Punks Jump Up are a modern-day dream team that came together a few years back while they were both living in London. The duo consists of Joe and David, who together possess a musical power that generates magic on track after track.
2011 was a milestone year for PJU. They released Chimes Pt. 1 to critical acclaim and remixed everyone from Housse de Racket to the Supermen Lovers. These uber stylish lads also found time to work with graphic designer Michael Willis on Stiff Couture, their clothing line that helps bros from all over the world get shagged.
Housse De Racket – Chateau (Punks Jump Up remix)
The Supermen Lovers feat Herr Styler & Cristine – C’est Bon (Punks Jump Up Remix)
2012 will be even bigger. They’re set to release the Get Down (Special CCCrash Mixxx) EP on January 30, which features remixes by JBAG, Alex Gopher, Fare Soldi, Zero Cash, and Deadstock 33′. Get Down is catchy track that will force you to take your dance floor bump and grind to a whole new level.
Get Down (Special CCCrash Mixxx) is your modern homage to Prince, among others; do you remember your first experience listening to the cultural icon?
Purple Rain! Both the album & movie made us aware of the little big man. We’ve followed him ever since. Have to admit that at the time Apollonia caught our attention more than Prince haha. Prince’s production & amazing songs stood out brilliantly then & still does.
We’re still trying to work out how he did things, especially the vocal on “If I Was Your Girlfriend”.
Appolonia, if you’re reading this…?
Justin Robertson has worked with (and re-worked) some of the biggest acts in music today, including FatBoy Slim and Bjork. How did this collaboration come about?
We used to go clubbing with him back in the days, especially at the Social & have loved his stuff all the time. Luckily for us we have now got to know the great man ourselves & he also lives around the corner from our studio. We used to hammer one of his earlier tracks as Deadstock 33s called We Could Be. We thought he could put his magic touch on Get Down, which he did!
In your opinion, what has been the worst trend in dance music over the past 2 years?
Well, we’re not massive fans of the latest version of Noise/dubstep. Brostep anyone??!! If we don’t like something we usually ignore it but that particular style gets under our skin at the mo. Keep it funky!
If you could travel back in time to the 1980’s, what’s the first thing you would do?
Probably have to be going to the Music Box in Chicago checking DJ Ron Hardy doing his totally ahead of time mix of disco, electronic stuff, industrial, italo. It totally sums up what we’re into from that time. We would also pop in at Dance Mania’s office for a one day work experience. Wouldn’t mind being a fly on the wall in the studio when Lydon & Wobble & co recorded Metal Box as well.
Metal Box or Music Box? Tough call!
You’ve collaborated with both Kate Moross and Michael Willis, two very influential graphic artists and designers. Are there any other graphic designers/artists you’d like to work with in the future for Stiff Couture?
We’re still working with Michael Willis since we’ve got a great style going with him & we’re big fans of his work. As far as other names go we’re also into Trevor Jackson, Will Sweeney, Jiro Bevis (who designed one of our cool logos & t shirt!) & a guy called Rimo who’s doing cool stuff on the Marble label.
Punks Jump up collaboration with Kate Moross (first photo) and Michael Willis (second photo) for Stiff Couture.
What’s your biggest fashion regret?
Probably David’s early punkrock phase, there were no accessories to find where he lived so he had to put studs on puffer jackets etc, wasn’t totally spot on in the punk rule back but hey, it’s DIY!
What was it like working with Canadian favorite Dave1 from Chromeo?
It was through Bjorn Yttling from Peter Bjorn & John actually. He sent the track we’d written to Dave1 & he loved it & wanted to do it. He then recorded the vocal in NYC & we finished the thing off in London. It was a smooth affair & we love the result to bits! Watch this space.
If a road trip from London to Canada were possible, what would be on your travel mixtape?
A right mixture. Probably as we drive out of west London there would have to be some reggae dancehall involved. After that it would be a right mixture of everything from Grace Jones, Yello, Clash, Moroder, various Italo gems, 80′s boogie via Dance Mania, Trax Records, golden era hip hop to early DFA records, Output, Gomma to Kitsune comps, Klein records, Relish…list goes on!
Or we could stick on all the mixes on Radio Soulwax to cover it all.
Would you two ever rock the Canadian Tuxedo (denim on denim)?
Absolutely totally! Has to be stone-washed though. We’re serious!!
Get Down is your first remix EP of 2012, what else does this year have in store for PJU?
Mr Overtime feat Dave1 is coming out in April, we’re really looking forward to that one..! Also an EP for the summer & more singles.We got loads more of colab tracks which will see the light of day too! We’re also doing a US tour in April & May. We like 2012!
If you were to attend Hogwarts, would you be in Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin?
Joe would be in Gryffindor cause he’s the bossy one. David would Ravenclaw cause he’s hovering about.
And lastly, who’s the bigger babe, Kate or Pippa Middleton?
Eh …Pippa .. as in Salt’n'Pippa
Punks Jump Up – Get Down (Special CCCrash Mixxx) by MaisonKitsune
Posted by @clarkbs
