Jason Nevins Interview

Was the vocal originally used in ‘I’m In Heaven’ from Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature' track on the Thriller album?

"'I'm In Heaven' is based on Jacko’s ‘Human Nature', where all the parts of the Jacko song were replayed with live instruments to re-create the original without the use of any samples."

What Does U.K.N.Y stand for and what's the history behind it?

"Its quite simple…U.K. and N.Y. the two places where Holly and I are from."

Who’s Holly James and where did she come from?

"Holly is a beautiful girl from London who I hooked up with after hearing her amazing voice in a studio next to the one I was in."

She looks very talented, can you confirm this?

"She looks hot and is very talented!"

Did you choose the theme in the video & where was it filmed?

"I really don’t have say in the video, even though I should. Still, the video came out very nice and it’s the perfect summertime theme. Plus…Holly in a bathing suit doesn’t hurt either."

Are you planning to do a live PA with Holly - if not can I?

"Sorry, you can’t…but I will. Probably on T.O.T.P. in August along with some other dates as well."

Who are your biggest musical influences?

"Honestly, my biggest musical influences are not even from the dance music scene…and there are too many to list. I will tell you that my three favourite bands of all time are KISS, The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac."

You obviously appreciate some 80's classics?

"I grew up in the 80’s and still think that some of the best music came from that era. I don’t know why people think the 80’s are cheesy. I have ties to the music from that era… its like my soundtrack to life. I can listen to certain songs and just feel great reminiscing about the past."

What do you think is your biggest achievement?

"I think my biggest achievement is the fact that I helped sell nearly 5 million records in 1998 with the mega hit "Its Like That". I still think to this day that I never got the correct respect from the music industry and media for that accomplishment."

Any ambitions as yet unfulfilled?

"To make a couple of million dollars and then not have to worry where my next pay check is coming from."

You’ve remixed the likes of Lil’ Kim and Janet Jackson, have you met them & what do they think of your 12"s?

"Surprisingly enough, I have met Janet in a resturant called Mr. Chow’s in Manhattan. She was very nice and absolutely knew who I was. The same night I met Wyclef, who I also did a remix for and he knew who I was as well. Wow- what a night that was…."

Did you get to meet Run DMC & if so how were they to hang around with?

"I met DMC at the offices of Profile once before and then I eventually met all three at a club in Manahattan called Tramps. They were doing a show and we caught up backstage before they went on. It was unbelievable- they didn’t have that much to say to me, which I thought was kinda weird but all in all I guess they were cool."

Do you / Would you do another radio show since your college days?

I would love to do a radio show again……..can you hook it up?

What sort of tunes did you play on the radio?

"Nothing that anyone in Arizona at the time understood. They only knew Vanilla Ice and C&C Music Factory. I think they have progressed by now."

You were born in New York in 1970 I understand, how did September 11^th affect you and the club scene there?
"September 11^th affected everyone - everywhere. Just the most damage was done in New York."

Where do you see the direction of the NY club scene heading over the next few years?
"I would like to see New York clubs expand even more and open the doors to more DJs."

Where do you prefer to go clubbing?
"I have been slowing down lately."

How do you best relax?
"By listening to the mellow sounds of the 70’s."

Any countries you haven't played in you would like to visit?
"I cant believe that I was never asked to do anything in Italy. That is where the Run-DMC record blew-up first and no one there wanted to have me spin or do remixes or whatever. That still shocks the shit out of me to be honest."

What do you think the future holds for dance music?
"I have no idea……The fact is there are too many people making dance music which end up in the marketplace and the public is too quick to move on to the next person too fast. There are way too many 'flavors of the moment'. Anybody with a computer can make music now- which is great, yet at the same time I think that because making computer generated music is so easily accessible, everyone thinks they are a DJ, record producer or remixer now. I think the labels need to respect the talent of the people that have been in the business for the long haul and that newcomers, as great as they may be, need to build themselves up through the ranks like we had to do in the past. People are making records in the bedroom and white labelling them and then becoming 'the next best thing'. That makes it that much harder for guys like me who have been doing this for 12 years and putting everything into it as an actual living."

If you want to read our review of his latest tune Jason Nevins "I'm In Heaven", you can also glimpse the video too.