’ & ‘Don Kno’ is produced by Meek from Germany.
What’s on your current playlist?
Burna Boy. Wiz Kid. Skepta. Drake. Santi. Buju Banton. Chronixxx. Naomi Lareine.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
We are known for a very energetic live performance. We always give 150% on stage and love to interact with our audience. We kinda make sure that everybody is sweaty at the end of the show.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
We try to combine different genres, mix them, and give our flavour to it. On this tape we have a lot of afro sounds and riddims combined with some modern urban influences.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
We usually start after lunch. We make sure that we eat good. Then grab a coffe and hit the lab. We dive into any sort of inspiration, and if we come up with a melody or anybody’s got a flow or idea, James hits the keys and we start to write.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
It started quite early for all of us. With the average age of 15, we already had the vision of becoming full-time musicians. But it was more something we built up, rather then something that came overnight.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Friends and Family and a little bit of weed.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Naomie Lareine. Yama Skinny Deng. Mykel Costa.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
To be honest most of the time the other sex. Other than that, live experiences we guess and inner hunger.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
We try to work a lot with organic sounds. It gets really special when you combine it with new and modern sounds. Ketelby James from the crew produces mostly with a keyboard and an MPD. He likes to work with different musicians and singers.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Yes, we work with Naomi Lareine. Skinny Stylus. Yama Skinny Deng. Danitsa. Nemo. Mykel Costa.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
Through spending 10 thousand hours in the studio
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
Two EP’s. Live shows. Merch. Videos. Surprises
Famous last words?
Stay true to yourself and put love first always.
Follow JAS CRW:
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
