INTERVIEW: Jengi

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Hi Jengi, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Heeeey I’m good!

Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Rollerskates“?

I used to skateboard a lot, and a lot of skateboarders are not a fan of other sports at the skatepark that involves small wheels, especially roller skates or scooters (fun fact).

But I’m older now, and I’m not that guy to judge too quick anymore. This song is all about joking around, drinking on weekdays and having fun.

It’s funky as hell, and I’m really digging the disco vibes right now because it’s not too overwhelming like the house jams I made in the past.

The first day of making this track I immediately thought about the retro clichés like glitter, dancing, colourful Cadillac’s and rollerskates. And that’s why it’s called Rollerskates.

Did any event, in particular, inspire you to write this song?

The “outside the Netherlands” shows I guess haha.

Any plans to release a video for the single?

Maybe maybe, would be awesome to have my first video clip, but I’m trying to fix something for in the future so we’ll see!

The single comes off your new album Rare – what‘s the story behind the title?

Didn’t think about it too much but let’s say that I want simple titles for EP’s, just like Colors and Sprinkles, mostly one word.

The name Rare is not because the sound isn’t invented yet. The collection of tunes are weird/rare… and I’m weird! The EP contains influences like soul music, disco, electronic, Korean language, a bunch of vocal cuts and many more sounds.

How was the recording and writing process?

At first, I was making this song for fun without any goals. I just wanted to try something that has elements from artists like Breakbot, Daft Punk, Fatima Yamaha and Todd Terje. I tried sessions with songwriters, but that didn’t end up as I wanted so then I decided to keep it as an instrumental.

What role does Seoul play in the writing of this album?

A lot. I have no idea why, but Seoul touches me every single time when I’m there. It’s probably because I’ve never been to Asia before and Seoul was my debut. The people I met are the best, and I’ll never forget the legendary “soju & Korean bbq breakfasts at 7 am”afterparties. So I guess every experience I had in that city was important for the album.

Anyway… K Pop is everywhere nowadays but if you delve deeper, you’ll find many, many inspirational upcoming talents to explore.

Do you tend to take a different approach when you are collaborating with someone else rather than in your own?

I’m always open to it. If the vibe is good and the track has enough soul in it, then let’s go!

What rarities did you get to explore on this record?

You’ll hear my amateurish guitar skills on Feel Good and Rollerskates; it’s not that good but I’ve chopped them to a higher level, thank you Logic Pro 10!

The Far Away track is my first collaboration with a Korean singer: Sumin, her voice is smooooooth! I really like this song.

On the last song Ice Tea there’s a sample that sounds like an old disco song but actually, I made that loop, I was sampling myself.

Any plans to hit the road?

I’m going to Bangkok for two shows, later this year I’ll head to Cape Town and Johannesburg, and of course Amsterdam Dance Event, with the Studio KOTO fam!

What else is happening next in Jengi‘s world?

This maniac might live on his own abroad, I can’t wait :p

Besdies that, I’ll make as much music as I can and enjoy this “job”.