Queens of the CLUB! KG and UNIIQU3 release their collaborative 2-Track EP 'B2B / Black Roses' via Jamz Supernova's Future Bounce label
Whilst nightlife is currently on pause, DJs and producers of the club scene are somewhat (and thankfully) still active, delivering well needed vibes to keep us alive and kicking. A new music release in particular that’s ignited some well needed groove and musical sweetness into our souls, is an exciting collaboration between Newark, New Jersey based DJ/artist and producer, UNIIQU3 and London’s very own ‘Rhythm Goddess’, DJ/Producer, KG. Effortlessly merging their distinctive musical sounds of Jersey Club and Soulful and Afro House, the duo release their two-track EP ‘B2B / Black Roses’ by way of Jamz Supernova’s incredible Future Bounce record label.
Marking the label’s eighth release from a year long series of electrifying club releases, ‘B2B / Black Roses’ is the result of a tantalising pairing, very much sparked by the alliance of two incredible Queens of the club. For Side A ‘B2B’, UNIIQU3 offers her Jersey Club style vocal, over a sultry house infused production, marinated with splashes of African drums before reaching an unexpected but brilliant rave breakdown at the tracks mid point. Side B ‘Black Roses’ on the other hand takes things down a notch, transporting our ears through a soulful journey with its calming piano chords and grooving bass line, laced with UNIIQU3’s chopped and sampled vocals throughout the track.
Having caught up with the two ladies earlier this week, we found out how this collaboration came to be, their approach to shining bright during these challenging times and just further confirmation that Black Women (especially these two) are DOPE AF!
London based DJ/Producer KG
This is a really exciting collaboration, how did this come about?
KG: It's crazy because I was experiencing a bit of a creative block. With nightlife pretty much dormant this year due to COVID-19, trying to make club-focused music with hardly any muses was proving to be quite difficult. I tweeted all of this out by the way on Twitter so I was going through it lol. Uniiqu3 and I had been meaning to collab for a while so sis hit me up with some stems from a track she had made, live on her Club Chronicles show on Twitch! That track was 'B2B' - the track was SO fire and SO me, I just had to add my magic and that was that! UNIIQU3 was the spark for this entire EP, 'B2B' inspired 'Black Roses.' So as our vibe was undeniable, I pitched both tracks to Jamz, she loved them and it was all systems go from then onwards :-)
Can you tell us a bit about your approach to the creative process? Especially since this must have been done remotely right?
UNIIQU3: Well I started off ‘B2B’ on Twitch. I have this show called Club Chronicles and on Tuesday’s I TRAX OUT. So after crafting that, I saw KG tweet about needing some inspo, which was wild because I thought of her while making the track. After she got the stems she added her MAGIC and y'all know the rest.
KG: Literally that! It was a case of UNIIQU3 sending me those fire stems for me to build on, I sent it back, she finessed the arrangement + vocals (all-rounder Queen) and the track was complete!
KG, having collaborated with UNIIQU3 you must be a fan of the Jersey Club movement. What elements of the sound do you like the most and how would you say it’s similar to the music you create and spin?
KG: It's the vocal & sample chops. The energy, the hype! Afro House/Beat is driven by dance, rhythm, moods - I find that this is interchangeable with a genre like Jersey Club - these sounds bring people together.
Newark, NJ based DJ/artist and producer UNIIQU3
UNIIQU3, do you hear much of the kind of music KG create’s and plays out in the US? People love Afro House, Funky and bass music but is it easily accessible out there?
UNIIQU3: Yea Afro House is really popular over here in America. Even in New Jersey, all the people, especially dancers embrace their cultures and infuse African dance moves with Jersey Club dance moves. Some moves are actually really similar which amazes me but could you really be surprised? I really love the percussion and the bass lines. It's so soulful but spicy at the same time.
How have things been for the both of you during the pandemic? As DJ’s/Artists I’m sure it’s been tough but have you managed to find other ways to be musically productive whilst nightclubs are currently inactive?
KG: Having a sound mind first and foremost, helped to sustain my creative energy throughout this unpredictable year. Looking after my mental health (because that had been neglected during my busiest periods prior), having the time to truly press pause and prioritise that kept my creative juices flowing. I had a number of gigs cancelled in Europe so could not work the releases off my EP however, I am grateful because I did manage to get booked for a few virtual gigs during lockdown from home, music industry panels and also remix a number of singles this year. It felt good to also work on new projects for 2021. This year gave me the creative space to truly work on my sound so I’m excited to showcase some fresh material, hopefully when the clubs open up again.
UNIIQU3: This pandemic put a real pause on my life. I mean I’m living darling! But I miss touring and sharing my culture around the world. It gave me a lot of time to reflect, learn new things and trust that this pivot is with purpose. Honestly, it felt good to focus on just making art and being creative. There are no real time reactions or rewards (energy, shows, events etc) aside from self fulfilment... And then, I just feel like damn this is dope why keep it to myself.
I’ve managed to keep myself busy since nightlife got sucked into the interwebs by live-streaming. I recently partnered with Twitch to showcase my music production, review tracks and interview friends. I’ve also done a few virtual events, like parties and panels. The thing I did the most was experiment with my sound.
What would you say has been your most impactful learnings from the events of this year?
UNIIQU3: Black people got all the sauce and the cost is PRICELESS!
KG: We are at the helm of the culture period! We dictate the movement and make it trend! It is time for us to own MORE and reap economically.
It’s no secret the dance music industry is heavily dominated by white males. As two black women boldly navigating in this space, it must be difficult at times but how would you say you embrace the challenges and make it work for you?
UNIIQU3: I embrace those challenges by being unapologetically me. It’s almost to a point where it’s not seen as a challenge to me but a test of how much I value UNIIQU3. I want to let all my ladies know that you’re in charge.
KG: I second UNIIQU3's thoughts on this. Be you unapologetically but also up skill DAILY and share your gifts. It is vital for us to become valuable in our craft so we can then move into positions of influence and open doors for other amazing black women in music. Professional boldness is my mantra.
Can we expect another collaboration in the future?
UNIIQU3: I mean I think that’s what the fans want… Y'all just will have to wait and see.
KG: What she said ^^^^ hahaaa ;-)