Tim Reaper
DJ | Producer | Label Boss
‘best jungle mix i listen in 2020’. A true comment under Tim Reaper’s Truancy mix, Volume 269. The London-based producer, DJ and record label head comes close to the embodiment of jungle in 2020.
Founder of the label Future Retro, Tim channels his fast-paced junglist sound via the imprint, as well as co-producing with other artists from the soundscapes of jungle, DnB and IDM, including KeeZee, Kid Lib, Ontology and many more as part of his ‘Meetings Of The Mind’ compilations on the label. Outside of Future Retro Tim has released on Circadian Rhythms, Lobster Theremin and Repertoire to name a few. While this year didn’t provide a huge amount of club bookings in the normal sense, Tim’s name cropped up on a number of virtual platforms with mixes for Balamii, DJ Mag, FOLD, Resident Advisor and BTTO Radio, not forgetting his Blind Test on Electronic Beats in July. Living proof that Tim knows jungle, inside and out.
The below memory comes from one of Tim’s pre-pandemic gigs and as well as sharing why it’s so blurry, he lists what else he’s working on at the moment, his thoughts on the coming year and more…
Photo: Tim Reaper
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
It’s quite blurry haha, but it was taken at a night I played at in Hackney Wick, one of the last parties I played at before the first lockdown. I was doing an impromptu B2B set with one of the other DJs on the lineup and I got a bit excited and left the booth and ran into the crowd during the set.
How have you been over the last few months and what is life currently like in London?
I’ve been coping well, adapting to working from home, which I’ve been doing since March and managing an increased workload in music (production, running Future Retro and doing more press).
Back in July, you did a live stream for FOLD in the club's former elevator. Do you enjoy playing in front of a camera? In general, do think live streams are the way forward for DJs now, apart from playing at illegal raves which will also undoubtedly become the norm...
At first, I used to dread doing anything in front of cameras but DJing was the easiest to become comfortable doing in front of the camera since I don’t have to do any talking or actually face the camera that much, so I can pretend like it’s not there and carry on. For the time being, they’re a somewhat sufficient replacement for club nights and are currently the norm but I’m unsure how much demand there will be for them when actual club nights can be had, whenever that may be.
Your remix of Kalli's track 'Song for THEM' came out a while back on THEM. Have you got any other productions coming up?
I have an EP coming out on Lobster Theremin, as well as a new joint Globex Corp/Lobster Theremin release, I have more volumes of the Meeting Of The Minds series I have on the label I run called Future Retro, I have a lot of remixes coming out on various labels and also a few EPs and compilations to be announced later in 2021.
How do you feel about the future at the moment?
In terms of music, for me, it seems to be picking up a lot as I’ve received a lot of opportunities this year that I would have never been offered ever in the past and I hope I can continue this into the next year and help to create more awareness for all the talented producers in the scene that I enjoy the music of.
In terms of life in general, I’m hopeful with the progress that seems to be made on getting vaccines ready, so that people can resume being able to live their lives the way they would like to, without fear of spreading or catching Covid-19.
What has been a source of comfort for you throughout 2020?
What I like is long walks in the evening or at night-time, listening to podcasts or music of other genres, it allows me to somewhat step out of what I consider to be my usual activities at home and allows me a break through all that.
Listen to Tim’s latest mix for Lobster Theremin here and follow him below: