Author: Bradley Martinez

When we look at sneakers, we can often build connections to lots of different creative industries whether that’s between sneakers and music, sneakers and art or even the craftsmanship itself. For the upcoming launch of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Dark Mocha’,  what better place to look than the world of coffee.

Much like the Air Jordan 1 and its on court success, coffee has become steeped in history through its makers and the sheer levels of craftsmanship when it comes to specialist coffee and the different blends and tasting notes you can discover.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Dark Mocha’, we took a trip south of the river to Bermondsey to visit WatchHouse’s new Roastery. The team their have become masters in creating a space for each community they call home without losing focus on coffees rich history.

Whilst at WatchHouse, we caught up with the team including UK Champion, Matteo to discuss more about the art of coffee.

Footpatrol: Matteo thank you for spending some time with us. We have been excited to hear more about what you do! Before we get into that though, how have you been?

Matteo: I have been great! Despite the challenging year we have been through, I always try to stay positive and look forward.

FP: So for many people reading this they may be wondering as to what it was that made you get into becoming a Brewer, could you tell us how this all began to come together?

Matteo: I’ll try to tell you the short story otherwise it will take ages. I have always had a passion for coffee since I was a kid. In Italy for my family coffee is tradition, a ritual. Waking up in the morning with the smell of coffee, the family size moka pot after lunch was a must.

At the age of 15 I started to work at seasonal jobs in cafes and that made me approach more about what it means to be a Barista. 

In my journey I tried several jobs, coffee related and not, because I needed to explore more of the world and its opportunities. 

Moving from Italy to London after my graduation was an enlightenment in my life. I found the possibility to explore more and enrich my passion for coffee. Here is where I could find my passion for manual coffee brewing, understand more of what’s behind this method and the vast range of flavours within coffees.

FP: With this year being a challenging one for many of us, trips outside to grab a coffee have almost become a must to the daily routines. For those who are stuck inside, is there any tips or advice you have for them to make the best brew from home?

Matteo: I believe that using the coffee tools you own with confidence is the most important tip I can give. There are so many tools available right now and you don’t need the most expensive ones to achieve an amazing cup of coffee. Start with getting something basic and with time explore more, and don’t forget to relish the moment because coffee at home tastes better when you enjoy brewing it.

FP: What makes the best bean is there something to look out for when you are buying any or is it more down the process you use to make the coffee itself?

Matteo: I always like to understand what’s inside the coffee bag and get to know the history behind the coffees. That is something Specialty Coffee Roasters can give to me with a system of traceability and full information about the origin, the region and also the name of the people that produce it on the farm. Then if we start to talk about varieties and processes, there is an infinite range of coffees, every one with different characteristics and flavours. The taste is very personal, some people like fruity coffee, some chocolate and nutty. I suggest people go to their local cafe or roastery, ask the barista or the staff member for information and suggestions about the coffee they are selling and how to brew it. Everyday you can discover something new.

FP: You are also the UK Brewers Cup champion as well right?

Matteo: That is correct, I’m the current UK Brewers Cup Champion and I will represent the UK in the next World Brewers Cup Championship. 

The UK Specialty Coffee Association, every year organizes a series of competitions, one of the categories is the Brewers Cup. This competition highlights the craft of filter coffee brewing by hand, promoting manual coffee brewing and service excellence.

I took part in the last edition in 2020 with the WatchHouse team, just before the first lockdown in March, and with hard work and determination we achieved the higher step of the podium. Furthermore, like the UK, other countries around the world have their Specialty Coffee Association chapter with their national competitions and every Champion of every country will compete in the World Brewers Cup Championship. It was supposed to take place in Melbourne Australia within this year, but for obvious reasons the event has been cancelled and the competition postponed to Athens in June 2021. 

FP: How does that feel and what did the competition entail? It must have been nerve racking.

Matteo: In this competition, competitors prepare and serve three individual beverages for a panel of judges. The Championship consists of two rounds: a first round and a finals round. During the first round competitors complete two coffee services – a compulsory service and an open service. For the compulsory service, competitors prepare three beverages utilizing whole bean coffee provided to them by the competition. For the open service, competitors may utilize any whole bean coffee of their choosing and must also accompany their beverage preparation with a presentation. The six competitors with the highest score from the first round will go on to compete in the finals round consisting exclusively of an open service. At the end of the final round, one of the competitors is named the UK Brewers Cup Champion. 

The whole experience was incredible, we worked hard for several months and the journey from the beginning to the end has been really full of emotions. The preparation for these competitions requires a lot of time and a very accurate attention to details. We spent a lot of time, almost every evening and every day off from work, to train hard. Of course as time, stress and tiredness accumulate; anxiety and adrenaline increase by the day. 

It is very important to stay focused, have a team that supports you and use the emotion to your advantage.  

FP: Besides being champion, you are of course part of the WatchHouse family. Could you tell us a bit about the history of the brand and how you found yourselves looking to compete in such big competitions? 

Matteo: WatchHouse started 6 years ago in a little 25 square metres historical shelter for the guards of the St Mary Magdalen’s Church graveyard, with the ambition to cultivate a great relationship with customers, serving great coffee and giving an amazing experience.

With the years the ambition continued to grow, leading the company to new places, enriched with professional people driven to achieve the same goal. When I joined WatchHouse I was looking for a healthy place to work, to improve my knowledge about coffee and undertake my coffee competition career. At the beginning I didn’t even know how to start the competition path, but I knew that the people inside the team were willing to help me. 

Here I found a new family and together with the WatchHouse Competition Team we want to achieve great things, have fun and learn more about coffee all together.

FP: After speaking with you briefly before the interview we talked about how WatchHouse’s ethos is very team orientated, could you tell us more about what makes it such an important aspect of what you guys do as a team?

Matteo: It ‘s very difficult to achieve something alone. Even if you are the most skilled person. We believe that as a team we can achieve goals. I’m the living proof, as a first time competitor it is very difficult to go to a competition and win in the first year. There are people competing with years of experience on their back, that know the tricks and have the mentality to approach the stage. There are so many aspects you need to take care of, a lot of small details that are important for the mind setting. What we do as a team is training together, we share information, we plan everything to cover absolutely every detail and we act as a unique calibrated entity.

FP: Before we let you go, we want to thank you Matteo and the team for having us in your Roastery and sharing with us your story. Is there anything that you would like to share with the Footpatrol readers that you want to tell them?

Matteo: I want first of all thank you very much for coming over and listening to our stories. It was really fun. I would like to say to everybody that hard work pays off, sometimes it is hard but it’s really important to never give up on your goals. Find people with your same aim and team up together, it is more enjoyable and the chance is bigger to achieve your dreams.

I also would like to say that inside a cup of coffee there is so much more than a brown liquid. There is a lot of hard work from the people that make your cup of coffee, from the farmers to the cafe staff. Be kind to the Barista and to all the people working in the coffee industry, we are still human beings that work hard for our goals and sometimes we dream to be on top of the world.

The Air Jordan I OG High ‘Dark Mocha’ will be coming soon to Footpatrol!

Through out this year, we reached out to the community to learn more about their collections, giving them the tough task of choosing a Top 5. Though some people broke this rule and showed 6, or even came back for a second go, It was really interesting to see such a wide, diverse range of footwear that at the end of the day, suited each person depending on their personal style and their wants and needs when it comes to buying sneakers.

At Footpatrol, we’re no different and now we’re coming to the end of 2020, we thought we’d give you an insight into our current rotations and what we’re wearing at the moment. 

Whether it’s old or new, GR or collaborations, bold prints or stripped back colour ways, we are all passionate about sneakers here at Footpatrol so over the next coming weeks, a different member of TEAMFP will share their current rotation of sneakers.

Last week, we looked at Jake’s current selection… which wasn’t very considerate of current weather. This week, we take a look at our creative photographer, Wilson, and his current rotation of sneakers.

Footpatrol: So why this rotation?

Wilson: Like a majority of the time, this current rotation was really based on how I was feeling on the day. Sometimes shoes that I haven’t worn in a while will pop up in my head and I’ll dig them out. Also the weather plays a big part, it’s currently unpredictable so it can be quite tough to choose pairs especially with nice materials ie. premium suede etc.

The NB990 ‘Grey’ is a given, it’s become an everyday shoe for me and for most out there through it’s comfort and style. Even prior to the ‘dad shoe’ trend, the NB990 was still a staple but to a smaller demographic. However, I think at present, this silhouette has become a household name in a wider market and is receiving its just deserts.

The asics x Awake Gel Kayano 5 360 (silver/green) is pretty much a “springtime” sneaker but the comfort on them is pretty great, the 360 GEL technology definitely helps as I’m out and about most days shooting. And that silver and green colour just works perfectly, definitely the pick out of the two.

The Nike Dunk High Pro Green has become a mainstay in my everyday rotation because the colours are subtle, they’ve been my most worn shoes since they released. I mean the Nike Dunk in general have been killing it this year so it’s only right to at least have one in the rotation.

The  AJIV Rare Air Laser was one of my grails when they released and it took me almost over 10 years to find a pair at a decent price. Having said that, it’s one of my oldest pairs and it has been said that your shoes are more prone to crumbling if you don’t wear them than when you do, so I try to get as much wear as I can now until that train reaches its destination. The fact it’s mostly leather with no perforations around the toe especially, so it reassures me that if it was to chuck down, my socks will remain dry!

Just like the AJIV’s, the ACG Mowabb is another shoe I haven’t worn in a while, and I guess it’s a good time to bring them out during this season. Classic shoe and colourway.

FP: Is there something you look for in a release before buying it?

Wilson: Yeah, the price hahaha! Although that’s a factor, it’s usually the colour scheme for me as it’s the first thing you see or at least draws you in. That goes for both collabs and inline releases. Then it would be the materials, story and so on. Perfect example would be the AJIV x Union LA lol!

FP: Give us 3 pairs that you think deserve some attention and love within your collection?

Air Max 90 ‘Crooked Tongue BBQ’ – Legendary stuff. For some reason they hurt my feet after a while but the NRG release doesn’t. Weird…

asics x Chemist Creations Gel Kayano 5 – The execution is well made, however, maybe it’s just me but they look bulkier than the inline GK5.

New Balance 997 x Concepts ‘Rose’ – One of my favourite NB’s ever and yet I don’t wear them half as much as I’d want. Something about them that makes me take them off as soon as I put them on, might be the suede? Who knows.

FP: Tell us about a special shoe in your collection, what is it and why do you love them so much?

Wilson: The Air Max 1 x atmos Safari (2002) is a pretty special pair for me. The quality of craftsmanship on that shoe is crazy, especially if you take into consideration the time it was released. You’d think footwear would be out of this world by now but it’s kind of the opposite. Also, it’s one of those shoes that I thought I’d never own and to actually own it is pretty surreal.

FP: What is it that catches your eye about it?

Wilson: This shoe has suede, nubuck, canvas, safari print, contrasting Swooshes, gum outsole and a mini Swoosh. What more can you ask for? Oh and for the Air Max 1 enthusiasts out there, I’m pretty sure that’s how the shape should be across the board right? lol

FP: Before you run off! Tell us one new trick you learnt during this year’s lockdowns?

Wilson: Learned the lyrics to the Snoop Dogg ‘Just Eat’ advert (without Genius).

The YEEZY BOOST 380 AZURE features an upper composed of multi-toned re-engineered Primeknit in a sock-like construction, providing a snug yet adaptable fit. The translucent monofilament window is woven into the upper, adding visual interest and breathability. This model features no-tie stretch laces with silicone closure for easy on and off wear and comes equipped with a second set of standard laces. A re-engineered full- length BOOST midsole elevates the cushioning experience, offering optimal comfort where consumers need it most. The herringbone rubber outsole offers unique design cues and improved traction.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!

To enter the ONLINE REFLECTIVE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!

To enter the ONLINE NON-REFLECTIVE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!

To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on. 

To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!

Throughout 2020, Nike have brought us the resurgence of the Nike Dunk and most importantly, some of the most iconic colour ways that have released over the years.

Some of these have been inspired by the 1985 ‘True to Your School’ pack and that exactly where this latest release gathers its inspiration from.

Based on the Nike Dunk High, this latest example takes on the Yellow and Black colour way seen on the 1985 ‘Iowa’ Dunk and most recently, the 2012 ‘Varsity Maize’. The most noticeable difference from that latest release is the removal of the stark black midsole and instead, in its place is a crisp white.

One to definitely look forward to for this year, stay locked to our social channels for more information to come!

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!

To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!

To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!

To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on. 

To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!

Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.

Over the years, Jordan Brand have collaborated with many music artists offering their own PE exclusives and for the safe part, many have enjoyed their personal take on pairs of their choosing. For Holiday 2020, Jordan Brand have tapped another music artist to create their very own rendition on one of the timeless models in the signature collection, the Air Jordan 1 OG High.

With high profile artists such as Travis Scott, Drake, Eminem already having a few collaborative projects with the Jumpman under their belt, Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin is just getting started. One of the best-selling Latin music artists in the world, J Balvins influence in and out of music have been well documented as well as being named as Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020. So having a Jordan collaboration is just one of many fruits of his labour.

With the Air Jordan 1 OG High silhouette being most accustomed to many consumers, many collaborators in the past have curated their own take and J Balvin is no different. Originally unveiled during a half-time performance on American football’s biggest stage, this exclusive AJ1 uses an eclectic mix of colours, textures and graphics to re-imagine the classic silhouette in the image of Colombian recording artist.

Rough-sewn overlays blur the design’s typically crisp design lines, while a spectrum of neon hues inject the look with an aggressive burst of energy. Customisable graphics (including Balvin’s signature smiley face) put a distinctive twist on the tongue, with similar visuals adorning the shoe’s insole and heel. Lace up and march to the beat of your own drum in this long-awaited and colourful collectible.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!

To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!

To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!

To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on. 

To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!

In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win and pick up dates. Due to current government laws surrounding Covid-19, the store is working on an appointment only basis. You will need to contact the store to make an appointment for a time during the stated pick up dates.

Through out this year, we reached out to the community to learn more about their collections, giving them the tough task of choosing a Top 5. Though some people broke this rule and showed 6, or even came back for a second go, It was really interesting to see such a wide, diverse range of footwear that at the end of the day, suited each person depending on their personal style and their wants and needs when it comes to buying sneakers.

At Footpatrol, we’re no different and now we’re coming to the end of 2020, we thought we’d give you an insight into our current rotations and what we’re wearing at the moment. 

Whether it’s old or new, GR or collaborations, bold prints or stripped back colour ways, we are all passionate about sneakers here at Footpatrol so over the next coming weeks, a different member of TEAMFP will share their current rotation of sneakers.

After showcasing what one of our creative photographers, Tom, was wearing, this week we take a look at one of the social team, Jake. Though for most, the weather plays a part in what footwear is chosen, Jake tends to stray away from this and wears what he wants that morning… then regrets it later that day.

Footpatrol: So, can you tell us a bit more as to why you’ve chosen this rotation?

Jake: If I’m honest, I’m not the best when it comes to taking care of my shoes. I mean, I’m not running around jumping through puddles and what not but my rotation is very much built on how I’m feeling and what I want to wear that day as opposed to the weather… unless its absolutely chucking it down or snowing for example then the above is how my mindset works.

With that in mind, the AFFIX ASICS Novablast or the Tom Sachs aren’t so winter ready with the unpredictable weather we’re graced with in the UK but I love the subtle colour palettes and both go so well with absolutely anything. Again, the Comme des Garcons Nike Dunk, the semi translucent material isn’t the best for these times or the warmest of shoes but they’re such an eye catching pair that when coupled with a simple outfit, they can make all the difference… Can you see what I mean about not picking the best shoes?

The Nike Alphafly I had to include… Though the team will judge me for this, this is one of the shoes I was most excited for in 2020. I’ve always been intrigued by the Breaking2 project so when this latest silhouette come to life, I was instantly hooked. Working from home the majority of the time, some days the only time I’ll leave the house is for a run so on my weekend runs when i’m putting in those longer miles, looking for a PB or teaming up with Your Friendly Running Club, these are my go to. The ‘Watermelon’ colourway has been helping me set those PB’s whilst the ‘Lime Blast’ colourway sits peacefully in their box as a ‘Nice Thing to Have’.

The Kiko Kostadinov ASICS GLYDELYTE III is the newest to my collection. Those that know me know my other bad habit is when I buy something, I have to wear it straight away so this meant that these had to be included… so you’ll see these on foot for the foreseeable.

FP: Is there something you look for in a release before buying it?

Jake: Nine times out of ten, it comes down to the colour way and the materials. It can be the most simplistic colours like that on the Tom Sachs or AFFIX ASICS Novablast, or it can be outlandish like the Undercover Nike React Element 87 ‘Volt’ where a host of extreme colours are so perfectly executed… anything in between and you’ve lost me.

For me, a story behind a shoe doesn’t really do much for me unless it’s something I can relate to or look at and believe the meanings behind it. Sometimes I feel a story is just attached to the product without much thought or context so I tend to stray away from this. 

FP: Give us 3 pairs that you think deserve some attention and love within your collection?

New Balance 1300JP: Though recreated every 5 years, 5 years is a long time so I’m scared to ruin them beyond the point of no return.

Hender Scheme Peel Gore: Japanese craftsmanship at its finest.

Comme des Garcons Nike Vapormax: This was back in the days when I queued outside DSM from 3AM, 10th person in and managed to grab the last pair in my size but with no time to try on, they ended up fitting slightly too big so it always makes me shy away from them.

FP: Tell us a special model within your collection, what is it and why do you love them so much? 

Jake: To be honest, there isn’t one shoe within my collection that is repeated over and over again however, there is one recurring theme within my collection and that’s collaborations which I put this down to my education. Having studied graphic design at UWE in Bristol, there was always a big push and we were always encouraged to work with others, whether that’s within the local community or those within the university. 

It’s always exciting to see what people can create when there are multiple creative minds at work or when an individual is given a silhouette to rework it in their minds. You only need to look at sacai and Nike, Kiko and ASICS or even Kanghyuk’s recent ‘Advanced Concept’ project with Reebok. It’s great to see brands let creatives do their thing.

FP: Before you run off! Tell us one new trick you learnt during this year’s lockdowns?

Jake: Does managing to convince family members to hand over their Netflix, Amazon Prime and Now TV details without contributing to monthly payments count as a trick? If so, then yeah, that…

Renewing their partnership once again, Nike have been teaming up with Chitose Abe’s high fashion label sacai since 2015. Ever since the relationship began, she has always brought her signature design to the Nike archive.

Bringing a modern take to some of their most historical silhouettes, Abe began by taking the Air Max 90 and the much sought after Dunk High silhouette and creating a laceless alternative, adding a futuristic spin to these classics. The collection also saw her bring her unique design details of splicing together multiple garments, fusing two into one.

It’s these details that have now made their way into the footwear collection, beginning with the LDV Waffle and the Blazer High, we now have the latest two latest silhouettes to receive this hybrid treatment.

First debuted at sacai’s Paris fashion show back in January, this latest offering see’s the coming together of two running silhouettes that will go down in Nike’s history come together for the first time. The record-breaking Vaporfly meets the 1983 Pegasus running shoe.

Please note: Due to delivery delays, the raffle for the sacai x Nike VaporWaffle ‘Black/White’ will be available soon! Stay locked to our social channels for more information.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!

To sign up to the LONDON IN-STORE raffle for the ‘White/Royal Fuchsia, CLICK HERE!

To sign up to the LONDON IN-STORE raffle for the ‘Black/White’, CLICK HERE!

Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.

The timeless classic Air Jordan IV has seen a few renditions in 2020 such as the long awaited return of the OG ‘Fire Red’ and collaborations with OFF-WHITE and Union LA respectively. For holiday 2020, Jordan Brand return with their latest release, a ‘Deep Ocean’ take on the popular model.

This latest release is inspired by Japanese craftwork and design, offering a ‘sashiko’ like pattern. Sashiko is a striking hand-sewing technique that originated in ancient Japan. In Japanese, its name means “little stabs”—a reference to the plain running stitch that makes up sashiko’s geometric, all-over patterns.

Dressed in a combination of canvas and twill materials assembled in quilt-like, patchwork fashion, the upper taps into a Deep Ocean hue, red patches feature around with white detailing stitched all over. Laces are mismatched to coincide with the patchwork theme, whilst the outsole is part translucent with red, blue and white.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!

To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!

To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!

To enter the PARIS IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!

To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on. 

To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!

Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.

After the reintroduction of the YEEZY 500 ‘Utility Black’, adidas and YEEZY bring us another early Christmas present with another reintroduction… This time around, it’s from the 350 v2 family, more notably, the ‘Core Black’.

Alongside the 2016 triple release of the Red, Green and Copper colour ways, this even more stripped back version that became known as ‘Bred’ proved that the all black iterations of the 350 v2 have always been some of the most dominant.

Take a look at the imagery below and make sure to get your entry in via our online raffle!

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!

To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!

To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on. 

To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!

Sims, DJ from Paris, has been behind the decks for more than 20 years. Successively stage DJ for artists, contender at the Redbull 3Styles competition and of course party DJ, his career is very complete.

The sample surgeon has provided us with an exclusive mix, with a 90´s French rap flavor. Enjoy !

Footpatrol: Hi Sims, thanks for spending some time with us. Can you introduce yourself to those who don’t know you?  

Sims: Sims, DJ for a long, long time, since the mid-90s. I am originally from Lille, I was the DJ of the Scred Connexion for 7 years when I arrived in Paris. Then I was the Paris champion of Red Bull 3Styles and then vice-champion of France. And more recently, I put together a little concept video around the sample, more precisely the deciphering of the sample in Hip Hop. I’ve also done a lot of mixtapes for OkayPlayer in the US and for Radio Nova in France. For the past few weeks now I’ve been having my weekly show on Radio Nova.

FP: The Sampler / Sampled routine has become a bit of your trademark, in any case it is what your social networks revolve around, how did it come to you?  

Sims: Everyone slips the original samples a bit into the sets, but I started editing the original samples so I could find the exact loop used in the song to make sure I could repeat the routines in a live mix. And then it was mostly an interesting thing to develop on social media. At first, it was only 15 seconds of video on Instagram, so I was really doing the bare minimum to show the process. It was working pretty well and that’s how it developed. And when the format changed to 1 minute, it gave me time to do a bit more. The idea was really to transcribe on social media what I prefer to do in my mixes.

FP: Have you ever had feedback from beatmakers on your posts in which you dissect the samples? 

 Sims: I got insulted by Primo (DJ Premier) on Twitter (laughs). Even though when you’re looking for samples, you have plenty of sources on the internet that allow you to get names and he didn’t want to hear about them. And so he didn’t like me to release the sample from “Above the Clouds”. I mentioned it and it pissed him off. But since then we made peace, we spoke on the phone again, we crossed each other, no problem. But I often get feedback with differents approaches. The Americans are often a little more tense. For example, there is Marco Polo who produces a lot on the east coast of the US. One day I ran into him and told him that I really wanted to make the video of one of his sounds but that I didn’t could not find the sample. He replied that no one has ever found it, no one will find it and that he would never give it away. And one day by chance, I find it! It was a song that had already been sampled by Kendrick Lamar. But Marco Polo had made a manipulation in the sound so that you can’t recognize immediately. This is what is funny with the sound, you can listen to the original song dozens and dozens of times, but if you don’t have the little “click” in your mind to understand how the producer worked on his sample, you may not get it from the all. On the French side, the producers are super happy with the idea. A guy like Cris Prolific who produced a lot for Oxmo Puccino, Lunatic…, came up to me. Besides, with a Belgian DJ, Grazzhoppa, we are going to release an anthological double mixtape of all his productions. He provided us with all the elements, his drum loops, his bass lines… He produced some memorable tracks on Lunatic’s “Mauvais Oeil”, so I discovered some crazy stuff and it gave me chills. when I caught how the guy had worked.

FP: What is the life of a DJ like right now?  

Sims: Haha It has changed! I didn’t tour a lot in France, but I had quite a few dates in France and especially on New Morning when there were visiting US artists. Then I organized the Sims Sample Party with Maydin which we brought in DJ Pone, Cut Killer … And then it refocused on my show on Radio Nova which pushes me to work more, so much so that I am a little less present on social networks. But radio is intransigent. In the evening, if you miss your mix a little, it doesn’t have to be a big deal because people don’t have their ears stretched out like when they listen to the radio. Especially since my show is live. Of course the live is prepared, because you can’t play like that with the samples. You can play 2-3 in a set like that, but you can’t play 30 like I do and find the right tones if it’s not worked out beforehand. Suddenly there is a a lot of preparation.

FP: Let’s talk about sneakers. Looks like you’re an Air Max fan? 

Sims: Yeah! For me Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 are the basics! But lately I really liked the Air Max 270 React Travis Scott too. I’m pretty classic, the Air Max 1 is the go-anywhere pair. I am very Nike and very Air Max. A good OG White Red, I could only wear this every day! 

FP: You did us the honor of making an exclusive mix, can you tell us a bit about it?

Sims: Since I knew Footpatrol was of English origin, I wanted to play only French rap. I didn’t want to get into the US Rap that everyone already knows, so there is a chance that FP audiences in England will find out about it and I hope it will get the French going. It’s very ’90s focused and there are little winks, like NTM’s featuring with The Firm, Nas’s band, AZ & Foxy Brown. There are a few of French rap from the good old days. I haven’t come to newer stuff because I have less control, there are fewer samples and therefore I can play with the material less.

FP: If we want to follow you and know your news, how do we do it?  

Sims: Best of all is Instagram, as long as my account is alive, because with legal stories, I get my accounts closed on a regular basis. So @Sims_samples on Instagram. I’m still a bit on Facebook and Twitter, with “Sims Sample” you can find me. And of course every Friday evening live from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Radio Nova (also listenable online). We also try to do video sessions because it’s pretty visual when I play.   

FP: Thanks so much for your time Sims! A final word?  

Sims: Thanks to FP, it was a pleasure to deliver a little mix! I hope you enjoy ! And when you want for the next one !

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Sims, Dj parisien est derrière les platines depuis plus de 20 ans. Successivement DJ de scène pour les artistes et candidat au concours Red Bull 3styles, sa carrière est très complète.

Le chirurgien du sample nous propose un mélange exclusif de Rap français des années 90. Profitez !

Footpatrol: Salut Sims, merci de passer un peu de temps avec nous. Est-ce que tu peux te présenter pour ceux qui ne te connaissent pas ? 

Sims: Sims, DJ depuis très très longtemps, depuis le milieu des années 90. Je suis originaire de Lille, j’ai été le DJ de la Scred Connexion pendant 7 ans quand je suis arrivé à Paris. Ensuite j’ai été champion de Paris du Red Bull 3Styles puis vice-champion de France. Et plus récemment, j’ai monté un petit concept vidéo autour du sample, plus précisément du déchiffrage du sample dans le Hip Hop. J’ai aussi fait pas mal de mixtapes pour OkayPlayer aux US et pour Radio Nova en France et depuis quelques semaines j’ai mon émission hebdomadaire sur Radio Nova.

FP: La routine Sampleur/Samplé est un peu devenue ta marque de fabrique, c’est en tout cas ce autour de quoi tournent tes réseaux sociaux, comment ça t’est venu ? 

Sims: Tout le monde glisse un peu des samples originaux dans les sets, mais j’ai commencé à éditer les samples originaux pour pouvoir retrouver exactement la boucle utilisée dans le morceau pour être sûr de pouvoir répéter les routines en mix live. 

Et puis c’était surtout un truc intéressant à développer sur les réseaux sociaux. Au début, il n’y avait que 15 secondes de vidéo sur Instagram, donc je faisais vraiment le strict minimum pour montrer le processus. Ca marchait pas mal et c’est comme ça que ça s’est développé. Et quand le format est passé à 1 minute, ça m’a laissé le temps de faire un peu plus. 

L’idée était vraiment de transcrire sur les réseaux sociaux ce que je préfère faire dans mes mixes.

FP: T’as déjà eu des retours de beatmakers sur tes posts dans lequel tu décortiques les samples ? 

Sims: Je me suis fait insulter par Primo (DJ Premier) sur Twitter (rires). Même si quand tu cherches des samples, t’as plein de sources sur internet qui te permettent d’avoir les noms, lui n’avait pas envie d’en entendre parler. Et donc ça ne lui a pas plu que je sorte le sample d’ « Above the Clouds ». Je l’avais mentionné et ça l’a fait chier. Mais depuis on a fait la paix, on s’est reparlé au téléphone, on s’est croisés, y’a aucun souci. 

Mais j’ai souvent des retours avec différentes approches. Les ricains sont souvent un peu plus tendus. Par exemple, il y a Marco Polo qui produit beaucoup sur la côte est des US, un jour je l’ai croisé et je lui ai dit que j’avais très envie de faire la vidéo d’un de ses sons mais que je ne trouvais pas le sample. Il m’a répondu que personne ne l’a jamais trouvé, personne ne le trouvera et qu’il ne le donnerait jamais. Et un jour par hasard, je le trouve ! C’était un morceau qui avait déjà été samplé par Kendrick Lamar. Mais Marco Polo avait fait un manip’ dans le son pour que tu ne reconnaisses pas immédiatement. C’est ça qui est marrant avec le son, tu peux écouter le morceau original des dizaines et des dizaines de fois, mais si t’as pas le déclic de comprendre comment le producteur a travaillé son sample, tu peux ne pas le capter du tout. 

Du côté des Français, les producteurs sont super contents de l’idée. Un mec comme Cris Prolific qui a produit beaucoup pour Oxmo Puccino, Lunatic… , est venu vers moi. D’ailleurs avec un DJ belge, Grazzhoppa, on va sortir une double mixtape anthologique de toutes ses prods. Il nous a fournis tous les éléments, ses boucles de batteries, ses lignes de basses… Il a produit des tracks mémorables sur « Mauvais Oeil » de Lunatic, du coup j’ai découvert des trucs de ouf et ça m’a collé des frissons quand j’ai capté comment le mec avait travaillé.

FP: Ca ressemble à quoi la vie d’un DJ en ce moment ? 

Sims: Haha Ca a changé ! Je ne tournais pas beaucoup en France, mais j’avais pas mal de dates en France et notamment au New Morning dès qu’il y avait des artistes US de passage. Puis j’y organisais les Sims Sample Party avec Maydin auxquelles on a fait venir DJ Pone, Cut Killer… 

Et puis là ça s’est recentré sur mon émission sur Radio Nova qui me pousse à travailler davantage, à tel point que je suis un peu moins présent sur les réseaux sociaux. Mais la radio c’est intransigeant. En soirée, si tu rates un peu ton mix, c’est pas forcément très grave parce que les gens n’ont pas l’oreille tendue comme quand ils écoutent la radio. D’autant que mon émission est en live. 

Bien sûr le live est préparé, parce que tu ne peux pas jouer comme ça avec les samples. Tu peux en jouer 2-3 dans un set comme ça, mais tu ne peux pas en jouer une trentaine comme je le fais et retrouver les bonnes tonalités si c’est pas travaillé en amont. Du coup il y a une grosse phase de préparation. 

FP: Parlons un peu sneakers. Il paraît que t’es un fan d’Air Max ? 

Sims: Ouais ! Pour moi Air Max 1 et Air Max 90 c’est la base ! Mais dernièrement j’ai beaucoup aimé la Air Max 270 React Travis Scott aussi. Je suis assez classique, la Air Max 1 c’est la paire qui passe partout. Je suis très Nike et très Air Max. Une bonne OG White Red, je pourrais ne porter que ça tous les jours ! 

FP: Tu nous a fait l’honneur de nous faire un mix exclusif, tu peux nous en parler un peu ?

Sims: Comme je savais que Footpatrol est d’origine anglaise, j’ai eu envie de jouer que du rap français. J’avais pas envie de rentrer dans le Rap US que tout le monde connaît déjà, comme ça il y a des chances que le public de FP en Angleterre découvre des trucs et j’espère que ça fera kiffer les Français. C’est très axé années 90 et il y a des petits clins d’oeil, comme le featuring de NTM avec The Firm, le groupe de Nas, AZ & Foxy Brown. 

Il y a quelques bastos du rap français de la bonne époque. Je ne suis pas venu sur des trucs plus récents parce que je maîtrise moins, qu’il y a moins de samples et du coup je peux moins jouer avec la matière. 

FP: Si on veut te suivre et connaître ton actu, comment on fait ? 

Sims: Le mieux c’est Instagram, tant que mon compte est en vie, parce qu’avec les histoires de droit, je me fait fermer mes comptes réguilèrement. Donc @Sims_samples sur Instagram. 

Je suis encore un peu sur Facebook et Twitter, avec « Sims Sample » on me trouve.

Et bien sûr tous les vendredi soir en live de 21h à 22h sur Radio Nova (écoutable en ligne également). On essaye aussi de faire des sessions vidéo parce que c’est assez visuel quand je joue. 

FP: Merci beaucoup pour ton temps Sims ! Un mot de la fin ? 

Sims: Merci à FP, c’était un plaisir de vous livrer un petit mix ! 

J’espère que vous apprécierez ! 

Et quand vous voulez pour le prochain !

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