23.08.19
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There’s something about Miami’s humid, salty air and fuzzy neon lights that whips its dancefloors into hysteria. But behind the veneer of the city’s kitsch, lovably sleazy aesthetic, there is a booming Miami bass movement driving its music scene forward, and Jubilee – real name Jessica Gentile – is a key figure.

The Miami-born DJ and producer, who relocated to New York in 2005, concocts a blend of bass, trap, two-step and dubstep to create her bouncing productions – a distinct sound which she captured perfectly in her 2016 debut, After Hours. She’s also one of the strongest supporters of grime stateside and has recently spent some time in London falling deeper in love with the genre’s propulsive beats. Here, we talk club survival tips, words of wisdom and a house party in Jamaica with an unlikely guest.

How would your friends describe you in three words?

Raver from Florida.

What gets on your nerves?

I live in New York City, everything is annoying. Stepping out for a coffee somehow becomes annoying.

Weirdest thing you’ve seen happen in a club?

Have you ever been to The Box in New York City? Read the Yelp reviews at your own risk. I can’t even repeat the things I’ve seen in that place.

Best survival tip for the club?

Drink water. Please fucking drink water.

What’s inspiring you right now?

London. I just spent a month there but also spent a big chunk of 2018 there, too. Everything is inspiring, from the DJ girl gangs taking over the underground scene to African music and UK rap hitting the mainstream.

What’s the best party you’ve ever been to?

I once wound up at some crazy house party in Jamaica. The best DJ was playing and people were just riding and revving up their motorcycles inside the house. Oh, and there was a goat.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

Being in the car with my mom driving down highways in Miami while she was smoking and listening to Gloria Estefan.

Favourite meme?

Moth memes still kill me, specifically the Sean Paul one.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

My boyfriend got me this vintage Miami Dolphins 80s sweatshirt with all the players on it. Then I noticed [in the same package] there was also an old Miami Hurricanes Tasmanian Devil t-shirt in perfect condition. These two items were basically made for me, I’m still not over it.

What’s your worst habit?

Pressing refresh.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

When I was young my mom told me to always make sure I could support myself and to never count on anyone else, no matter who I date or get offers from. I don’t know why she told me this when I was eight but it definitely worked.

Best hip-hop song of all time?

Does Get It Girl by 2 Live Crew count as hip-hop?

What would you want written on your tombstone?

“Still that bitch.”

Best thing about Miami?

Girls still know every dance move to every old Miami song. You play Scrub the Ground and everyone does the dance.

What makes you feel nostalgic?

The second I land at Fort Lauderdale airport and walk outside it always smells like cigarettes and humidity. It’s such a specific Florida smell and takes me right back to riding my bike around my neighbourhood in grade school. My friend Burt Fox is from the same town I’m from and whenever he goes home I always get a text from him that just says “Florida air.”

Best DJ of all time?

I decided this year that it’s Uproot Andy. Man is an underrated genius.

What’s something really embarrassing you’ve done?

I was singing Fiona Apple at the top of my lungs in my car and my phone accidentally called a coworker and left it on her voicemail.

What’s your 2019 mantra?

Be good to your loved ones and spend as much time with them as possible because literally nothing else matters.

What instantly cheers you up?

A text from a fave.

If you could give young Jubilee one piece of advice, what would it be?

It’s not that deep fam.

Jubilee’s new singles Mami and Fulla Curve are out now on Mixpak.