Out later this week, the Montreal duo Jump Source’s debut album Fold calls back to the halcyon days of turn-of-the-millennium electronica, to visions of breakdancers in car commercials and rave music exposes on Dateline NBC. But the project, which comes from the minds of veteran producers Francis Latreille (also known as Priori) and Patrick Holland, both of whom bring their own set of influences and expertise to the table, is never a one-note retro affair. Featuring collaborations with everyone from Billy Woods to Loukeman, Fold is one of the more dynamic dance full-lengths of the year so far, narrative rich and textural, and I can’t wait to listen to it on headphones while walking around at an airport. Read our interview with the duo below.

Tell us about the origins of this project. How has it developed since that first 12” all the way back in 2019?

Our very first EP was released in 2016 but we kicked off this JS series in 2019 when we started sharing a studio. It was an outlet for songs we made while testing gear or trying new routings. It was a side project for both of us for a long time. Until we decided to be more ambitious and write this album.

What do each of you feel like you can do with Jump Source that you can’t do in your solo work?

Francis: I take it as an opportunity to be more playful and try unusual stylistic combinations. 

Patrick: Since 2019 it’s been my primary outlet for making dance music. I’ve done a bit on my own here and there, but mostly enjoy working within the JS world/context as it sits in the world of dance records, rather than solo.

Are there any themes that run through this record? Musical or conceptual?

We’ve been doing the full-time music thing for a bit now, we’ve seen the unglamorous and darker sides of it. You know how directors make movies about Hollywood and writers write books about authors. We kinda wanted to do that. Altman/Lynch type thing. Thinking about the alley behind the venue, taxi from the airport, the lovely encounters and the ones that make you feel more lonely.

How did your collaboration with billy woods come about? I’m picking up some Mike Skinner vibes.

We’re loving Mr. Skinner, but didn’t have The Streets in mind for this one. We’d started the sketch of the instrumental with Nick Leon, and kept coming back to it months later. When the opportunity arose for features, Woods was a dream pick, and we thought he’d be down with the mood it held. Still pinching ourselves that he was down!

What’s your all-time favorite record that came out during the peak of the electronica boom in America? 

Dntel Life Is Full of Possibilities.

Sort of related: What is it about Y2K-era electronica that goes so good with walking around an airport? 

Mmm I’ve never thought about this yeah it does. The design of a lot of airports still really has that soft-club aesthetic going on. Muted colors, lots of white. I feel like fashion/art directors of the time were also kind of obsessed with the idea of transit and glorifying air travel. 

How is Montreal feeling right now? Any music coming out of the city that you are excited about?

Love it here always — Doo, goldenstar, freak heat waves, Maara, Sea Oleena, Martyn Bootyspoon.

What does the dream Jump Source DJ set look like?

Sunset/sunrise, smoke, lots of friends.