JAXX TMS: The 'Monday Is OK' Mix

Music

Soothing, sun-soaked sounds come as second nature to DJ and artist JAXX TMS. For the last year, her Expressions mix series has served as a sonic escape from the day-to-day worries and stresses; a way to connect with your mind on a deeper level and all that is happening around you.

From her home of Berlin JAXX spins many musical plates. Aside from transmitting regularly on community radio station THF, she makes up part of Slic Unit— a DJ collective formed to empower women of colour within music— as well as taking over the airwaves for Brooklyn independent music and media company Half Moon.

Providing the perfect cocktail for the sunshine on a hazy Monday morning, JAXX treats us to an hour of warm, vibrant and soulful music, floating from soul and jazz to funk and silky R&B. Take a load off, it’s Monday after all…

Ransom Note · JAXX TMS: The ‘Monday Is OK’ Mix

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you, what are you?

Hey y’all, I’m Jacqueline aka JAXX TMS – DJ and Florist. Right now I’m in our apartment in Berlin holding my little daughter in my arms while she’s having a siesta.

Tell us about the Monday mixtape you’ve put together for us.

It’s pretty vibrant, warm and colorful. It definitely takes you to a sunny place.

If it were to be drawn what would it look like?

It would probably look like a watercolor sketch.

If it were a food what would it be?

Artichokes with garlic in olive oil.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Somewhere with the sun shining and trees in front of your wide opened windows, so you can feel that breeze on your skin and in your hair while listening.

What should we be wearing?

I would say not too much. Something that makes you feel free and light.

Where was it recorded?

It was recorded in my living room.

Are you on the same wavelength as the boomtown rats or do you actually like Mondays?

I actually like Mondays. To me, they feel like extended Sundays in a way.

Who got you hooked on music?

My Dad who has a huge vinyl collection and introduced me to his records from an early age.

What was the first record you heard and how did it make you feel?

Oh my… It must be Juan Luis Guerra with Bachata Rosa. My aunties played that album every single time – at home, in their car, everywhere. I’m still in love with nearly all the songs and it feels like home, family, a cooking abuela and singing aunties. Just the good old times.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Wow, the first one I really dont know that’s too long ago. But I can tell you about these last ones I picked up. I recently found this group called 101 North that most people have probably never heard of and it’s amazing! All tracks produced by George Duke so that’s always a plus.

Then there’s Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly LP which is just a classic album and definitely a must have. I also picked up Earth Wind & Fire’s Last Days and Times Album with this beautifully painted artwork that reminds me of Mati Klarwein’s works.