UK producer Stolen Velour delivers with a set of outrageously fun and playful club bangers on Jasper, his second EP for Kindergarten Records. Across the EP, Stolen Velour crafts grime-coded club tracks to joyous effect. He designs cheerful and cheeky sounds that he uses to underpin candy-coated pop melodies that sneakily emerge across the record. “I know, I know feat. Xu Lai” transforms from a raw club stepper into a dazzling, euphoric big room weapon, exemplifying the producer’s ability to build tension and know just when and how to release it. Sobolik’s hollowed-out, slow-building “Jasper” remix and Despina's high-speed, break-laden take on “I know, I know” both anchor the EP with inspired, more direct takes on Stolen Velour’s originals. 

Nina caught up with Stolen Velour to learn more about the record. 

Location: Floating between Leeds and London

Can you tell us about Jasper? Does the name have any special significance?

Stolen Velour: Jasper is named after the gemstone, Jasper. My first EP on Kindergarten was called Onyx, so keeping with the theme, I wanted to pick a stone that reflected my evolution from that first release. Something more earthy and grounded, yet messy, amorphous and mystical!

How did you and Kindergarten Records first connect?

Kindergarten was the first label to ever send me promos! It was a very exciting and affirming moment and made me feel like a real DJ. Also the tracks were sick, so when Masha asked if I wanted to release with the label it was a no-brainer! We've become great friends now and I honestly can't thank her enough for the work she's put into getting my music into the world. <3

What did your production process look like for this release?

In the box, in the dark, in a basement. The basement was in an absolute state when I first started working in it, and as I built the release I also worked on re-doing the environment (with one of my besties) which was actually super inspiring and I imagine it unconsciously informed the way I was producing. 

What's next for you in 2024?

Next on the agenda is a residency at Opera North in Leeds in March where I'll be bringing to life a bunch of music I've been putting together the last couple of years with Floco, Aria SL, and an ensemble! There will be real instruments and real vocals and I'm really scared and intimidated by it but also super excited.