When it comes to raw, rave-ready energy, JACKARD doesn’t miss. The UK producer’s latest four-track barrage, HARDLINE10, hits like a steel toe to the chest—no filler, no fluff, just peak-time pressure, and unapologetic swagger.
With past releases on Moxy Muzik and Simma Black and sets alongside legends like Roger Sanchez, Low Steppa, and Chris Stussy, JACKARD has been quietly stacking wins. Now, he’s roaring back with HARDLINE‘s hardest-hitting release to date.
We caught up with JACKARD to talk basslines with bite, vocals that slap, and why he’s playing the long game in a scene addicted to hype.
The raw energy of the 90s UKG movement and the deeper underground House sounds have always been a big inspiration for me.
HARDLINE10 feels like it could punch a hole through a warehouse wall— was that the goal, or just a happy accident?
It was 100% intended! I wanted each track on the EP to make you feel like it really smacked you in your chest when you heard it. I wanted to channel that raw & gritty rave energy with a splash of sexy swag to get people pulling out the gun fingers & bouncing around the rave with their friends.
You’ve played alongside some serious legends. What do you bring to a lineup with Roger Sanchez or Chris Stussy that makes the crowd remember your set?
This might sound a bit controversial but I have always played records that I think sound quality and not try to just please the crowd. I like to pride myself on really trusting my musical ear so song selection and timing is everything when your DJing on these big stages. Reading the crowd, taking risks and enjoying yourself. Your energy is projected & picked up off the ravers on the dance floor so its important to be your authentic self!
Bust It is unhinged—in the best way. What’s the story behind that warped vocal? Were you aiming for chaos or just vibing in the moment?
Bust It came together really quickly and naturally in the studio one night. The vocals I sampled were perfect, they gave the track a sexy feel combined with a naughty UKG bassline, it just made sense. I really loved the record after I’d made it, but I didn’t expect it to get such a huge reaction online & across social media. I’ve never had so much hype around a track leading up to its release and when it finally dropped on Hardline; it felt like a really special moment in my career.
You’ve released on Moxy Muzik and Simma Black, and now you’re back with Hardline. What about this label fits your current sound and vision best?
The raw energy of the 90s UKG movement and the deeper underground House sounds have always been a big inspiration for me. I’ve been working hard to craft a sound that nods to that legacy whilst putting my own signature stamp on it. Labels like Hardline feel like the perfect fit for what I am creating.
The vibes from the Slapfunk and Moxy Muzik parties have shaped my music direction in a massive way and every time I am at one of those events I hear a Hardline tune in the mix, so for me to be a part of it just makes total sense!
Each track on HARDLINE10 hits differently—what’s the glue that holds them together? Vibe? Velocity? Violence?
I think a mixture of all of that! I kept all 4 records original, raw & authentic to myself and I think you can hear that when you listen to the EP.
Slam Jam is a closer that doesn’t let you leave the dancefloor. Is ending on a banger part of your signature move, or is it just instinct at this point?
Like any party you want to end on a high note right? I wanted a record that had a heavy bass line & a nasty vocal hook to keep the energy high and luckily I managed just about to pull it off haha.
With Hardline evolving into one of the scene’s grittiest labels, where do you see JACKARD fitting into that movement—leader, disruptor, or both?
Hardline is definitely known worldwide for its sick releases and to now be a apart of the labels catalogue is a wicked feeling. Im buzzing that the UKG sound is becoming more popular and I want to continue to be apart of pushing the genre forward through my own productions.
You’ve been grinding since 2017. What’s kept you pushing forward in an industry where hype burns fast, and artists burn out faster?
The love for music! I’ve seen trends come and go and artists jumping on whatever’s hot to fast track their careers. For me it’s simple. I genuinely love making and playing the music that I enjoy listening to. That’s what keeps me motivated. I am in it for the long run so I want to enjoy the process of becoming the best artist I can be without rushing things.
Your sets are known for raw, explosive energy. What’s your secret to keeping the BPM—and the room—on the edge without losing musicality?
I love to really dig for records and find tunes that fit any occasion so I’m always readily equipt for any moment. You know the saying ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’…I live by that when it comes to a DJ set… always make sure your ready to bring the heat!
HARDLINE10 feels like a warning shot. What’s coming next from JACKARD—and how loud should we expect it to be?
I definitely have more shots to be fired off this year, some big releases lined up on labels you’ll recognize, and a few fresh ones in the mix too. One event I’m especially buzzing about is making my debut in Ibiza this summer at Secret Sessions. Playing on that magical island has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, so that’s going to be very special.
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