Interview: Curtis Lynch Jr., Necessary Mayhem

Tags:curtis lynch jr., etana, necessary mayhem, papa levi, uk, video

Curtis Lynch Jr. is the mastermind of the UK reggae label Necessary Mayhem Records, which launched in London april 2006. Since then he has made a name for himself with relicks of classic riddims like “Joker Smoker” or “Police In Helicopter”. In the interview Curtis Lynch Jr. talks about how he got into reggae, his role models and a strange person called Da Grinch.

When there is a junior, there must be a senior. Has it been your dad who brought you to the music?

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Ha ha, no. But my parents bought the music that inspired me as a child so in some way I guess so.

You have successfully worked with big artists like Alicia Keys and the Gorillaz. Why did you came up with your own label Necessary Mayhem Records in 2006 and concentrate on reggae music?

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Reggae is my first love. It doesn’t matter how big the artist really, as long as you have talent and I can turn it into reggae somehow then we can work. So the label for me was important. All great reggae producers have there own label so I want to be like them.

To make a living from a label „ … you have to be mad busy“. That is what you wrote me a few weeks ago. Please tell me about a busy day in the life of Curtis Lynch Jr.

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Emails, emails, and emails, beats, mixing, voicing, writing, and maybe some food in between but defiantly no sleep ….

On you website you mention Jamaican labels like Coxsone, Jammys & Music Works as your role models. What is it that you appreciate about them?

Curtis Lynch Jr.: The quality of their music matched by the work rate is exceptional. You can’t help but be inspired by these people.

How do they influence your work?

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Their sound is one that I like, booming bass, excellent songs and melodies, and a sound that is true to reggae.

You use a lot of material, that was huge in the dance long time ago, riddims like “Police In Helicoper”, “Report to Me” or “Joker Smoker”. One may guess that you have a lack of own ideas.

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Labels that we love over the year are based on such behaviour such as Penthouse. Most of the big tunes on Penthouse are do overs. I have plenty of original tracks as well but I find people like this style about our label and we always add our own vybe to it.

What I really like about your productions is that you put quality over quantity with small selections and good artists.

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Thank you. Quality is everything to me. The sound must be right and the artist always voice good tunes for me. It’s a vybe thing I guess.

Is it different to work with veteran reggae artists like Gregory Isaacs or Delroy Wilson than with younger ones?

Curtis Lynch Jr.: I really try to treat everybody the same. Of course when you work with giants its slighty different but our quality and subject matter must remain true to the label.

A Dub Version by Da Grynch is part of almost every Necessary Mayhem selection. Who is that guy?

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Ha ha ha! A very angry man who is going to unleashed even more this year.

One last question: Vinyl or digital, which one keeps your label alive?

Curtis Lynch Jr.: Vinyl for sure. This may surprise many but it’s true. Digital is coming along nicely though.