TOUR OF DUTY: JACKMASTER

It was a decade ago when Jackmaster founded Glasgow club night Numbers, forging a party ready collective of like-minded talent whose ranks helped launch the likes of Rustie and Hudson Mohawke into the wider world. Today, Numbers is still multiplying exponentially, with Jackmaster – who recently recorded a Radio 1 Essential Mix - refining the art of the purely focused DJ by bringing his superior live sets across the world - three times over - on what feels like a never-ending tour.

 After a 10-date headline US stint last month, Jackmaster (aka Jack Revill) shows no sign of hopping off the road anytime soon. “I always love to play New York, simply because it's New York and such a great city to hang out in,” he tells us when we ask about the American experience. “On my last tour Boston was definitely a highlight. Aside from that it's just exciting to play with promoters who are truly into the music, are excited about what they are doing and understand the core values of any party. Good sound, good sound and good sound.”

With a commitment to crowd-pleasing, without compromising artistic integrity, here’s an inside look at how this selector remains a (Jack)master of dancefloors.

Three essential tour items you don’t leave home without?
“I'd like to say my laptop, since it supplies the music, but I have left my laptop in an airport by accident on the way to a show. My phone, because I'm addicted to Twitter and when I’m in a country where no one understands my broad Scottish accent, the phone becomes my best friend. A fat bag of hair products to keep the quiff in peak condition.”

Three tracks you’re most looking to dropping?
“I couldn't possibly divulge this top-secret information, as these secret weapons are what keep me in a job! Instead I can tell you three upcoming Numbers tracks that have been destroying it for me recently: Doc Daneeka's 'Treptow,' a big piano track which I'm always a sucker for, Artwork's 'Let Go of the Acid,' a huge acid track, which I'm also a sucker for, and Unknown Artist's 'Pride,' a Chaka Khan sampling house tune that sounds like Levon Vincent meets old Blawan.”

I love it at a show when...
“I have enough spare drinks on my rider to share some of the love with the front row of the crowd.”

I hate it at a show when...
“People hold their phones in my face to request tunes by Avicii. Or when people ask me to shout out their friend's birthday on the microphone.”

Choice of on tour refreshment?
“Irn Bru, the nectar of my nation. Unfortunately, I think it's banned in America!”

Party into the night or back to the hotel?
“Disco nap before the show, then party till daylight.”

When I’m at the airport I will always...
“Misplace my passport at least once. The people at Glasgow passport office told me if I lose mine again they’d never give me another one... ever. They honestly think I'm selling them to terrorists or something.”

Most memorable tour experience?
“Every single tour experience is memorable, because I am captain fun guy. My last bus tour across the US with Skream and Benga was pretty memorable. Probably for the wrong reasons! Playing b2b with Oneman in an igloo in Austria. Going back to back with Joy Orbison, Optimo and Disclosure at Unknown festival for six hours. I could go on forever. We could do a whole feature on that subject alone.”

What one thing would you love on your rider but are too afraid/polite to ask for?
“A micro pig.