MJS

In the late 70s and early 80s, MJS was involved in the local music scene in Bristol including The Green Rooms – a local R&B and rock club, and The Rainbow Club where such bands as U2 played in their very, very early years.

After a long break, MJS returned to his musical roots a couple of years ago and started producing his own material – which is what you hear today.

What influences your music?

Just about anything. It can be a sound, smell, picture, movie, feeling, or being in a particular place. Inspiration can come from anywhere at any time. Sometimes nothing happens or I am not in the right mood to produce. Other times, ideas and inspiration come easily and I may produce one or several tracks in a short space of time. There is no formula and no telling when things happen and sounds and ideas come together.

Are there any artists that influence you?

I have grown up listening to all kinds of music. From the classic rock of the 70s, through to the indie bands of today. Genres from classical to dub step. All of them have had some influence on the music I like and the way I produce music. The only kind of music I really do not like listening to is opera. Otherwise I listen to a wide-range of sounds. The main thing that makes me listen to music is innovation and originality.

Do you have a formula you work to?

No. There are a couple of things that have to happen before I produce music. First, I have to be in the right mood. Second, I have to be inspired by something. Even then, there are no guarantees that the sounds will come together. Often, I start to produce something and it just doesn’t sound right, or I get lost part way through and abandon the idea, or come back to it another time.

What genre would you say your music is?

I really have no idea. Perhaps someone could tell me. I like to work with sounds – how they come together is a natural process, and I am not sure if they fall in to any particular category or genre. The music is predominantly synth based, although I use anything available if it sounds right – including recordings of things which inspire or give me a basic idea for a piece of music. I think that many artists fall into the ‘genre trap’. They try to make their music sound like something else instead of being original.

What can we expect in the future?

This is something I really don’t know. Every time I produce music there are different influences that come into the equation. I don’t know what they will be in the future so it will exciting – perhaps that is a major thing which drives me on. I never know what I will do or what will happen next. I am considering collaborating with some other artists which should be interesting.

"MJS is undoubtedly a really talented artist. Creating textures that are enthralling, individual but also pleasing too. I think I’d describe it as reflective electronic dance music. Something you could listen to and enjoy both in a club and by yourself in quiet reflection." (Ana, EssentialPop)