Beginning back in 2007 like just about every other homegrown party does, humbly, Just Jack has grown into one of the most recognisable brands in UK house music. Throwing parties at hotspots like Bristol's Motion, with guests that run the gauntlet of who's who in house, including Subb-An, Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones, James Holden and Claude VonStroke, this Bristolian success story is as ripe a tale as any. However, a carnival this wild wasn't meant to be caged in. So recently, Bristol's own feast for the senses has picked itself up by it's hefty boot straps, and with a little help, showed a few other corners of the world just who Just Jack was, becoming a night in transition.
Along with Just Jack, nights like Flux, Trouble Vision and Real Nice have pushed their unique brands across the country and pond to locales like Croatia, Ibiza and more in recent years. But making the leap from brand new night to hometown hero to international success doesn’t come without a few bumps and scrapes, along with some wild tales, unforgettable nights, and lessons learned. So as part of a four part series, we asked each of these four fiestas a series of questions to get all the dirt on what it’s like to take the party out of the city and into the wild. So as part of a four part series, we asked each of these four fiestas a series of questions to get all the dirt on what it’s like to take the party out of the city and into the wild. If you missed part one with Flux, check it out here, otherwise, read on for part two with founder and resident DJ for Just Jack, Dan Wild.
What's been the most fun party you've done outside of your usual club? There have been some amazing parties over the years that stick with me. We used to run after parties in a grubby little pub called the Old Fox Inn (nicknamed the ‘crackfox’) after our Motion events. These were wild, although they became a victim of their own success. We had to stop doing them when it became so busy that one morning we couldn't even get in to DJ! Other notable parties from last summer were our party at Barbarellas for Garden festival in Croatia, and hosting the Space Terrace for We Love... Both venues were a dream come true for us. Amazing sound and vibe all night long!
What lessons did you learn early on? Bunting makes a bland ting fun ting.
Is there a particular DJ or promoter that you'd recommend always having with you? I’m a bit biased really, but I have to say it is an honour to work with Tom Rio. He is a phenomenal and very versatile DJ. He always knows just how to play it. He can warm it up just right for anyone and tear the roof off it at the end of the night. Plus he knows how to put up a bit of bunting!
How do you differ your sets when playing outside that in the club? I think being a resident at Just Jack has made me more adaptable. Warming up and following a diverse selection of house DJs means you have to be able to adapt your style and think on your feet. With regards to records which have worked really well at a specific time, a couple spring to mind from the closing set at our Just Jack party at Garden festival in Croatia last summer. I was playing in an open-air club and the sun had just risen. The place was still going nuts, and I opened with Joe Montana’s ‘The Ship.’
That was a very special moment I wont forget in a while.
What's been the most outrageous thing you've seen? Oh god, I’ve definitely seen some sights over the years. A personal highlight from last summer was going backstage after our set at Space to find my friend soaking wet (for some reason he had just had a shower with all his clothes on), crouching on a table and leading a group of people in some sort of mystical chanting. I took one look, closed the door and left them too it.
What are some of the experiences that make it worth it? I have met some amazing people, and great friends through this line of work! Oh, and getting to play in some of the worlds best clubs isn’t too shabby!
And any experiences that don't? Nope! It’s definitely worth it!
Head to www.justjack.org and nightsintransition.com for more info.