Speedy J

Speedy J

Speedy J is the performance name of Jochem Paap, a Dutch techno DJ and producer from Rotterdam. Born in 1969, he is associated with ambient, electronic, glitch, minimal techno and techno.

Early career and releases

He is regarded as one of the first techno producers from the Benelux. In the early 1990s he releases on labels including Plus 8, Warp and Novamute. His early albums include G Spot and Ginger, after which his work moves away from straightforward techno into more complex electronic forms.

Sound and collaborations

His later records, including Public Energy No. 1 and A Shocking Hobby, feature colliding samples, crackling rhythms and abrupt shifts in texture. He also works with video artists, filmmakers and advertisers, and creates the pioneering DVD Umfeld, an audio-visual electronic work released as a free download.

Live performance and label work

Speedy J explores the overlap between live performance and DJing, using software and hardware together in extended electronic sets. With Chris Liebing, he develops a setup based around Traktor, multiple laptops, Maschine Drum and 303-style hardware. He runs the Electric Deluxe label, whose releases include tool versions designed for building live sets, and which also issues his Collabs series alongside records by Chris Liebing, George Issakidis, Tommy Four Seven and Terrence Fixmer. The label is also linked to the Electric Deluxe presents event series, which features artists such as Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola, Radio Slave, Matthew Dear and Chris Liebing.