Jason is so excited about the launch of his new night, Jukebox Disco, at The RVT. We spoke to him about the new club night, his love of music and why he loves what he does, especially now that he’ll be playing at the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
When did you first realise you loved music, and who were your first favourite artists?
My love of music stems from my family, from what I can remember. As a toddler and growing up, music was always played either at home or at my grandparents’ house, and it was a proper mixture of genres.
My true love for music started in 1984 when my mum bought me “I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Nik Kershaw. couldn’t stop playing it. Then, over the next few years, I discovered Stock, Atkin and Waterman with Kylie, Sonia, Rick Astley, etc. I absolutely loved them.
The artist that made the biggest impact on music for me was and still is Whitney Houston, my all-time favourite singer. I’m fascinated by her voice, musical delivery and performance; she’s amazing all around.
I appreciate any artist you listen to that makes you think, “Wow”.
When did you first start promoting club nights?
For years, I have been providing music and lighting for private parties and corporate events, and I have done the odd New Year’s Eve bash at a couple of venues in Kent, but this would be the first full-on club night, and I’m super excited to be launching it at the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
What do you love most about promoting club nights?
The music and a fun atmosphere go hand in hand. It’s a challenging but fun job to choose the tracks that everyone will love and enjoy, trying to cater for all types of people that attend but also enhancing the environment with lighting and visual effects. If everyone is enjoying themselves, it’s a very rewarding feeling. It’s my job to provide the music and atmosphere while my husband, Chris, welcomes everyone at the door. It is great that we can work together and share the experience.
The strapline for Jukebox Disco is, ‘why have one genre when you can have them all?’ What is the inspiration behind the club’s music policy?
We have our “liked” or “favourite” playlists, and sometimes more than not, it is a variety of different genres. My love for music has spread over various categories, such as pop, dance, R&B, and music from the 80s to today’s charts. Let’s be honest, we all love a bit of random, so why not have a night that plays music from all decades and all genres, from disco classics by Donna Summer, followed by Dua Lipa, then a Eurodance track, then a tune from the 80s, continuing with a remix of a Miley Cyrus tune. Anything could be next, and that is the whole fun of it.
I do a few shows for various online radio stations around the globe, and the mixed genre concept has gone down really well, and I have received tremendous positive feedback. Plus, at a Jukebox Disco event, you can request a song (for free by text or WhatsApp message), just like on a Jukebox.
Obviously, some tracks wouldn’t work. For instance, if we are playing Dolly Parton and someone requests something like Death Metal, then maybe that request wouldn’t fit the playlist for that night, but we are open to all suggestions.
What kind of people do you hope to attract to Jukebox Disco?
EVERYONE, whether you are L, G, B, T, Q, I or A+. Everyone is welcome. That is the one thing I love and admire about the RVT. From the first time I stepped foot in that venue, I felt accepted and safe, and that’s very rare, especially in this day and age.
Everyone at the RVT is friendly, welcoming, and very hard working to make you feel like you are surrounded by friends, and it does not matter how you identify, what you’re wearing, how old you are or what you look like; you’re accepted and included, and I love that.
What else are you passionate about?
My little family and my close friends. I love to discover new places and things with my husband, Chris, whether it’s travelling abroad or just new discoveries in London or around the UK. Even though I was born in Greenwich, I still find little gems I never knew existed.
I think it’s important to make time to spend with your loved ones. My “day job” is working in a children’s centre that supports families and children, and I’m lucky to be part of the team that helps those who require it. It’s an exhausting job, but I love it, and it is rewarding.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m hoping the night goes very well and that maybe we will be offered to provide the night again at the RVT. The best thing about a Jukebox Disco night is its diversity. It can be tailored to certain types of nights, and elements can be changed and added to, so providing more nights in the future, maybe at other venues around the UK, would be great, too.
Advance tickets £8. Tickets available on the door from 9 pm.
Jukebox Disco is on 22 February 2025, 9 pm – 3 am, at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY, United Kingdom.
Follow Jukebox Disco:
Facebook – @jukeboxdisco
Instagram – @jukeboxdiscoevents
Threads – @jukeboxdiscoevents