The Cover Mix: Jayda G

Jayda G only deals in the most joyous and life-giving selections going. She radiates an energy behind the decks that it’s impossible not to lose yourself in, moving through r’n’b, disco and house cuts with electrifying flair.

Now a certified star with a debut album 'Significant Changes' coming on Ninja Tune, we're thrilled to have Jayda G fronting our April issue and delivering us an exclusive Cover Mix to mark the occasion. Turn it up loud and get your spirits soaring to the stratosphere.

Listen to her exclusive mix and read Jayda G talking us through each selection below.

1. Fonda Rae ‘Heboah’

“I wanted to start off the mix with a positive uplifting disco tune. This track has Fonda Rae singing – you may know her better from ‘Over Like A Fat Rat’ produced by Darryl Payne. Can’t remember when I came across this track but it has a groove that infuses me with happiness”

2. Beckie Bell ‘Music Madness’

“I was incredibly happy when this track got re-pressed on Favorite Recordings. Classic sounding disco by the great Pierre Berjot. He produced so many of my favourite disco tunes such as ‘Get Another Love’ by Chantal Curtis”

3. Carol Williams ‘You Have Reached the Bottom Line’

“I remember discovering Carol Williams when I was living in LA. She always stuck with me. It’s really funny – Carol Williams apparently passed on recording ‘Over Like A Fat Rat’ with Darryl Payne that Fonda Rae ended up doing (referenced in the first song). A little disco trivia for you!”

4. Matrix ‘Stay (I Need Your Love)’

From the Italian producer Sangy who also produced Firefly (I’m a big fan of their song ‘Love [Is Gonna Be On Your Side]’). I love the guitar solo and the synthesiser bassline. There’s something about early 80s disco where things are a bit cheesy but just enough for me, and also I’m a sucker for a killer slap bass”

5. Con Funk Shun ‘Get Down With It’

“We’re jumping back a few years now to the late 70s: less synthesiser and a more funky groove. The pressing I have here |is a Canadian pressing”

6. Johnny King & The Fatback Band ‘Peace Love Not War’

“I found this in New York a few months ago. This is the Kenny Dope extended mix, but the track is originally from the late 60s. Love the guitar solo with the build toward the ends. I really gravitate towards songs where the singer is really letting loose, it just helps you feel the energy of the track”

7. Innerzone Orchestra ‘Bugs In the Bass Bin’ (Jazz mix)

“This track is by Innerzone Orchestra aka Carl Craig. Such a fantastic mix of both jazz and electronic music”

8. Herbert ‘Fat King Fire’

“There’s something about the melody in this track that makes me feel super nostalgic. I was listening to a lot of this strange mixture of heavy deep house sounds with a light melody around 2010ish (though this track was made in 1996)”

9. Janet Rushmore ‘Joy (Kaoz Gone Insane)’

“I got this record on my first visit to A1 Records, a long time ago now. A 90s house classic in my opinion. Kerri Chandler’s imprint is on this one for sure”

10. Mike Grant ‘The Struggle Of My People’ (Mr G’s There’s Hope mix)

“I’m a big fan of both Mike Grant and Mr G – and an even bigger fan of the great Maya Angelou who is sampled in this track”

11. Unreleased/Untitled

“Check it!”

12. Thaddeus Nelson Jr ‘Wild Inn’

“I pitched this song super slow. It gives it a more chugging feel, which I like. A bit more deep and dark with this track”

13. First Choice ‘Double Cross’ (Traxx mix)

“I love the piano chords! I’m a big fan of First Choice in general. I love finding 90s house remakes of disco classics. So fun”

14. Peven Everett ‘Feelin’ You In and Out’

“There’s something in this song that really emulates where I would want a set to be at the end of the night... just closing your eyes and dancing”

15. Aaron-Carl ‘Sky’

“From the amazing Mahogani Music. The chord progression has a deep house, uplifting feel to it”

16. N’Dambi ‘Call Me (Re-Edit)’

“Love this – it makes my heart sing! A great track to end a set, N’Dambi’s r’n’b vocals are just so smooth. Gives me life!”

Anyways, hope you enjoyed the mix, friends! Lots of love, J.

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