Interview
Jamie Jar is an event photographer and DJ originally from the LA area, currently based in New York. His photography has documented acclaimed festivals across the world from Dimensions to Dripping, as well as more close-quartered settings like Mansions and Public Records in New York - capturing equal levels of intimacy no matter where he aims his lens.
As a selector, Jamie channels the moments he captures from behind his camera into mixes that aim to create those exact sorts of moments. The kind that are worth 1,000 words, or more.
For this mix, Jamie opens with lush ambiance, giving way to warmly embracing house. Hope you enjoy!
As a photographer, I wonder if you feel you notice things others overlook?
Do I notice what others might not? It is somewhat subjective because my passion, my focus, my rhythm have everything to do with seeing what others choose not to while they are tuned into the scene that’s happening around them. I just go off of feeling from the sound, lighting, and overall environment.
Do you have a favorite photographing experience in particular?
I think my favorite experience with photography so far has been being able to connect with so many incredible people I’ve met along the way over the last 10 plus years. One story in particular was when I made it to my friend's party in Belgium, Oridoo, it was a party that brought such a dedicated community together in Antwerp.
Are there any similarities between how you think about capturing a photo and how you think about selecting music?
The similarities between my photography and music selection process definitely affect one another. I’ve documented many different genres performed live or dj’d and when I’m selecting tracks for recording mixes or sets I usually think back to the documentation of certain shows and how the music made me feel. I’m super grateful that I get to work with two mediums that work well with one another.
Photography has obviously led you to many places and to meet many people, from festivals around the world to your current home in New York. Can you share a bit about the journey photography has led you on?
I am about 11 years into this journey of documenting moments that hold weight not just for me but for many. Photography has allowed me a chance to travel across the world. My identity as a photographer continues to change year after year but my love for underground music will never divert from how it made me feel the first time I felt that liberated escape.
How did your roots in LA serve as a jumping off point for your career in photography?
My roots in LA helped launch my photo career by exposing me to a unique underground scene of music, producers, DJ’s, curators, and more. Going around with a camera and having no idea what was happening or what it would eventually mean to me created an identity to the way I now see, hear and feel.
Can you describe your mix for us?
This mix is a catharsis to me. I had been sitting on it for months and am grateful for Peace Portal to host it. It’s fully open to interpretation. Gives a sense of trial and tribulation that we can all relate to. Who knows but I’m glad it’s releasing :)
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