JKriv is a Brooklyn-based producer, DJ, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and label owner. In a music career stretching 2 decades, JKriv has blazed an unconventional path through the club world, beginning as a trained jazz musician and live performer before honing his studio and DJ skills.
Widely known as a co-founder of the stalwart label Razor-N-Tape, J is also a highly respected producer, prolific remixer, and incendiary DJ.
JKriv’s prolific production work has yielded scores of releases on Soundway Records, Heist Recordings, Moton Records, Glitterbox, Z Records, and many other labels.
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and what first got you interested in electronic music?
I've been performing live music since I was a kid, and I've always had a deep love for dance music. My real introduction to the world of club and electronic music came in the early 2000s, when I was playing with my former band, Tortured Soul. We were doing live house music shows in venues that rarely featured live acts, which gave me a unique window into DJ and club culture—and that experience had a lasting impact on me.
How do you think living in New York City has influenced you both musically and personally?
New York City is both an inspiring and challenging place to live. The sheer volume of creative and artistic energy can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s ultimately a constant source of inspiration for me. With my family hailing from New York for several generations, the city holds a deep connection to my identity and feels like an integral part of who I am.
For people who have never been, how would you describe the scene in New York City and how does it differ to some of Europe’s clubbing hotspots, such as London or Berlin?
The scene here in New York is incredible. There’s a wide range of venues and collectives experimenting with different sounds and pushing creative boundaries. Despite how much is happening, the vibe remains genuinely supportive rather than overly competitive — which sets it apart from scenes in some other cities.
What’s a typical day in the life of Jason? Do you have a daytime job or do you make music full time?
Haha, I usually have a lot on my plate each day—between label work, production, gigs, and travel, it keeps me constantly moving. Running my own business comes with a never-ending stream of tasks, but any time I’m not handling something else, I’m in the studio. ;)
You are running the impressive label Razor-N-Tape along with its associated record shop. Can you talk a bit how that came up and what your plans for the future are?
I started RNT with my partner Aaron Dae back in 2012, originally as a vinyl-only edits label. Since then, it’s evolved significantly — we’re now much more focused on releasing original music from a wide range of artists. The shop is a newer addition to the project, but it’s been incredibly exciting. It’s become both a community hub and the operational heart of everything we do. We’ve got a packed release schedule lined up through 2026, and we're also planning to expand into global events in the near future.
How is your studio looking and which pieces are your favourite at the moment? How do you start a new tune?
My studio is in my home, and it’s definitely my happy place. It’s a small space, but I’ve set it up to make the most of every inch. I’ve collected a lot of analog gear—vintage synths and hardware—and my favorite piece is probably my Space Echo, which is from Japan and in pristine condition. That said, none of the gear feels essential to my process. For me, the music really comes from within, and I feel like I could create anywhere.
Which artists made the biggest impression on you lately and why?
I love what Frits Wentik and Alex Kassian are doing currently. They’re very different but both super musical in their own way. But I mostly continue to find inspiration in some of the people I’ve looked up to for a long time, like Larry Heard and David Morales. Their catalogs are so deep it feels like you could dig forever and keep finding gold.
What methods do you typically use to discover new music? Do you still enjoy digging around in dusty crates, or do you prefer to buy online?
I usually prefer digging for physical records, but I also really enjoy discovering music online. I don’t have a strict method—most of the time I’ll hear something that catches my ear, and it just sends me down a rabbit hole where I end up finding a bunch of other gems along the way.
How do you approach a DJ set? Do you plan what you will play, or do you decide spontaneously?
I keep my music organized in a way that makes sense to me—it helps me quickly find the right track depending on my mood or the vibe of the room. I usually have a small crate, physical and/or digital, of new things I want to try out or just don’t want to forget to play. Beyond that, I don’t plan too much. I think it’s more fun—and important—to feel the music in the moment and let it guide the set.
Can you tell us a bit about the mix? Were there any particular thoughts or themes behind it?
I didn’t have any particular theme in mind, I just sort of started chill and moved through some other moods, building a bit of energy along the way. I did include some exclusive stuff, like the title track of my new Adaptation EP that’s dropping soon on Rocksteady Disco.
What do you have up your sleeve for the rest of the year and what are you looking forward to most this summer?
I’m really excited for Movement Festival in Detroit this weekend! We’re kicking things off with the Razor-N-Tape party at Motor City Wine on Friday, followed by my set at Soul Clap’s House of Efunk party on Saturday. After that, I’ve got a great run of UK and EU gigs lined up, wrapping up with a few relaxing weeks in Ibiza at the end of August and into early September. On the release front, there’s a lot coming up: an exclusive track on Quantic’s DJ-Kicks compilation, an EP on Rocksteady Disco, a contribution to a Make A Dance compilation 12”, an edits record on Razor-N-Tape, and even more planned heading into 2026.