A longstanding collective of musicians and curators, The Operatives are one of the foremost names in Australian electronic music, pushing the boundaries of our music scene both here, and overseas.

As the founder and one of the crew’s chief ‘agents’, Jerry Poon aka JPS has been personally responsible for shaping much of the Melbourne electronic scene, and now oversees a collective that include touring, artist management, event management, promotions – and a lot of incredible music.

With JPS about to play not one but two sets at the inaugural Pleasure Garden festival in St Kilda’s Catani Gardens this Saturday, we took the chance to pick his brain about The Operatives, the strength of the local music scene, and the acts we need to keep an eye on.

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An idea of what we can expect from JPS’ twin sets at The Pleasure Garden this weekend

As a promoter, tell us about the Melbourne electronic scene. How healthy is it now, and where do you see it progressing?

It’s on a global level of recognition. There are so many crews and labels out now presenting an amazing array of music. Opiuo and crew destroying the US, Good Manners fronting some amazing artists like Kllo, as well as labels Wondercore, Crown Ruler and Stable Music etc. On a bass music front, we’ve united with crews like Dark Riddim (Dark Ops) and Twisted Audio (The D.O.T) to ensure that the scene stays strong united and healthy.

It’s a strange thing that sometimes when music is seen as a commodity, people forget that the core essential element of music is the love of it, how it’s presented, and that it’s for the fans and people – and I think the crews in Melbourne have an extremely strong grasp of that.

Why is an organisation like The Operatives is so crucial to the Melbourne electronic scene, and Australia’s?

Perhaps the early beginnings of some of the artists we brought through further influenced some of this generation of young Australian artists that are shining through now. The core of The Operatives is based around the amazing collective who are constantly playing weekly, providing the best music to the city.

We’re always happy to offer advice to new crews setting up, and try to link in with others, collaborating for the best outcome for the particular genre of music that is being represented – always presenting an alternative look to music that is not in the mainstream, and sticking to our guns.

You’ve collaborated with the Kiat Hooves and Syreneyiscreamy, who’s next in your sights?

Next up will be another full EP with Johnny Hooves, and we’re speaking to a few vocalists as well. I think working with Hooves is the backbone of it all, he is an amazing and meticulous engineer, there’s no way I could get things to sound anywhere close to what he does!

You’re a major advocate for experimental and progressive electronic music – where did this passion stem from?

Being a glutton for punishment, haha. I think I would have to say Red Bull Music Academy Melbourne in 2006. We were doing shows of various styles, but the Academy was simply an eye-opener of being able to cross genres – and also networking.

But I think I got bored with the idea of listening to one genre of music all night long, and I wanted to have the focus that unity in sound could stem from being just that: non genre specific.

Who, or what, is influencing or driving you at the moment?

Personally, I think there were certain realisations with where I’m at right now, and the desire is to only work with good people. Musically I’m loving the jungle, dancehall, DnB, half-time crossover jams, but I play a bit of everything in a set.

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The Opiuo band will also be joining JPS on the lineup of The Pleasure Garden

You’re in the process of launching an in-house label – has this been a long time coming, and somewhat of an end goal for The Operatives?

It’s another platform for us, and the idea of pressing a record has always been on my mind. I don’t think we’ve reached the end goal – we’re only 12 years young and evolving and growing in different ways. We have a management branch now as well, so I think the goal is to look at a global movement.

Tell me about the sentiment relating to your show Espionage: being more than just a gig, but also an event to feed your senses.

Well, we try to include the different visual elements courtesy of Brendan Harwood that really enhance the show. Mainly, to have each always feel slightly different to the next – but always quality.

Who are some of the other acts or promotions we should be looking towards at the moment?

Well… Shades (Eprom and Alix Perez), Om Unit, PBDY (JP Moregun), Cazeaux O.S.L.O, Billy Davis, Silentjay, Beatrice, Jace XL, Man Made Mountain, 30/70, A13, Float, Sean Deans, Mr Carmack, D Bridge, Troyboi, Tiber, Herzeloyde…

It’s a never ending flow of perfection in diversity, from international friends, to ones in our own backyard. On a festival note, it’s amazing to be included in the inaugural Pleasure Garden and, of course, Let Them Eat Cake on NYD.

How do your processes change between a dark Melbourne club and a festival setting?

I never plan sets, so it’s constantly evolving. Sometimes we bring the light into the club, other times the rumble to the outdoor jungle, so its a about something old, something new, and the vibes that ring true.

With The Pleasure Garden, what can we expect from your set there?

I’m playing two sets, so it will be diverse, ranging from dancehall, to DnB, but no doubt bass heavy. Where it goes…..

To find out, catch JPS at new Melbourne festival The Pleasure Garden on December 10, alongside The Cat Empire, The Opiuo Band, Tash Sultana and more – tickets are on sale now.

Feature image by Duncographic, via JPS

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