Originally from Singapore, JPS move to Melbourne in 1999, not long after being introduced to Drum and Bass, JPS launched a series of local parties with his friend Blanco called Bassix. Becoming a DJ and promoter in this very important stepping stone, JPS has moved up and on to become of the local scenes most respected figures.

The success of Bassix influenced Blanco and JPS to establish the Elementz Sound Collective. The Elementz Sound Collective has been described many times as Australia’s foremost drum n bass promotions group. One only has to look back through the countless high quality events represented in Australia by Elementz throughout the years to acknowledge that this title is entirely deserving.

As well as all this JPS is a resident for Fractured, Social Club, Bassment and Elementz parties. In recent times he has also started exploring production by means of collaborations with Kiat, Motive and Johnny Hooves of which recent work has been gaining interest within the industry and working the dance-floors. Besides DnB, JPS maintains gigs playing funk, soul, hip hop, Latin grooves and a diversity of his collection at various venues in Melbourne including Croft, Lexington and more.

JPS’ current focus (as well as running a club, playing weekly and promoting international parties) is on his management group, The Operatives, an agency that focuses on artists in the Asia Pacific and aims to raise the profile of local artists throughout the world. JPS now manages much of the Melbourne DnB talent and has signed NZ superstars Concord Dawn and the Upbeats, as well as assisting with the PR for Shapeshifter and Solaa for Australasia.

This weekend The Operatives & Elementz join with ForwardFocus, BrokenBeatAssault, KombatBass & Got Funk to give birth to a new monthly nights of beats called, Plus:One. ITM catches up with JPS to have a chat about the new night and then some.

In starting what gave you the idea for you to name the night/event Plus One?
It’s originally the brainchild of the Keir, just cause he couldn’t get his girlfriend into lots of the shows. Hehe.

How do you think Melbourne will respond to this new amalgamation?
Excellently. I think a lot of people appreciate the idea, both punters as well as artists. It’s been a long time a coming and really it’s all about the good vibes, tunes, skills, environment etc.

Do you think Plus one will be a force to be reckoned with amongst the electronic Music Events held in Melbourne?
Most definitely, but we’re not out here to challenge anyone (except each other in terms of maintaining a standard). We are here to present the music for what we appreciate it for, which is quality across all aspects including production and ability.

With the amalgamation of crews like Elementz, The Operatives & Broken Beat Assault dose this type of force together bring Breaks & Drum and Bass closer together to encourage a new rise in the genres?
Yes, all of the crews already have their own following of sorts, this would obviously reduce the segregation and allow for people to realise that it’s more about the music than just the crews, or the parties they put on. It’s simple really, it’s aimed at building the scene, and eventually everyone including punters, Djs, Venues and promoters benefit.

In 2000 you decided to start dabbling in the International Party scene.
What prompted you to start setting up these events then and how did you find the resources to start such a demanding and startling change in Drum and Bass world wide?
Well entering the international party scene was a bold step, and let’s just say it did not bear much profit to begin with. Initially we had help from lots of people but we also had those who tried to take us for all we were worth ( I remember the good, the bad and the ugly people), but progressively as we got a bit more recognition, and the local parties really started to shine (Bassix), it encouraged us to keep pushing the boundaries. The first few years were a real learning curve to say the least. As for it being a startling change worldwide, the appreciation and recognition is fantastic, but I think more work is to be done in terms of showcasing the locals (artists from the Asia Pacific) to the world.

After working in management teams for the likes of Goldie, DJ Cash Money,
Teebee, Klute, and many more do you think the structure and organization
of your events is something to be admired and learnt from within the Melbourne Dance Music scene?
Well, I think there are lots of young promoters who come through and fall out because they realise it is more work than what it seems to actually getting a night running. Unfortunately even though you do learn some things, you still need the right contacts to make it work, and I’m more than happy to assist younger crews with issues like that. I guess it’s a circle, you assist them, they assist you in the future, their parties go well, the scene grows, everyone’s happy……

What drives you to keep putting together these kick ass parties and awesome line ups, in saying that how do you survive and keep your urge hungry in this industry?
Well, currently my focus is on the Asian Pacific artists, I feel at this time that there is a fair amount of production happening in the region that should be well signed, played or just out there. There should be collaborations happening within the region. Already there are guys like Concord Dawn, Upbeats, Shapeshifter, Kiat and Motive Spear who are heading the movement in production. There are also many skilled DJs that we already have here including the Finna boys, seven, sean, dust and just a fair number of DJs who have outshined the internationals on many occasions. That will be the way to more kick ass parties…

That is my current aim with The Operatives, to look inwards and look after our own, I think that is the only way to ensure longevity of the music here.
I guess you could say that making the music keeps me hungry, seeing people loose it on the dancefloor keeps me hungry, watching people you know improve by leaps and bounds and hearing a wicked tune makes me painfully hungry to keep it movin’…..

Were do you see Drum and Bass 5 years from now?
Well with much more influence from all over the world, not so dominated by the UK and it is already headed in that direction. It’s such a ever changing genre despite its youth so I couldn’t really tell you what exactly it would sound like in terms of sub genres. I would like to see artists like Motive, Sean, Kiat, Ash, Ritual, Keir, Hooves, Fletch, Seven, Shapeshifter and many more gain international repute as great producers. I think the live element will be back strongly as well.

How do crowds vary in other countries besides Australia? Is there much of an atmosphere change to the vibe here in the downunder land?
There’s a huge difference within Australia itself, I must say Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne have the strongest scenes but the hunger in Brisbane is also very obvious which is great. I love going to Hobart and Canberra ‘cause they are always up for it. Each city appreciates a somewhat different sound which is cool as well.

The gig I played in the states was a “vice” street party so that was really interesting, Breakdancers who just start poppin as the walk by, large leather clad men carrying pythons…you know, the normal stuff. Played at the mixologists night “Spitkingdom” at Herbal which was really cool, initially I thought it would be tough comin out of a hip hop set but the people there love their DnB so it was great. Especially with Go scratching and Kila Kela Mcing for you, it helps… hehe. But I think Singapore surprised me the most the last time I was back, and played alongside Marky, the crowd was really losing control, and it was packed to the rafters.

Will Melbourne see much of Concord Dawn at your new event Plus One?
Possibly, along with other Asian Pacific Artists including The Upbeats, The Guerrilla boys from Singapore, maybe the Japanese O6S crew and every now and then we will have an international guest play alongside ourselves; in fact I think we have one lined up already.

What’s your remedy for a massive hang over?
Food…. And if you got a hangover on Friday, come to Plus:One on a Saturday night, it’ll definitely make you forget your pain.

Ez….JPS

Plus:One will be held on Friday 4th August at the Prince of Wales.