Intruders

Although his enigmatic presence does little to dispel hushed gossip, it demonstrates that Jaguar Skills’ recognition has developed solely through his talents as a DJ. Trevor Nelson concurs unequivocally, as Jag’s emerged from crafting multilateral mixtapes for clothing labels and touring with Jade Jagger’s Jezebel entourage to dropping heavy-handed sets on Nelson’s BBC 1Xtra broadcasts and gracing the decks of rave hotspots on an international playing field.

Without breaking a sweat, Toolroom Records invited him to lampoon their steadfast mix series Toolroom Knights with his diverse, razor-sharp ninja skills. I wasted precious little time dropping a few questions past his mail box.

JH: So, you’ve just mixed the latest Toolroom Knights compilation. How does it feel to be part of the mix series?

Jag: I am very honored to be asked to do a mix for Toolroom. I have loads of respect for the whole crew at Toolroom. It was a pleasure working with them.

The compilation has been noted for it’s variety of sounds. Why do you strive to make eclectic mixes?

Jag: I guess, I don’t have a problem with mixing different styles of music together. I’m a massive MUSIC fan, period. My Dad was a DJ and I used to sort out his record collection when I was a kid. His collection was huge and very eclectic. Making a mix, is a lot like painting a picture, or cooking some food to me. It’s about using all the ingredients, and making a tasty treat.

The album features your own productions with DJ@War, how do you find music production?

Jag: I love producing stuff. My mixes are almost like full-on productions anyway. I add so much stuff into them, most of the tunes I mix have been mutated by me. But as for original music, I’m working on that. I’m doing co-labs with a few wicked producers and plan do work with a load of cats. I did “9 Levels Of Power” with DJ@WAR. He’s an amazing talent and a good buddy of mine. He came up with the beat, I just added a few vocal samples to it, and boom, done!

Turning to your professional endeavours as a DJ. You’ve been mixing for Radio 1 for several years, how influential is Radio 1 on electronic music?

Jag: Radio 1 is pretty influential, I think. They’ve got a load of wicked Electronic Music DJ’s on there. Some of the best in the world. BBC R1 have been amazing for me. It’s great working for them.

Would you like to be a presenter?

Jag: Don’t you know? My vocal cords were ripped out, in the woods, 5 years ago, by Trevor Nelson. I can’t talk.

Why is anonymity important within music (e.g. Slipknot, Burial, yourself)?

Jag: I’m wanted.

DJing has changed markedly over the last decade. What impact has technology had on the role of a DJ?

Jag: I think it’s absolutely changed the game. When I was using Vinyl, I couldn’t Do 10% of what I can do with Serato. It’s made the DJ more of an artist, rather than just a record player, player…

What projects are you working on next?

Jag: I’m touring the US, Australia and Japan soon….it’s gonna be a madness!!!! Have to go now, there’s a party to rock….HooOOOOOOO!!!! x

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