Vinyl Junkie Interviews - Jem 77

Warehouse Wax proudly presents the digital release of 'The Forbidden Planet (Extended Edition)' by Jem 77, a legendary figure in oldskool hardcore. Originally released in 1992, Jem 77's tracks are a testament to the vibrant and energetic sound of that era. This special digital edition combines tracks from two vinyl represses of their early EP's that were recently released on Warehouse Wax, bringing them to a new generation of listeners. The EP features the iconic rave anthem 'Never Felt This Way' in four different versions: the Original Mix, Remix, Hyper Mix, as well as the newly produced 'DJ Producer Remix', each showcasing the track's enduring appeal and versatility.

In addition to 'Never Felt This Way,' the EP includes other gems like 'Forbidden Planet,' 'Eruption,' and 'Pure,' offering a comprehensive journey through the pulsating beats and euphoric melodies that defined early 90s rave culture. Available now across all major digital platforms, 'The Forbidden Planet (Extended Edition)' invites both longtime fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in the timeless energy of oldskool rave music.

So I caught up with Steve Jones of Jem 77, now of the Space Brothers, for a little chat...

Can you give me a brief bit of background on yourself. How old are you, Where you were born, where you grew up, what school you went to etc

I was born in 1967, my mother was from Stretford, Manchester and my dad from London. I Went to school in North London

So musically, lets start right at the beginning… Going way back, before raving and DJing and all that tuff… What is your very earliest musical memory?

My mum used to play the Motown and the Stones, My dad - Frank Sinatra

When you were growing up, what music was likely to being played in your house? In otherwords… What was the soundtrack to your youth? And how did this music effect your future?

My older brother played all the stuff I first got into. Santana, Bob Marley. Also we used to listen to Greg Edwards every week, so Jazz Funk and soul was massive for us (Never made it to the Lyceum though, way too young!)

What was the first record you ever bought and how old were you?

Beach Boys 20 Golden Greats, I was nine

What inspired you to pursue a career in DJing and producing?

I always loved audio tech and working out how to wire stuff up.

I had a record deck and a two tape decks. I bought a £20 mixer powered by a 9v battery, that was the start of my DJing career.

Production was just a natural progression, as I could’t afford to pay someone to record my ideas

Can you share a bit about your early musical journey and how you became known as Jem 77?

After DJing for a few years at free parties, weddings etc. At around 17 I thought I’d learn piano and guitar, so I could write my own music.

A year or so later I wanted to join a band and the first one I auditioned for (a rock band) had Ricky as the lead singer, that’s where we met.

The name JEM77 was the model number of my Ibanez guitar

How did your experience at the early raves shape your music?

It changed us from being into Rock to totally ditching it and being into the ’91 hardcore sound. I had a sampler and Cubase, so I could start making beats easily  

What was the creative process behind "I Feel This Way”?

I think it was like our 3rd tune? We were working with Michael Mcleod (the vocalist) and we sampled the line from another demo we were working on of his. The rest of the track took a day or so once I had the piano and vox working

What challenges did you face in the music industry during the 90s?

Being told  ‘make it sound like…….’

Can you remember the first time you heard one of your tunes played at a rave by a big established DJ? Who was the DJ and how did it make you feel seeing all those people going mental to something you had made?

I can. Orange Club at The Hippodrome, Xmas eve 1992. DJ Squirrel played ‘Out Of Time’ (he make a wicked mix tape for me earlier that year)

Whats the biggest gig you ever did as Jem 77 and how many people did you play too??

Didn’t really play, I was always in the crowd of my tits!

Can you describe the transition from Jem 77 to The Space Brothers?

When Oakenfold introduced us to Trance, it seemed like an easy progression. We always loved the tunes with epic breakdowns like Dub War/Moby/Zero B. Trance reminded us of that sound. Epic, Emotional

There has been a massive resurgence in vinyl sales lately with loads of old classics being remastered and repressed. How does it feel knowing tunes you made 30 years ago are still in demand now?

Very, very old

The sound of the early 90’s hardcore and jungle has come full circle with lots of young people, who were not even born first time round, adopting this sound, buying records and even producing music in this style… Its amazing… whats your thoughts on this and how is it going to effect the future of the scene?

It’s only a positive things you can’t beat a decent breakbeat

How do you see the future of electronic music evolving?

A.I. with a sprinkling of human

What advice would you give to aspiring producers and musicians? 

Don’t give up the day job too soon

Any final words or shouts??

Peace xx

The Vinyl version of the Forbidden Planet EP is still available in very short supply (less than 20 copies left). You can grab a copy HERE

The digital EP will be released on all major download and streaming sites on the 11th of September. Until then it is available exclusively from us.

Click here to visit the product page for more info.

Click below to listen and add to cart.