Born from a clubnight at Glasgow’s Sub Club, Optimo (JD Twitch and JG Wilkes) had humble beginnings. Now, however, with two record labels and a slot at Unknown Croatia later this year, the duo are reaching new audiences and are well prepared for the summer ahead.
You guys have got a busy summer ahead, what are you looking forward to most at the minute?
We are off on a two week tour of the US next week so very much looking forward to that at the moment.
You’re out and about round Europe a lot this year, including two visits to Croatia after your appearance at Unknown 2013. How did you find it first time around? What are you looking forward to about it this year?
It was great. I just wish we had even there longer so this year will be going for a few days.
Who are you looking forward to playing alongside / seeing at Unknown Croatia 2014?
I’m especially looking forward to seeing Chic who I have never seen before. Also very happy that lot of friends of ours are playing too.
Grooving to the Optimo soundMost people will be aware that your live / DJ act came about through the club – but not so many will know about Optimo Trax. Can you explain a bit about how the label came about and how it’s going so far?
The main label I run (Optimo Music) isn’t really about releasing club records, though it can be. I was receiving tons of tracks that I thought were great but didn’t feel right for that label so started Optimo Trax to focus on music that was more club / DJ orientated, but even within that the label doesn’t necessarily have a totally defined sound.
It has been going great so far; even better than I had hoped. There are 7 12″s out now with another 8 in the pipeline. I also have two other labels that release occasional 12″s, namely Autonomous Africa and Bucky Skank.
How do the Optimo family split their time between the label, the club and playing gigs? Is it a matter of all hands on deck or clever division of labour?
I (Twitch) run the labels. We mainly gig together though we sometimes play solo and for everything else. After working together for so many years we have the division of labor fairly well nailed down!
Are there any big releases from Optimo Trax we should be keeping our ears open for in the near future?
Well, I think they are all big and everything I release is decided by whether i would play it when I’m DJing. Up next are two Glasgow artists, the debut from the upcoming and fast rising Jasper James and an EP from Mia Dora. There is the second EP from Italy’s increasingly original Boot & Tax and an EP by various artists of crazy drum tracks that have been secret weapons of mine since the 90s.
What are the three best reasons you can give fans of your music to go out to Unknown Croatia this year?
They can have the opportunity to buy us a drink in fantastic location with great weather.
What are the next big plans for Optimo in the coming year?
Lots and lots of releases on the labels, some secret projects we can’t reveal just now, a new occasional radio show (as well as our Rinse FM show) via Boiler Room (details soon), some large scale events in our home town, constant touring and, at the moment, working on some music for the Architecture Biennale in Venice.
Unknown Croatia 2014 Info
Check out our round-up of the Unknown Croatia 2014 line-up HERE and visit the Unknown 2014 website for further updates and ticket info.
