In conversation with Jim Captain
by Maeve de Bordóns Álvarez
November 8 2023
Jim Captain is a Greek DJ based in Thessaloniki. Ηis interest in music began at a young age by playing the saxophone and guitar, as well as experimenting with radio producing. During the recent years, his focus aims to explore the musical universe and find connections between tribal origin sounds and modern experimentations. He is a record collector of both classical and contemporary music, with a preference in World, Disco, Bass, Techno and Electronic sounds. The last years he has been playing music in multiple venues and has participated in various events in Thessaloniki and abroad.
Can you tell us a bit about the music that you chose for this mix?
The music I’ve chosen for this mix is a fusion of electronic, bass, and club genre with some touches of my world music influences. It includes music selections from artists I’ve discovered and researched recently and I’m really excited to share them with the world. The music is a combination of various subgenres within electronic music, such as techno, house, breaks, Bass, Arab, Latin club to create a diverse and engaging sonic journey. Whether you’re a longtime fan of electronic music or someone looking to discover new sounds, I hope this mix offers an enjoyable and immersive experience.
What got you started in the music world?
My deep fascination with music started at a very young age. I took my first formal steps into the world of music when I enrolled in a conservatory where I had the opportunity to learn the guitar and delve into the theory of music. As I continued to nurture my musical interests, I took a significant step by attending a music high school. It was during my time there that I had the opportunity to explore various instruments, and that’s when I chose the Saxophone. The soulful and expressive nature of the saxophone captivated me and led me to seek out world music, with significant influences from Africa, the Arab world and Latin America. Alongside my instrumental studies, I dabbled in various aspects of the industry and I had the chance to host and create radio programs. This experience forced me into a continuous research for music and it was the main reason I started to open up my musical influences to more electronic sounds. At the age of 18, I took a bold step and ventured into the world of DJing, where I am still active today.
How do you think growing up in Thessaloniki influenced your music taste?
Growing up in Thessaloniki has undoubtedly a significant impact on my musical taste. Ιt is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich musical heritage. Thessaloniki is a city that has a large music community and active listeners in various genres of music, from traditional music to jazz and electronic sounds and that exactly is what inspires me in this city.
Growing up in a city with such a diverse music exposed me to a wide range of musical traditions. The city’s historical ties to Anatolia and the presence of a variety of cultural influences have given rise to a rich of anatolian music. Thessaloniki, like many Greek cities, has a strong connection to ‘rebetika’ which is one of my favorite greek genre that continues to be a significant part of Greek cultural heritage, and it has influenced various contemporary music styles. The musical heritage of Thessaloniki allowed me toconnect with the roots of these traditional sounds, making them an integral part of my musical taste.
The other part of Thessaloniki has an active electronic music scene with plenty of fresh underground music venues. In Thessaloniki there are many ‘DIY’ places that offer very innovative musical experiences and the impressive thing is that there is a large part of the citizens that embraces these ventures. The vibrant nightlife of the city and the constant flow of innovative electronic music acts work as a constant source of inspiration, which has undoubtedly contributed to my love for electronic club sounds.
My life here combines both the fusion of traditional elements with contemporary music. That elements given me the opportunity to explore a range of musical blends that are both modern experimentations steeped in tradition. This eclectic mix reflects the cultural diversity of the city and its impact on my musical preferences.
What are some artists, labels and collectives from Greece that you love?
In this question I will focus on labels and collectives in Greece that include many of the artists that I love.
The Paranoise Radio family counts with around 50 residents. Most of us are residing in Thessaloniki, Athens and other Greek cities. Paranoise is a collective that promoting indepedent contemporary urban music culture in Greece.
Fade Radio is a hybrid platform that experiments with diverse music approaches expressed through DJ sets, live performances, podcasts, and art-related projects. Aiming to build a community-oriented network, it operates as a core that aspires to support independent artists and creatives.
Dystatik Label is an Independent label focused on Synth music. Founded by Dry_feel
To Pikap is a record label based in Thessaloniki
Okay initiative space is an initiative space in Athens with socio-cultural purposes, aims to create an artistic pole for young generations, emphasizing on fine arts, music, theatre and architecture.
More labels / collectives:
PESTUS STUDIO RECORDS
Magdalena’s apathy
NOT NOW
qreclaim
NMS
Pi Electronics [π]
Into the light
KOCMOC
Teranga Beat
Keep up with Jim Captain on Instagram and Soundcloud