In the first //SNCMIX of 2025, Jacklyn provides a smoothly mixed downtempo set filled with percussive and hypnotic techno.
It’s rare to hear proper techno these days. In fact, the term itself has become somewhat of a blanket for a myriad of offshoot sub-genres that don’t quite hit the mark, so when an artist of the younger generation arrives with a purist take on the sound, it’s hard not to take notice. Newcastle-based Jacklyn is undoubtedly one of the city’s most exciting exports for this very reason. Known for her impassioned blend of classic Detroit techno and minimalist European records, Jacklyn crafts a raw and hypnotic sound that has captured the attention of some of dance music’s biggest entities, such as DJ Mag, Laurent Garnier, Boiler Room, and RSO Berlin, to name a few.
Originally from London, Jacklyn spent some time in France which is where she had her first dancefloor epiphany. “I remember Dave Clarke and Speedy J were playing a special techno set. It was extremely eye opening”. From there, she moved to Newcastle and developed herself through its vibrant creative community, cutting her teeth in venues such as Cobalt Studios and World Headquarters. Slick behind the wheels, she is a polished dancefloor-focused DJ, who prefers a real connection with her ravers rather than keeping her head down and doing her own thing. With an attitude and sound like hers, it’s hard to find things not to like.
How has 2024 been for you?
2024 was incredible with music for me. To be honest, I had never toured as much as I did last year. I met some amazing people who really helped me define and shape my way through the scene. I also got to play in one of my favourite clubs in Berlin, RSO which was a right treat throughout the year and made some special connections during the summer. It was undeniably a year of growth, healthy challenges, and a lot of happiness. I also self-released my EP Sonic Waves which gained a lot of traction, people really resonated to it.
We saw you have started to play in new places, such as Berlin and Copenhagen. How was your experience playing to European crowds?
I’ve been playing in these areas over the past 3 years, and it’s been a delight to have been invited back in these spaces where I had a great and unique experience. It always feels like the right crowd when I’m playing in these spaces as rave culture is different in parts of Europe are most people more open minded and less judgmental in terms of music. People are really there to explore different genres and to really let the music captivate themselves. I love the smaller and grittier clubs that really give that underground(ish) vibe. There’s always a strict door policy too which brings a higher amount of respectful and fun party goers.
Take us through the mindset behind the decks. Do you play for the crowd or do your own thing?
I much prefer playing for the crowd. I think once earlier on in my career I had played a set which was just me doing my own thing, but I felt quite disconnected to the audience. It wasn’t much enjoyable as interacting with the crowd through music. I always love to use people’s reactions to build momentum on the dancefloor throughout my sets and it’s always thanks to the crowd giving me this indication. It really helps judge the vibe.
How did you initially get into music, and what were some of your early inspirations?
My dad was a DJ throughout his late 20s and early 30s. There were always records kicking around at home it really opened my ears to various genre of music such as funk, soul and west African music. I moved to France a few years back and that’s where my passion for electronic music grew, right in the middle of a dancefloor at a rave. I remember Dave Clarke and Speedy J were playing a special techno set. It was extremely eye opening. I became obsessed with techno to the point that listening to it wasn’t quite enough, I just had to start making it too!
How did you go from those early inspirations to your current sound?
My sound definitely evolved throughout time but still remains quite Raw. I’m really enjoying mixing 90s techno at the minute, I feel like there’s more of a gripping effect on the dancefloor mixed with a few hypnotic and percussive beats.
What do you look for when digging for music? Are there any textures or vibes that you gravitate to?
To be honest, whatever sounds good! Back home in Newcastle we have our local record shop Beatdown Records where I mainly go digging. The techno pile is always somewhat untouched as a lot of other genres are more dominant in this city rather than techno. There’s actually a secret pile one of my good friends told me about and I’ve found so many gems over the past years! I’m mainly always looking for something very fast paced and pulsating.
What role does the city of Newcastle play in your story?
I moved to Newcastle a few years back, here is where I played my first biggest gig at Cobalt Studios which took me to the next steps of my career. I’ve always been thankful for the opportunities given in this city. A few spaces really brought me the support I really needed in order to grow.
Tell us about your mix for //SNCMAG.
I’ve prepared today a more percussive and hypnotic down tempo mix with a few classics I’ve played over the years. I hope you enjoy!
What’s next for Jacklyn?
I have a self-released EP coming out on the 11th of February which I’m really excited about and a few remixes on different labels throughout the year.
Tracklist:
Oxygeno – Iron Rainfall
Jeroen Search – Transversal feat Gotshell
Etapp Kyle – Quantum
A.Morgan – Flesh
Phil Berg – Concentrate
Arkan – Training (Original Mix)
Phil Berg – Facial
Rene Wise – Lakota Fox
Oktobr- Halycon Days
Nørbak – Ed Wird Wieder Passieren
A.Paul, Dj Dextro – Replicating
Tremor – The Drowned Sailor
VSSR – Instinct
Danny Wabbit – Hypochondriac
Lyric – Bicameral
Hitam – Pitviper
Regent – Magnolia
H.Mess – Kyoran Rizumu
Szeir – Oort Cloud
Annē – Cycler
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