Since his beginnings with the Molekül label, JKS ventured into exciting artistic realms – culminating in the establishment of his own imprint “Smile Sessions“ in 2020. His sonic journey is a fusion of 90's nostalgia, creating a musical tapestry that embraces a multitude of influences. From crunchy old-school beats to contemporary tracks, JKS skillfully navigates and harnesses chaos in his DJ sets, crafting a unique and eclectic experience for his audience.

Today he drops in with the team at 6AM to discuss Workout Sessions Vol. 2, evolving his sound, and exciting new projects for 2025.

 

Hi JKS! Thanks for talking to 6AM. How’s everything going?

I’m ending 2024 with a lot of exciting projects in the works, which is really motivating but also a bit tiring. But overall, I’m doing well—thanks for asking!

 

You recently announced Workout Sessions Vol. 2—what was the idea behind this compilation, and what makes it different from other techno releases out there?

What’s really cool about this compilation is that most of the producers created tracks specifically for it. That gives the project an incredible energy! Everyone was really excited to be part of it. It was also a special occasion because it’s the first double vinyl compilation on my label, which is the biggest project I’ve released so far. I wanted to feature not only established artists I love but also newcomers who’ve never had a vinyl release before. It’s also an opportunity to highlight some producers who are widely played but still need more exposure.

The Workout Sessions Vol. 2 compilation blends old-school and tribal vibes with modern, innovative sounds. What draws you to this mix of styles, and how do you decide which direction to take with your music?

I studied percussion for 10 years at the conservatory before diving into electronic music, so I’ve always had a special connection to rhythm and percussion. When I started releasing vinyl with Molekul in 2017-2018, my sound was heavily influenced by old-school techno. Over time, though, my style has evolved to something more modern. My label has sort of become a bridge between those two worlds, which is why you’ll find a variety of sounds on this release. I like to keep an old-school touch for authenticity, but I also think it’s important to incorporate new and fresh elements. With Workout Sessions Vol. 2, I wanted to include tracks that reflect my influences, along with recent discoveries of talented, up-and-coming producers who deserve more attention.

 

Your recent Boiler Room set in Berlin coincided with the announcement of Workout Sessions Vol. 2 and marked 10 years of contributing to French and European techno culture. What role did this performance play in your career, and how does it connect to the themes or tracks in your upcoming projects?

I had been looking forward to this Boiler Room for a while because, since my last one in 2019 (where I performed with the live project Jawbreakers), my style has evolved quite a lot. So, it felt like a real turning point in my career. Even though it’s just one hour (and it's hard to define an artist in that short of time), it’s something people pay a lot of attention to and remember. It really defines how people perceive your sound, your vibe, etc. I tried to showcase the kind of music I’m into right now—it’s always evolving, so even if the set were done today, it would sound different. I played tracks from artists featured on Smile Sessions, as well as unreleased music from friends who sent me some amazing tracks.

You’ve worked with both established artists and emerging names on this release. How do you approach finding and selecting collaborators, especially for a project like this?

When I decided to put together Workout Sessions Vol. 2, I started by reaching out to up-and-coming producers who were still under the radar. Many of them hadn’t released on vinyl before, so I wanted to give them that opportunity. I also wanted to include artists I respect who’ve been releasing music for a while, so the goal was to find the right balance between newcomers, friends, and artists I’ve wanted to work with for a long time. Initially, I planned for an 8-track release, then expanded it to 10, and it ended up being a 12-track compilation!

With a solo EP and multiple Smile Sessions label nights planned for 2025, what goals or ideas are you exploring in these upcoming projects and events?

Over time, I’ve developed a deep passion for label management and music curation alongside my DJing and producing. With the release of SMILE007, we’re officially stepping into a new chapter for the label. From now on, Smile Sessions will start releasing EPs from other artists, marking an exciting new direction. I’ll still be very involved with the label through collaborations and remixes, but it won’t just be my own music or split EPs anymore. I’m also planning more label nights, with three already lined up for 2025 in some exciting locations across Europe, including one at my favorite Berlin club.

 

Thanks so much for talking to our audience! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you so much for having me and showing interest in my projects—it really means a lot. I’m excited about what’s coming up, and I can’t wait to play in the US soon (we’re working on it). Hopefully, I’ll see you all there!

 

CONNECT with JKS: Soundcloud | Instagram | Bandcamp | RA