Joining us for mix number 26 is Defected resident DJ Jess Bays. Tipped by DJ Mag as ‘One to watch’, Jess regularly performing with the likes of Annie Mac, MK, Hannah Wants, Sam Divine and Derrick Carter.

She’s renowned for her vocal house style and you might know her best for her single ‘Hold On’ – a track which spent two weeks in the Spotify Viral Chart.

We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us this Friday, but while you’re waiting, get to know the artist a little better below!

Tell us about yourself; where you’re from, what you do and what’s your shoe size? 

“What’s up guys! I’m Jess Bays & I’m a professional international House DJ & Producer from London Town! My shoe size is a UK 5.”

How did you get started in the music industry? 

“I actually started as a Tour Manager for Defected’s Sam Divine back in 2014 learning the ropes of the industry from the inside out before I started my journey as a DJ. I learnt the basics of mixing at SubBass DJ Academy and then bagged my first ever set at Ministry of Sound! The rest as they say is history.”

How would you describe your music style? 

“Vocal house with a mixture of deep and uplifting sounds – it’s all about the vocals for me. Vocals connect with memories and moments on a dance floor with people you love.”

What has been your record of the year so far and what are you looking forward to hearing for the rest of the year? 

“Tom Everett – Patti – all day long! It’s a classic disco sample that’s been given a 2020 spin and it absolutely bangs on a sound system and goes OFF! Even in these socially distance times.”

Have you been making much music recently and can we expect some releases soon?

“Literally, all I’ve been doing is making music at the moment! Having all the time in the world due to lockdown has done me the world of good in really finding and nailing my sound. I’ve got a couple of really exciting tracks coming out with Lily McKenzie and another big release called ‘Love We Had’ dropping very soon, 

“This one, in particular, has been building hype since June so I’m SO excited to finally get it out! This Friday also sees the release of GotSome’s remix of my track ‘Hold On’ which seems to be connecting really well; I’m a very happy girl.” 

Has there been a particular event/party that has stood out for your career?

“It’s got to be Defected Croatia. I closed the after-party at Barbarella’s Discoteque – if anyone reading has ever been you will understand how special that club is. Outdoor with the biggest disco ball I’ve ever seen in my life above the dance floor! I closed the night after Danny Howard, Low Steppa & Simon Dunmore and it’s actually the set that got me signed to the Defected roster the next morning.” 

And looking further ahead, who should we be looking out for in 2021?

“There are lots of girls coming through at the moment which makes me SO happy! Rennie Peters and Banksie are going to pop over the next few years. Also, Simon Dunmore’s sons, the Dunmore Brothers, are going to take the world by storm.”

On Friday you’re broadcasting an exclusive size? sessions Mix for us. What can we expect to hear? 

“There are lots of exclusive Jess Bays tracks in there that the world hasn’t heard yet. Expect some big piano breakdowns from the likes of Paul Woolford and Max Chapman.”

Outside of the music industry, where do you look for inspiration? 

“Absolutely everywhere. It’s hard to switch a creative brain off… EVER! I really like to dig through my mum’s music collection to get inspiration and elements from ’80s music. It’s my favourite era of music, and house music wouldn’t be the same without it.”

What are your top 3 records of all time? 

“Quentin Harris – My Joy

DJ Koze – Pick Up

Crazy White Boy – Love You Better.”

What are your top 3 trainers of all time?

“Nike Air Max 97s

Nike Air Force 1s

Nike Air Max 1s.”

Head back to the size? sessions Mix hub to catch up on all previous mixes, and be sure to follow our Mixcloud channel.