Portable Minds head honcho Jody Barr is a London-based DJ/producer who first established himself with music on Krankbrother, Configurations Of Self and Nofitstate. Known for his rugged and hardware-centric sound, his new release sees him paring up with Sasha on Last Night On Earth…
Hey Jody! Thanks for chatting to Music Is 4 Lovers, how was your summer?
Thanks for having me! It was a more chill summer than usual; writing music, connecting with friends old and new, self-healing and re-charging the batteries so to speak.
Tell us about your upcoming collab with Sasha, ‘Phaxon’, on his Last Night On Earth label?
The worlds aligned and did it’s thing… This has been a childhood dream; everyone has their hero and someone they look up to and Sasha is mine. The journey has organically evolved from Sasha supporting my music, to signing it and to now collaborating on something; it hasn’t sunk in that’s for sure.
‘Phaxon’ just felt right as a perfect collab record and of course on LNOE. It feels like home for my music. The record went back and forth and here we are MANY versions later. Both Sasha and I never sit still when it comes to trying out different things musically, but I feel this record really encapsulates our individual sounds which I’m super happy about.
Could you give us a deep dive into your Portable Minds imprint?
Portable minds is my brainchild. Music can transport you anywhere at any time and that was the concept of the name. Being able to take your mind to another place. Initially I started it up as a way to push my music out there while having full control of the sound, the aesthetics and more. It’s evolved into much more of a brand/identity with the mix series. Each month it’s building in numbers and I’m grateful for the community it’s creating.
I will be back releasing on it in 2025. Would also love to throw some Portable Minds parties at some point!
Why do you think so many independent artists have started up their own record labels in recent years?
There’s multiple factors to this and while the landscape of the music industry is constantly changing, it’s often difficult to for an artist to make their mark. An artist may have a vision that not all labels can fulfil. There’s the element of saying I’m going to release something tomorrow and actually doing it, whereas with an established reputable label, it could be months or years before a record see’s the light. For example, Bandcamp has opened the door to enable an artist to sell music direct to those supporters which creates a personal connection.
The industry is ever growing with DJs and producers, not all label owners and A&R’s will believe in your art enough to take the gamble. There’s freedom in creating a label and deciding when or how you will release that record you whole heartedly believe in.
We’d love to know your favourite record of 2024 and why?
Sasha & Jody Barr – ‘Phaxon’
It’s a musical gurner!
Do you have any passions outside of music?
I love art and anything abstract. I have quietly accumulated all the necessary tools over this past year. I’ve been deep in a house renovation and I’m planning my little art corner. I’ve been looking for a way to express creativity when I’m not head deep in music.
The cold and snowy season is inbound, so cooking too much pasta is another!
Where can we expect to see you performing over the rest of the year?
I have some hometown gigs lined up along with debuting in Lisbon which I’m very looking forward to.
Sasha: Instagram – Soundcloud – Facebook – Spotify
Jody Barr: Instagram – Soundcloud – Facebook – Spotify