Jean Jacques Smoothie

He is smooth, he is cool, he is talented, he IS JEAN JACQUES SMOOTHIE! Making waves with his debut single "2 People"; this catchy tune has emerged as one of the hottest dance tracks to be played this summer. Direct from the UK, GIRL chatted with Mr Smoothie himself!

GIRL: You recently performed at the Welsh Music Awards and won an award for your single "2 People"? What was that experience like?

JJS: This was my first award for anything so it was a massive thrill. In the audience were people who had dissed me in the past so it was a great buzz to stick 2 fingers up at my critics and win the award!

GIRL: What is the biggest thrill you get out of performing?

JJS: I just love making people dance. When I am Djing, it's a wonderful feeling to know that you are making hundreds of people happy through music. I love the interaction with a crowd and feel like I am enjoying my music with lots of friends.

GIRL: You remixed a Kylie Minogue single – did you get to meet Kylie?

JJS: I remixed her but sadly I did not get to meet her. I did sit in a chair that she sat in though if that is any help? (laughs)

GIRL: Your debut album is due for release sometime this year. Can we expect the same sounds as "2 People"?

JJS: The album is going to be my chance to stretch myself a little. It is not going to be an album of "2People's" but more a selection of songs and pieces I have been working on over the years. There will be a few house tunes but also some hip-hop, reggae, Latin and all sorts.

GIRL: What is your album going to be titled?

JJS: I have no idea yet….hmmm, maybe there is a title in that?!

GIRL: Were you always interested in music growing up as a child or was it a love that you discovered later in life?

JJS: My dad turned me on to music at a very early age. I grew up listening to old reggae and soul mixed in with blues and jazz. My dad is an obsessive music collector and I guess that must have rubbed off on me.

GIRL: Who are some of your favourite artists at the moment?

JJS: I am a big fan of some more chilled acts like Zero 7 and Kinobe at the moment. Basement Jaxx have always been big heroes of mine.

GIRL: Do you have any plans to visit Australia in the near future?

JJS: I hope so, I guess it depends on how many records I sell. I am nagging my agent to get me some gigs there at the moment.

GIRL: How do you create a song – do you come up with a melody first, then lyrics or do you work the other way around?

JJS: I just come up with a starting point whether it's a sample, a lyric, a baseline or whatever and develop a track from there. It's a tricky question to answer because usually by the time I finish a track I have forgotten where it all started.

GIRL: Who in the music industry would you love to work with?

JJS: I would love to work with some great vocalists like Kirsty Hawkshaw, Jill Scott and some local Welsh talent. There's a great band in Cardiff at the moment called 'Tommy and the Chauffeur' and I would love to work with them.

GIRL: What sets you apart from other dance acts in the charts?

JJS: I have no idea. I think it's just a vibe I have going that no one else has tapped into yet.

GIRL' S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full name: Steve Robson
Nickname: Jean Jacques Smoothie/Steve Raygun
Star sign: Leo (roar!)

Fave Food: Olives
Fave Film: Withnail & I
Fave Smell: Fresh Coffee

Best Feature: Musical Talent
Worst Feature: Smoke too much
Your Ideal Woman: Rachel from S-Club-7

Do you prefer boxers or jocks? Boxers
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking and mixing cocktails
Recall your First Job: Selling Ice cream from a fake gypsy barrow

A talent you wish you had: I wish I could be a wicked scratch DJ
The best advice given to you: Work like you don't need the money, dance like no one is watching and love like you have never been hurt.
When you kiss a girl, do you close your eyes? Sometimes
Which cartoon character best describes you? Bluto from Popeye
Can you recall a favourite teacher at school? If so, what was their name? Mr Grace was an inspirational history teacher of mine.
If you could take just one photo of absolutely anything, what would it be of? Gorillas in the wild.

- Annemarie Failla & Michelle Palmer