Unfortunately the Brighton Hiphop Festival didn’t take place this year (through lack of funding). However, some of the events still went ahead including a very special night at The Concorde. On the bill were the likes of Rup the Cnut, Dirty Diggers, Simpson, Rob Luis, Alice Russell and a certain TM Juke.

Mr. Juke came back into my consciousness about a year ago when I acquired Alice Russell’s fantastic album ‘Under The Munka Moon’. On closer inspection I noted a lot of the production was done by a certain TM Juke, I felt the need to investigate. As it turns out this fella has been working hard at music production for some years now. I recognised him from my time at Brighton Uni. From what I remember he used to spend most of his waking life in the Uni computer room with a keyboard and headphones plugged in.

Since 2001, it seems that the hard work has finally been paying off for him.

First off, props for your effort the other night, good stuff. I know your mad busy at the moment, what projects do you have on the go at the moment?

First off I’m working on the next Alice Russell LP, which we will hopefully get done by the end of the year, for an early summer release next.

I’ve also just released a new project under the name Me&You which is my self and Robert Luis (A&R man at Tru Thoughts) its basically music we’ve mad for our own DJ sets. Stuff that’s fun and sounds good on a big system. It tackles loads of different styles, from Latin, Reggae to Drum and Bass to Dubstep, all the stuff we’re into…

And I have a few other things going on, an album which has been about four years in the making with The Evil Sun (Born Again Heads / Rup Zebra Traffic etc..) under the name “The Montgomery Wilderness Society” which is influenced by classic soul folk & funk.

Working hard! I’ve heard a couple of Rob Luis’ sets recently, I presume it was the Me&You sound, cos it was dope! What has influenced you musically?

Everything really, you know. My dad taught me jazz guitar when I was a kid, I think this affected my ears. My tastes are always changing, and I find the older you get, you starts to appreciate more and more different styles. Practically everything that I’ve heard that I thinks good!

What 3 things have helped you progress to where you are today?

Just getting on with it.
Coffee.
Computers.

What’s it like working with Alice Russell?

We have a good working relationship, its pretty relaxed and we come up with things quickly, or we don’t come up with anything at all. She’s quite like me in that she doesn’t have a massive attention span, so when we find something that works we try and nail the whole thing there and then. Don’t let it become work!

Do you make enough money to stay away from the Jobcentre?

Just about, money comes, money goes.

Hah, my money just goes! Righty, when did you become part of the Tru Thoughts sound?

I started working there during my last year at university and have been involved ever since, about 5 years or so.

Time for some quick-fire bizzle:-
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

On a glass boat, hopefully making film soundtracks.

Hmm, very specific. Are you “living the dream”?

Some nights.

Who has been your favourite artist to work with and why?

Probably Alice because it all works so quick now, she’s also a genius at harmonies. Also Naim, mainly because he’s nuts.

Who would you ideally like to collabo with?

Syl Johnson (not Sly!)

What music do you kick back to?

Anything played quietly, mainly Latin & Reggae recently.

And lastly, the important questions:-

Where’s the best place to eat in Brighton?

At home, its so fu**in expensive!

What’s your favourite tipple?

Any good whiskey.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

My socks.

Name your favourite country –

The Vatican City

To find out more about TM Juke check:

TM Juke on Tru Thoughts
TM Jukes Website
TM Jukes Myspace Page