Contributing Writer
Los Angeles-based artist JJ Selects has been notable for his work as Tracy Pearl and Tracy Unknown, recently rebranding all his music under the ‘JJ Selects’ moniker. His music has had high-profile support from Seth Troxler, Skream, Breaka, and more and 2023 saw the launch of theroomintheback with his ‘Access EP’ turning heads. We caught up with JJ to see how he has been building on his previous work with ‘Clear’.
Hey JJ! Thanks for chatting to Music is 4 Lovers. How’s your year been so far?
Hey thanks for reaching out. The year has been good. Stoked to get some music out.
Your latest EP ‘Clear’ is out on the 20th December on your label ‘theroomintheback’; what can you tell us about the release?
This release was inspired out of some sets I’ve been to recently. I really love all facets of dance music but I’ve been resonating with weird minimal tech and so I was inspired to lean into that.
What does your production process usually involve when creating a track? Do you have any go-to pieces of studio kit?
I really don’t have a go to production method. This EP I used a lot of generative sequencing stuff in the box and then routed the audio out into hardware like guitar pedals to texture it. I find I like to have a cohesive process and sound for each EP and switch it up after.
Why did you decide to create this new label?
I created theroomintheback to platform and build a sonic umbrella of stuff I resonate with.
Is there anyone in particular who’s been a real inspiration to your work?
I saw jay tripwire when he was in LA a year or so ago. I really enjoyed the sonics of the set. Deep and weird but still grooving and danceable. I also saw Craig richards downtown recently and that was great.
What’s the most memorable set you’ve played and why?
The first that comes to mind is a desert party called Yoonfest I played at this past year. Really cool crowd, setting and organizers.
What’s your favourite track on ‘Clear’?
Hard to say – I feel like the EP was built around spooky so let’s just say that one.
As an LA-based artist, what sets your local scene apart from the rest of the world?
LA is interesting because it’s the epicentre of so much but not necessarily dance music. For better or worse maybe that’s what makes it stand out?
Do you have anything lined up for 2024 that you can tell us about?
I have some releases lined up for the label. Some really cool producers and DJ’s that I’m excited to showcase and keep expanding the sonic footprint of the label.
Buy ‘Clear’ HERE
