Jim Rivers - Interview With A Global Underground Rising Star

With the launch of Global Underground on Loopmasters' new Label Series we got Jim Rivers to answer some questions. The artist, who was given the responsible job of bringing back to life GU's cult classic, The Nu Breed series, is now back with yet another release that sets a new frontier for his label.

The Nu Breed series returned after a while with you spearheading the rebirth. How do you feel about having been the one to rejuvenate it?

It was just a great opportunity. The series has such a great heratige of DJ's that have gone onto become household names within dance music, some of them really launching off the back of Nubreed.  So to be asked to re launch the series was exciting to say the least. I feel proud to be on that list of great DJ's.

This is something I ask almost everyone: how do you feel having samples and loops count as a release?

To be honest, I've not really thought of it like that!  I guess these days any good quality product you have out there is good.  Whether its a new track or remix, a mix CD or like this, a set of samples - all of them can really get people into what you are doing. Its going to be interesting to hear if people use the samples in tracks, so that will be something I will def keep my eye on!

When you start a new track, what ignites you? Where do you start? And on the other end - what are your "signature finishing touches"?

An idea for a track can come from anywhere really... sometimes something I've heard while I'm out on the road or it can be down to the mood I'm in.  I guess I get an idea of the kind of thing I want and then build in the idea or inspiration.

Usually I start with beats and bass to get the groove, but sometimes it will come from a hook or a sample.  As for finishing touches, well I guess we all have our own methods!  I just try and make it sound as good as I can and hopefully get my stuff sounding as good as the guys out there that are on another level.

Does your studio setup for music production differ from that for loops and samples? If yes, how?

No not at all. Its all done in one place and these days that makes total sense. You can work quicker that way.

When you produce your tracks, what are the proportions between of your own loops/samples and the commercially available ones?

Mmmm...not sure really. I think I've got back into using more sample based stuff. I spend quite a bit of time searching for random stuff online and then find something and manipulate it into my own thing. I do also have plenty of sample packs that I've built up over the years, so I certainly dip into them.

The Internet has grown up, today it's closer to maturity than it was in 2000 when the 'bubble' burst. How does the cyberspace influence the way you work and play? After all, there are many professionals whose work starts and ends there.

It's been key in the development of my career...it's where you find the best contacts, where you can send key people your music and get a quick response and it's where most of the PR and promotion is done.

I'm using it more and more to work with friends on ideas now as well - sending parts and ideas, playing things over skype and ichat etc.  It's at the centre for most of what I do.

Can you share a production tip with our readers?

I would say that one thing I have learnt (and am still learning) is that often less is more.  Being ruthless with parts in your tracks is good...if it's not adding anything, get rid of it!  Gives you a lot more room in the mix and makes you work the good parts and tailor them to your own sound a lot more!

Thank you very much, Jim!