Since his debut release on SAW Recordings in 2006, Jim Rivers has become a much sought after DJ/Producer worldwide. Described as "a future classic in the making" by Paolo Mojo, Coordinated thought they’d catch up with Jim and talk to him about 2007, vodka and beer....

How did you first get into electronic dance music?

My ears first caught onto the trance stuff that was coming out in 97 - ferry corsten and all that - when it was good ;-) - and i used to buy cds and stuff, but the big influence was going to Club Class in Maidstone week in week out and seeing some of the biggest names play. That had a really big impact on me then...

Has it always been Jim Rivers the DJ - when did the time come in to jack in the day job and was it an easy decision?

Ha, good question...these days its not as easy to make good money out of music, but i came to a point where i either had to go for it or not bother. So in some respects it was a no brainer as this is what ive worked hard for, but its still a big risk! Its been a good year and i think 2008 will be even better for me, so fingers crossed!

You really broke out of the underground with your Restore EP on Satoshie Tomei’s SAW label, how did it feel to get that kind of major recognition and two tracks featured on his Renaissance mix?

Restore and Future were the first 2 tracks that I ever sent out. I just sent a cheeky email to a few labels and Saw were the first people to ring me. They signed the tracks and then Satoshi told me he wanted them both for his comp - looking back now, i had a great start with that signing and it was really exciting to see my music get out to so many ears so soon.

Your new label ‘Misfit’ is in the process of starting up, what’s the plan with that is it for your own releases or do you already have artists signed up?

Misfit is something I have wanted to do for years. Its going to be the main outlet for my stuff. The first 3 releases are ready so im writing more new material at the mo. I think in the 2nd half of 2008 you can expect to see some new artists on my label. I will see how things start off first! The first release 'The Brassed Off EP' is out on the 3rd of December, so keep your eyes peeled!

You’ve recently been touring round South America, sounds pretty amazing, what’s the scene like there compared with the UK?

Yeah ive been to a lot of new places in the last few months which has been great. The South Americans love a party, so it was a great experience in Brasil and Mexico to play. Getting to play at Pacha was great and had me pinching myself if im honest!

So what can we look forward to from Jim Rivers over the next few months?

Lots of stuff..some of which I have to keep under wraps at the mo im afraid! But you can expect a steady flow of stuff from me on Misfit. Im gonna try and do a few different things as the label develops, so that should show people what im about. Also im doing an EP for Will Saul's excellant Simple imprint which im really excited about as well as more tracks with Paolo Mojo and various remixes too. Plus i will be touring around showing some Jim Rivers love at a dancefloor near you!

You’re predominantly known as a producer so for those of us that don’t know, how would you describe your DJ’ing style?

Thats the way it goes these days...ive been a DJ for over 10 years and only now beacuse of the tunes am I getting chance to show people what I can do! I play across the board really. If i had to describe it then its definately tech influened stuff. I love stuff that grooves as well as some deepness action in there too. But being a resident in Bristol at Empathy I have learnt to play all sorts, before and after the guest, so i hopefully can adapt to different situations.

You’ll be headlining the Coordinated Christmas party in the Baby Box at Ministry of Sound on December 8th in London. Which tracks and producers will you favour for this party?

Thats a tough question. For me there is so much good music about at the moment. I will play a lot of my own stuff but also people like Shlomi Aber, Dusty Kid, Dubfire, Mark Knight, Gui Borrato - I could go on for ages! I like to think I play quality music whatever the style so hopefully that will do the business...

What’s you opinion on DJ technology, do you still use vinyl or have you been seduced by the current Ableton trend – where do you see the future?

I use cds at the moment, just find that easiest for me. I do think that very soon it will all be computer based, especially for DJs that travel alot - makes a lot of sense. And in the right hands there are new levels that can be achieved with this technology...i think that the people who just want to diss the technology are being a a bit quick to judge....im all about embracing that stuff as I plan to be around for a while!

For all the wanna be producers, what’s you’re favourite bit of kit at the moment?

Without doubt for me its my Mac and Logic. I dont care what anyone says - you can make great music on a simple set up now...its about the ideas, not how flash your gear is or how many original moogs you have in the corner - as musch as they are legendary and sound great! Most of the nu breed of prodcer/DJs work on simple setups but know how to use it well and have great ideas. It takes time to get stuff sounding good, but at the end of the day if you write quality stuff people will notice....

Afterparty or home, and vodka or beer?

Mmmm...tricky. Totally depends how i feel, if i've been away a lot then it would be home and bed....last weekend was the opposite in serbia, afterparty and straight to the airport!

Can i have a super shandy? That way I can have beer and vods....but im a whiskey man at heart - so remember that for the 8th!!

You can catch Jim playing live for the Coordinated Christmas Party at Ministry of Sound this Saturday. Coordinated is a night devoted to cutting edge electronic music, combining elements of deep, progressive and tech house. On Sat 8th December they’re taking over the Ministry of Sound for a spectacular Christmas party with Jim Rivers as the Pièce de résistance. Tickets are just £12 and can be purchased from Ticketweb.