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Jack Lester, based in San Diego, CA has spent his life living up and down the coast of California. His origins as a producer and DJ begin in the Los Angeles area, where he became involved in a scene of local grass-roots festivals and parties. Coming from an eclectic background of rock, metal and hip-hop influences, Jack's productions have since evolved into a sound that incorporates elements of acid house, breaks, electro and techno. Putting a larger focus on energy, rhythm and sound selection than fitting into one particular genre, his productions and DJ sets display a range of musicality while staying true to his unique sound from him-with a common theme of acid throughout.
We have had the pleasure of interviewing him and presenting his mix.
How would you present your work to someone who doesn't know you?
I am working to make music that is fun, energetic and dance-floor focused. I like to pull from elements of acid house, breaks, techno & electro to make music that is both groovy and driving.
And your last job? Where is it born? And where do you want to lead?
I used to work a corporate desk day job full time but have recently made a shift in career to become an electrician. I like working with my hands and now I feel like I’m learning something tangible and useful. It’s fun getting to learn more about what powers electronic music too.
What message would you like to convey to the public?
Throughout my time in the music scene I have grown to love not only the great music that comes along with it, but equally as impactful has been the community that comes together for music. I think that the right event can help people grow together and connect with one another in a really unique way.
How was your last project born?
My recent release Radio Signal on Positive Not Happy was born as an experiment in 303. It was my first work featuring my 303 (XOX Bass Line) synthesizer, and it resulted in two pieces that both consist of dialogues between multiple acid lines.
What do you want to convey in this work? What is the concept behind?
In this work I think I express my love for the weird. Track titles Radio Signal and Contact were inspired by the idea of alien radio transmission and contact. Both songs feature a conversation between acid lines and a soundscape from outer space.
As for your studio, what is it currently composed of?
I produce using Ableton, and my studio is fairly modest. It consists mainly of 3 analog synthesizers and an external sequencer, along with a handful of plug-is. I use my Moog Sub 37 for the sub bass on nearly every one of my tracks. I also have an XOX Bassline (Atomic mod version) for acid, and an Elektron Analog Four. All 3 are amazing synthesizers that I would highly recommend.
What is the one instrument you would never get rid of, no matter what?
I will never get rid of my Elektron Analog Four. It is an extremely versatile synth and has really deep functionality. Its features provide a great workflow and allow you to create really interesting, evolving loops quickly and easily.
What was the last record store you visited? And what did you salvage from there?
The last record store I visited was Feelit near Downtown San Diego. I didn’t end up grabbing anything there, I was more just browsing. The last record I bought was through Juno Records and it was the EP “Logo Queen” by So Inagawa. It’s an amazing EP that features deep, rolling, etherial grooves.
Do you have hope for the future of music? How would you like the future of the music industry to be?
I have a great amount of hope for the future of music. I believe it will continue to inspire people as it has inspired me and so many others. I’ve met some of my favorite people through music, and that community continues to create and share music because we feel the positive impact it has. I want to see the industry put music quality first, and encourage pushing the envelope musically more than playing it safe.
Can you reveal some future projects to us?
I am currently working on a Techno EP that I would describe as groovy and energetic. I continue to incorporate Acid into almost all of my tracks, and am focused on trying to make dace-floor centered songs that keep things interesting and bring up the energy.
What makes you happy?
I’m happy when I get to spend time with friends & family. I love making and sharing music, and being in nature.
That bothers you?
Things that bother me are people who are not genuine, excessive use of social media, and anything that keeps me from making music.
Thanks,
