Getting To Know... Retro Kid

After spending the last few years building and developing his sound, UK-born but Copenhagen-based producer Jake Juba aka Retro Kid has now returned with his breezy new single 'The Room'.

Bringing the same light yet inventive direction as Metronomy, 'The Room' makes for a wonderfully fresh and enticing listen. With its ambient approach to production, bouncing hooks, and stellar vocals throughout, he definitely has a strong grasp over his sound with this one.

So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Fell in love with… That’s a tough one. I was pretty into my mandolin at school. It had too many strings for these tiny hands, but when sampling now I still have an urge to push towards percussive, folky strings. So thanks to the Mandolin!

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I remember my mum blasting out ministry of sound compilations through a jet black boombox. I must have been around seven. I would jump on my bed and go nuts. In contrast I was traumatised by intervals of Cher’s ‘Do you believe’...

What was the first album you remember owning?

My first tape was… Now 54!? And there was one specific song - Move your feet by Junior Senior. A good Danish classic! My first CD was John Lennon’s ‘Greatest Hits’ - bought in BORDERS - what a shop!

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

New Order - Blue Monday. I only really appreciated this the other day at a staff party. When living away from home, it is a good reminder of my electronic roots from the north.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

I like to go on a hunt for relatively unknown sample packs. It is a great starting point for inspiration and I like taping bits together which can then be replicated with midi. + COFFEE.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I am really into the first ‘Shire T’ record. I think it is bold, complicated and shameless - like me. Also nods to ‘Ross from friends’, definitely living in the now of electronic music - he gets it.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Probably Arcade Fire… Supporting them would imply that I have found a place in my music for strong concept and meaning. Hard with glitchy electronics, but not impossible. Also my dad would be proud.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

As a producer it is a way to meditate, collect my thoughts and challenge my senses. A place to be - me.

And what is the most frustrating part?

The industry bods.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Don’t quit your day job.

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Retro Kid's new single 'The Room' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.