JammTyme - So You Think You Can Dance?

'It's London and beyond for us', says Ricsean, one of the members of the music collective JAMM TYME. In the past year we've seen them explode on to the UK Funky scene with their infectious dance moves and vocals featured in their music videos ‘Fitness First’ and ‘So You Think You can Dance’.

I thought catch up with the CEO of the collective, Ricsean Campbell-Ramsay himself to find our the groups formation, influences and views on the current music industry.  

Ree: So Ricsean, tell us how it all started….

Ricsean : JAMM TYME originally started as a Duo in late 2009 consisting of - myself - Ricsean "Uni Klone" Campbell-Ramsay and Jordan "Jay Flo" Ellis-Baptiste. We only set out to make one up beat club track called "Fitness Test", but at the time and it seemed like every one was making tracks about dances, mainly in the UK Funky Scene so both Jordan and I thought we'd give it a go. We combined our sporting experiences in football, athletics and boxing and made a few slides to the left then a few more to the right.... Then "BOOOOMM" the "Fitness Test" was created.

Ok, well that explains two members, but what about the third?

After a few performances and support from family and peers, we were jumping on stage to perform our song produced by Danny "Dee's Beats" Hunt, we noticed that out of all dozens of people who regularly jumped on stage with us, ONE stood out as an incredible dancer, this is where Brendon "Soca King" St.Catherine joined the group permanently and started to make his impact. We’ve been performing ever since, with loads of material available over the net and at any good show.

So what does JAMM TYME stands for?

Just Any Modern Musical - Topics You May Enjoy. It basically means whatever your doing just make sure your having a good time and enjoying it.

Why should people listen to your music?

People should listen to us if they want a break from the norm, and are ready to hear a slightly different perspective on everyday and extraneous subjects. In the collective we believe several skills are unified: Jordan’s ability to sing and rap, mixed with my ability to write and rap which syncs in perfectly with Brendon’s ability to dance & choreograph. Watch a performance and you'll understand.

What did your "So you think you can Dance" represent?

Originally it’s a saying from the mass hit television show, but more importantly it’s a concept that Jordan had always mentioned which inspired me to write about it in the form of a song. I’ve been to places such as clubs, raves and house parties and you get some people who just don’t want to move and stand still looking like statues. The song is based on taking this concept to an almost a battle type scenario between guys and girls competing to be the best in dance. Anybody who is anybody can dance, since the beginning of man we danced to music, so why not now?

Where is the best place your music has taken you ?

It has definitely taken us to great heights, whether it be online, stage shows or festivals including different parts of the country such as Milton Keynes, Kent and the Midlands, It’s shown us that music is a universal language, it's not just London based. It's London and beyond for us.

What are your views on the current music industry and what has it taught you as a collective?

The current industry is fast and exciting and it’s grown so much, over the last few years. We’ve seen a lot more artists representing from our UK industry, which has also been received really well by the United States, it is definitely a time to show the best of your abilities, but it is hard with so much talent coming out of one barrel. Being slightly different helps you stand out though.

You’ve definitely brought something original to the scene so where would you say you’ve gained your influences from?

Everywhere really. The early days of Lauren Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras who were apart of the Refugee Camp, this showed us that mixed abilities work well as a unit and content can be portrayed in a light hearted way and still relay a deep message. Locally, from the success of N-DUBz which shows us that with the commitment of time you can achieve your goals, just stick to what you’re doing. Black Eyed Peas show everyone that you can go far by using such a diverse selection of music as long as it is quality controlled, and I think they inspire us to be confident to be different.

Also the raw talent in the UK itself, growing up in a scene where there is so much talent around you, from MC's like Kano, Ghettz and P Money even Tinie Tempah living on your doorstep to rappers from Giggs to Recky Ramps and singers such as Loick Essien, Katy B and Adelle and never forgetting the endless Dance talents of the mighty Flawless and Peridot. The list is endless with so many new and unknown talents which drives you forward to compete to the best of your ability.

What’s next for JAMM TYME?

This is only the beginning. So subscribe to JAMM TYME's Youtube channel and make sure you get out there to our live shows and performances, we believe that's where real raw talent lies. You can expect more Energy, more moves and definitely more music from us.

You can now contact Jamm Tyme via Facebook, follow them Twitter and Youtube.