J Robb for The Operatives

Posted by: operativejp on October 10, 2019

TLPs Jenn C takes 10 with J Robb for The Operatives…

J.Robb’s debut Melbourne show with Jordan Dennis ‘HDMI1’ launch 2019 (Melbourne)
Saturday 12th October 2019 by The Operatives

Words by Jenn C.

We caught up with the young cub of the future-sound Soulection crew, fresh from his Asia tour. Get to know the Baltimore-raised producer and find out important things like his favourite milkshake flavour.

How has Asia been? Any shows/venues that have been a stand out so far?

Aw man, it’s been amazing to be able to travel to so many great places! Especially with my girlfriend I’m never lonely on the road. Except for this Australia leg. I’m super grateful to even be here from making beats in bedroom all those years ago.

Asia has been full of so many experiences it’s so nice to see new ways of living and all the great food! As far as venues, the KL Journal was really cool, such a nice vibe. BEAM nightclub in Bangkok is also really cool!

Photos by Natasha Qistina @thrumylen5

Best thing you ate so far? *laughs*

Those chicken shawarmas that Roshan bought for me in Kuala Lumpur were so delicious one of the best things I’ve had in Asia. The Japanese McDonalds is to die for! Conveyor belt sushi is also amazing.

You have to try a HSP when you get here! Bless Middle Eastern food.
Australia is so keen (slang for hype) to have you, finally! We’ve been waiting since 2016 for real, some real Soulection heads out here. You’re in good hands with The Operatives.

Joe Kay Tour 2016.
Photo by The Operatives

You’ve been doing some huge TSOT (The Sound of Tomorrow) shows with the A team. It’s really cool to watch from afar (literally). How has your Soulection journey been? In terms of personal and career growth, let’s say.

I’m so excited to be visiting Australia. I’m looking forward to meeting all the peeps and experiencing the best that Australia has to offer.

My journey has been a really great learning experience. Especially since I was so young when I started touring with the squad. It’s been about 2.5 years now and I couldn’t ask for a better family. I’ve learned how to approach shows how to be on top of things connecting with the show runners because they are super important!

Photo by Soulection

Any random ‘WTF’ moments?

I can’t even think of any random WTF moments. I can think of a lot of dumb stuff I’ve done on tour like falling asleep drunk on a public bench in Amsterdam as it was raining. Was a super rookie move, I wasn’t even in the city for more than 4 hours yet!

Bruh! Big L’s. Who’s your favourite Soulection selector so far! We won’t tell. Secrets don’t leave Melbourne…

Jared Jackson is an amazing DJ and anyone who disagrees can fight me. I love LAKIM’s music he’s amazing. ESTA is a god, his drums are slept on!! And SANGO makes any party great, he’s got like a million classics!

For real, Jared Jackson really is something else. Let’s talk about the tunes for a bit. It’s so dope that your EP ‘monetary purposes’ is finally released, massive accomplishment for any producer. There’s a lot of new textures and vocals we haven’t heard from you before, what are your favourite tracks on it?

Thanks. Yea, ‘monetary purposes’ was a fun little project that I just kinda did randomly. My favorite track is definitely kore.techs it’s amazing I made that track in front of my girl so I went extra hard for some reason.

I’ve just realised your name seems inspired by J Rocc. Am I totally off track here? *laughs* Are you inspired by any OG producers in the game?

My name is actually based off of my name, Jay Roberts. But it’s easy to think otherwise. My inspirations are really J Dilla, Kanye, The Neptunes & Madlib. Those people def have shaped my sound into being what it is today.

My bad about that assumption! Your pick for an up-and-coming producer? Doesn’t have to be Soulection-based.

PANDI is the best! Love everything he makes he’s a young kid too like 15 or something. So much potential for greatness so shout to him!

PANDI’s flip of A$AP Rocky & Tyler The Creator – Potato Salad

 

PANDI is crazy! Love your recent flip of Devin Tracy’s Lovinuu. Everyone had such a different spin to it. Do you approach flipping new tracks and old classics the same way? Do you find different challenges that come with it?

Yea so Devin and I actually made the original, which is the one you probably heard. I love that song so much. Seeing him perform it on tour was so special. Shout out to Devin. My approach is pretty much the same. I’ll make a beat first then it’ll remind me of a song and then I’ll throw the a cappella on it and tweak things to make it the best it can be.

What a voice, Devin Tracy.. Collabs with any Asian and/or Australian artists any time soon? We’ve got mad talent down here.

I’d love to! Just had a session with T$OKO out of Perth, really dope rapper. I’m really looking forward to all of these stops where I can really connect with some local talent and make some great music. I also have some things coming soon with NINO out in Bangkok he’s amazing. Stay tuned!

Vibes attract vibes! Let us know if you need some leads. What are you currently Listening to? We won’t judge.

YOUNG THUG – SO MUCH FUN

Top 5 album of the year!

Chucking that on my to-Listen list. Ok last bit!
I’ve got some wildcard crowd questions from our Melbourne community, The Listening Party.

TLP Asks : Do you think Virgil Abloh is a good DJ? (Justin Limberlake)

I’ve never heard a Virgil Set before so I’m not sure. But I’ve seen that video of him pretending to do stuff on the CDJ so who knows???

TLP Asks : What’s your favourite milkshake flavour! (Kavana)

Cookies and Cream because I’m lame!!

TLP Asks : Do you watch Avatar The Last Airbender and who’s your favourite character (Jenn)

I was so young when Avatar was out so I barely remember it haha.

J Robb plays this Sat.

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