Clubs

Russ Jones is a man who likes to travel and his DJ sets prove just how much. His 2006 compilation ‘Gypsy Beats & Balkan Bangers’ opened our ears to catchy Eastern European and gypsy punk rhythms, while his DJ sets mix everything from baile funk and dancehall to Russian punk and Turkish hip hop. His nights; – Future World Funk (Notting Hill Arts Club) and Global Beats (Guanabara) – are testament to the growing world music scene in London. Feature continues

What were you doing before we called?
‘Trying to write sleevenotes for my next compilation, “Gypsy Beats & Balkan Bangers 2” which I’ve produced with Felix of Basement Jaxx.’

How is it different from the first one?
‘It’s less traditional. It’s more diverse with dub tracks, punk, ska bands from Russia, Ukraine, Israel – I think people will like it.'

Why are you called the Hackney Globe Trotter?
‘Because I needed another name to work under apart from Future World Funk! It’s what I do; I live in Hackney, I travel a lot and I’m into world music.’

Your night Global Beats was at Guanabara.
‘It’s the most incredible place, I have the best time. It’s not a fashion crowd, there’s a lot of Asians and Brazilians who love to party. The dancefloor is always packed. I play Brazilian with a global mix; baile funk and dancehall, and there’s a live band.’

You’re also playing our stage at the Time Out Lovebox Weekender on July 21-22.
‘I’m really looking forward to it; there is some great world music there. K’naan is an amazing Somali hip hop artist, he’s like the African Eminem, and Ska Cubano are going to have everyone going wild.’

What’s the maddest country you've ever played?
‘I did a Balkan night at in Wiesbaden, Germany which went completely nuts. People were swinging from the rafters, jumping off the stage. I finally thought: I’ve arrived, this is what I’ve been looking for.’

Russ Jones plays the Time Out Stage at the Time Out Lovebox Weekender on July 21.