Jam City

Jack Louis Latham, performing as Jam City, has been a significant figure in electronic music since 2010. Originally from Redhill, Surrey, Latham’s early life involved studying fine art and working as a fashion designer before he immersed himself in underground club culture. His career gained momentum with his signing to the London-based label Night Slugs in 2011, leading to his debut EP, “Magic Drops,” released the same year. This initial release was recognized for its dark, experimental production style. In 2012, he released his first full-length album, “Classical Curves,” which received positive critical reception for its glossy, alien-sounding post-dubstep and club music, establishing his reputation for creating instrumentals from club music tropes. The album was noted by The Quietus as “one of the most interesting album-length listens to come from a UK club producer in a while.

Latham continued to evolve his artistic direction with subsequent releases. His 2015 album, “Dream a Garden,” marked a more introspective and socio-politically driven shift, inspired by the 2011 England riots and the work of bell hooks. This album incorporated his own vocals and guitar, blending R&B and soul influences while critiquing neoliberalism and the negative effects of capitalism. Following this, he released “Pillowland” in 2020, an album focused on themes of aspiration and a desire for a better life, characterized by a mix of shoegaze, techno, and pop, earning widespread critical acclaim for its compositional complexity. In 2023, “EFM” saw Jam City return to a club-focused sound, drawing inspiration from venues like Liquid and Envy, and was described by Pitchfork as an “effervescent blend of rattling garage, glitzy disco, and thumping house.” These albums, released on labels such as Night Slugs and Mad Decent, demonstrate his consistent artistic development.

Beyond his solo work, Jam City has contributed significantly as a producer and songwriter for other artists. His collaborations include producing “Keep It Cool” and “Cherry Coffee” for Kelela’s 2013 mixtape “Cut 4 Me” and serving as an executive producer for her 2017 album “Take Me Apart.” He also worked with Troye Sivan on tracks like “The Good Side” and “Animal” from the 2018 album “Bloom.” In 2020, he co-produced “jealousy, jealousy” for Olivia Rodrigo’s album “SOUR” and contributed to Lil Yachty’s 2023 album “Let’s Start Here.” These partnerships highlight his versatility and influence across various genres. He has performed at prestigious cultural institutions worldwide, including the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, extending his influence beyond traditional club settings.