For the first time in over 7 years, a new release from Global Underground’s Nubreed series has sparked the interest of prog and tech heads the world over. Nubreed is something of a legend in prog circles, with some of the biggest names in the business having first earned their stripes with a Nubreed release – Sander Kleinenberg, Steve Lawler and Danny Howells all featuring. It has been a long hiatus between releases, so the big question is, has it been worth resurrecting?

Jim Rivers is here this weekend to provide us with some answers. Having already established quite the reputation as one of the most exciting new producers to emerge from the UK, he’s been given the nod to reviatlise this classic series. A string of successful releases have shown versatility and range – so what is he like as a DJ? ITM seeks to find out…

Thanks for taking time out of your schedule, I’m looking forward to your gig down at Laundry! Congratulations again on the compilation. Being your first time in Australia, what have others told you about the scene?

I’ve heard that there are some great parties, so definitely looking forward to playing. There have been some great artists that have come out of Australia down the years, so there is a good heritage there. I’m expecting a good tour!

The last NuBreed release was way back in 2002! How do you feel being chosen for the relaunch of the NuBreed series seven years down the track?

It was really cool of course. Very exciting and a good challenge all in one! I was pleased to be asked to bring it back, and wanted to try and show people what I do… A lot has changed in the dance music world since the previous installments in the series. I just hope people like what they hear!

With household names like Danny Howells, Sander Kleinenberg and Steve Lawler preceding you on the NuBreed series, surely there’s a bit of pressure that comes with the territory?

Yeah of course, to a certain degree. But it’s a great chance to show what I do, and I relish that. Anyone who continues with the series will be judged next to those great earlier comps, so you just have to be prepared for that I guess. It’s the kind of company I want to make a habit of keeping though.

I did the maths, and it turns out that Danny Howells was 30 when his NuBreed comp was released and Satoshi was 36. So how old are you with the release of your compilation, and why do they call you, Jim ‘the boy’ Rivers?

Ha, well I’m actually 29, but I do look a bit younger…I guess that’s where the ‘boy’ part comes from! Most of the other guys were further up the DJ ladder than I am too, so it’s great to get such an opportunity.

In the Bedrock forums, you’ve said that selecting tracks for the compilation was a real “learning curve”. How so? What did you learn in the process?

Well it was hard getting hold of stuff I really wanted. Certain labels were difficult to get stuff out of, and I realised I was going to need to search far and wide to get the type of music I wanted. So the approach and methods to do this was part of learning about compiling for a comp. I guess you think you have a totally blank canvas, when actually it’s not quite as straight forward as that!

Some people would classify you as a prog house DJ/producer, even though you probably don’t agree. Does it concern you? What advise would you give to up and comers who might be concerned about being pigeonholed?

I guess my early stuff came through that scene and GU would probably still be classed there, but for me the only thing I find frustrating about that is it is just part of what I do. I want people to see the deeper, even jazzy stuff I do as well as techy-edged stuff and straight-up house. I think these days the lines are blurred between genres anyway – but I guess really you do what you do, and people call it what they want. The worst thing you can do is get all bothered about it, as it will start effecting what you make and play.

For aspiring DJs out there, what’s your DJ booth set up? What software do you use for production, and what new gadgets are you itching to get your hands on?

I’m a three CDJ man at the moment, with a Pioneer 800. I’ve got Traktor now as well so I’m looking at that and seeing if it suits what I do. In the studio for me it’s all about Logic on a Mac, and the good programs like Ableton. There’s always new stuff coming out so I’m constantly drooling over techy gizmos!

Apparently you used to promote a drum and bass night in Bristol. Have you always produced a more proggy house sound, and do you still listen to much drum n’ bass?

Yeah I love DnB still, always keeping my eye on it! I think my newer stuff will show, as well the different avenues my music is taking too.

Outside of dance music, what else keeps you busy Mr Rivers? Also what would you be doing if you weren’t making music?

My family keeps me on my toes and I love sport so golf, footy and cycling are all things I enjoy. A good game of poker too!

And finally, what’s the best piece of advice a DJ, you’ve respected, has given you?

Make and play music you truly love and that inspires you!

Global Underground: Nubreed mixed by Jim Rivers is out now through Stomp, check out the ITM review and catch him around the country…

Friday June 26th – Empire, Brisbane
Saturday June 27th – Chinese Laundry, Sydney
Friday July 3 – Brown Alley, Melbourne
Saturday July 4 – Shape, Perth