Jamz Supernova

Jamz Supernova is amongst Britain’s leading music tastemakers. Working as a radio presenter, DJ, activist and all-around creative, she has an inspiring voice and is not afraid to use it. We talked to her about her work, life and all the exciting projects she is working on.

- Was there a specific moment in your life when you decided that music was the path you wanted to pursue? Or was it always clear to you that you would dedicate your life to it?

There wasn’t a specific moment, it was just something I always did. All my hobbies or how I spent my spare time were entrenched in music. Be it copying CD’s, taping radio, writing out lyrics. I initially wanted to be a singer but knew deep down I couldn’t sing and growing up watching a load of MTV and Top of The Pops, watching the presenters, I thought I could do that. But I made a specific choice to follow radio, I hadn’t thought of it before and when I got to the BRIT School for college at 16, I saw the radio studio and thought - this is what I really want to do.

- The sound which you’ve created has been described as a unique blend of genres and influences. To what extent would you say that your sound is a reflection of you and your life?

It’s so weird and cyclical, it feels like all my musical experiences during my formative years were training for my radio show and how I DJ. My mum and step dad used to make us listen to X-FM in the car, my aunt and uncle used to make me listen to Hip Hop, Reggae/Dub or DnB and my Dad was all about RnB and Neo-Soul. At school it was all about dancehall and grime and when I could finally rave legally, I raved to Funky House. But at the core of that I’m from a multi-cultural London with a mixed heritage background so I think it’s a complete reflection of my life!

- You are widely considered one of the most influential voices on the UK music scene. Is there any pressure that comes with that?

I don’t necessarily feel pressure from outward sources. It’s more the pressure I put on myself, so as not to get complacent. I want to keep putting in the same hours of searching for new music in as I did in the beginning, despite being busier. And I feel the pressure to be fair and give everyone a chance and try my hardest to listen to everything that gets sent because sometimes that’s how you find an absolute gem and imagine if you missed it because you were being a snob.

- Your radio feature ‘DIY Generation’ showcases the most creative young talent in the UK. What inspired it and why do you think it’s so important?

I was just so fascinated and inspired by the people around me in real life who were doing their own thing. And it felt like my network of like-minded people was growing vastly with Instagram and I wanted to celebrate them. I also have always been fascinated with the mindset and actions behind successful people, so I thought if I interviewed enough people I would start to see common traits, which I could share with the nation who listened! I think it’s important as it gives a home to other voices who may not have radio as an outlet to promote themselves as they aren’t music artists and blockbuster actors, but I also think it’s important as it’s normal people. Their stories and journeys aren’t unattainable to the people listening at home and I want the listener to think “I can do that too” or “I’m going to apply an aspect of that to my general life!”

- The term ‘creative’ has become very popular over the past few years. Do you think the world is becoming more open and inclusive of artists, thinkers and innovators?

Yes, I think so and I think it’s a good thing! I think we have the internet to thank for that! Maybe in the past being creative was seen as a wishy-washy thing that didn’t have value, especially if you think back to education and what is placed as importance on us - English, maths and science. But I think everybody is creative and it’s important to reclaim the time to express it in whatever way suits you.

- Two years ago, you also launched FLEXX – a networking initiative connecting women in music. What are some of your experiences of being a female creative in the industry? How much do you think has changed since the start of your career and where do you think we’ll be in a few years’ time?

My experiences have all been relatively positive, I’ve felt listened to, valued and been able to progress. Having said that, I never thought of myself as a female nor did I think of all the ways it could potentially hinder me. So perhaps there were things in the background working against me, but I never noticed I was too busy being me. But in the last 10 years since I’ve been in the industry, I’ve noticed some amazing changes, for example when I first started raving, I had never seen a female DJ till I met Annie Mac, now I have a phonebook of female DJ friends who are constantly in work with ever growing profiles. What I would like to see in a few years though, is women breaking the glass ceiling and more women in CEO and senior positions across the whole of the music industry not mention more female headliners, I think it’s imperative for us to truly see equality!

- You have been using your platform to start many important conversations and influence public opinion. Is advocacy something you would like to pursue further in the future? How important is it to use your voice for good, especially in an age of influencers and social media?

I never want to feel that speaking my mind for the advancement of minorities is too risky for my brand or hinders opportunities - I don’t think I would like myself very much if I became that person. As long as what I’m saying is for the positive advancement for minorities such as POC, Women, LGBT and Disabilities, then I will continue throughout my career! If you have a following and you can use it for good - why not. But I don’t think we should shame those that don’t. Also Woke Fatigue is real, sometimes you have to take a step back!

- What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your career journey? What was your proudest moment?
I think the biggest lessons for me (and ones I have to remind myself of) have been patience and persistence. I’ve proven to myself time and time again, that I can have what I want or what I set my mind to, but I also need to find joy in the present. For example, getting my radio show on 1Xtra took 5 years of patience and persistence but it was only when I was happy doing my show on Reprezent, enjoying my job in production, did the opportunity present itself. Getting my show was a proud moment and since then, more recently, DJ’ing at Sonar and getting my DIY Generation Documentary into the world!

- You are an inspirational figure in contemporary music. Is there anyone amongst your peers that inspires you?

Yes, Nina Las Vegas! I just love everything about her to be honest, she carries herself with so much honesty and grace. She’s a great radio broadcaster, she took on a new challenge and became a dope producer, she runs a label which has been releasing fire and technically she is an incredible DJ who plays with such skills and confidence.

- If you could invite anyone on your show, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you talk about?

I really would love to spend 24 hours with Frank Ocean, I want to know more about his musical process, he’s a genius! I’d also like to get to know his personality away from music, we only get what he gives us in songs. I basically want the life story told by him.

- Which up-and-coming artists do you have on your radar right now?
I’m lucky to be working with them on my Future Bounce label. Look out for Californian singer Swsh and music producer Melle Brown! Away from that, I’m really liking JGrrey, Ellzo & Scott Xylo!

CREDITS

JAMZ SUPERNOVA

PHOTOGRAPHY: Kiran Gidda

MAKEUP: Jolanda Coetzer

HAIR: Kree Stylez

STYLING - Oliver Vaughn

STYLING ASSISTANT - Abigail Alder