High Wycombe-based producer MJSB bridges emotional depth and rhythmic intensity in her work, weaving together dubwise techno, ambient textures, and UK-rooted club sounds. Fresh off the release of 5 Rhythms, the second entry in CDR’s Pathways series, she invites us into a project shaped by movement, grief, and the cathartic energy of the dance floor. Inspired by Gabrielle Roth’s movement practice, the EP channels healing through sound while remaining grounded in a personal and community-rooted creative process.
In this conversation, MJSB reflects on how her lived experiences, collaborations, and intuitive approach to music-making shaped 5 Rhythms, which has already drawn support from the likes of Floating Points and Tasha. With a standout remix from Detroit techno legend Terrence Dixon, the EP marks a confident step forward, one that blurs the lines between introspection and club euphoria.
Hello! How are you, and where are you responding to us from today?
Hi, I’m good, thank you! I am currently at home in High Wycombe recovering from the 5 Rhythms launch party last night at Planet Wax.
How was the party?
I had an absolutely wonderful evening! The music was flowing beautifully from each DJ friend that came down to support: NIIX, Machine Woman, Tony Nwachukwu CDR, and Hirst. It was my first time playing out, so I was a little nervous, but having the support of such amazing people really did put me at ease, and the settings were very comfortable. The crowd was dancing and feeling good, and that filled my heart!
Could you tell us more about the artists who took part in the event?
I find that the people I meet and make connections with through music are so special and healing, like finding your tribe of people who understand and relate to each other. For me, it’s always been quite synchronistic. I met Machine Woman through doing some playlist submissions online, and she really liked my music and played some of my tunes on her Rinse FM shows. She invited me out to Fabric when she had a gig there one night supporting Ricardo Villalobos (an unforgettable night!). Her friends and I were in the booth during her set, dancing the whole time, and it really flew; I can't remember how long the set was, but it felt like only five minutes because we were having such a time! Machine Woman is safe and works very hard. I have a lot of respect for her.
I met NIIX through the CDR Pathways Programme, and I really love her music! She’s ultra talented, and her EP is currently in work mode to be released next on the CDR Pathways Programme. Her latest single actually really touches my heart and makes me cry. She’s a real, authentic gem out here! NIIX played one of her unreleased tracks at the party, and I was so happy to be one of the first to get an exclusive listen. I met Tony Nwachukwu (founder of CDR) around eight years ago at a Native Instruments meet-up event at Point Blank Studios, two years into my music production journey. I went to meet new people and learn more about production, and Tony was one of the educators who gave me some inspiration using the Maschine. The connection there is that I am a student of the art, and Tony really sees potential in people and thinks about what opportunities he can present to help artists grow and be confident. He has a lot of knowledge to share and great taste in music! I met Hirst at Tasha’s Neighbourhood rave in Fold last year on my birthday. Tasha has a lot of very cool friends, and her events are so safe and friendly, you’re always going to meet lots of people (who you might not even realise are DJs/producers/artists). Hirst is another like-minded individual with great music taste, and while I was thinking of who to ask to come out and play at the party, one of his Voices Radio mixes popped up on my feed, and as soon as I had a listen, it was clear he needed to be at this party with us!
I met NIIX through the CDR Pathways Programme, and I really love her music! She’s ultra talented, and her EP is currently in work mode to be released next on the CDR Pathways Programme. Her latest single actually really touches my heart and makes me cry. She’s a real, authentic gem out here! NIIX played one of her unreleased tracks at the party, and I was so happy to be one of the first to get an exclusive listen. I met Tony Nwachukwu (founder of CDR) around eight years ago at a Native Instruments meet-up event at Point Blank Studios, two years into my music production journey. I went to meet new people and learn more about production, and Tony was one of the educators who gave me some inspiration using the Maschine. The connection there is that I am a student of the art, and Tony really sees potential in people and thinks about what opportunities he can present to help artists grow and be confident. He has a lot of knowledge to share and great taste in music! I met Hirst at Tasha’s Neighbourhood rave in Fold last year on my birthday. Tasha has a lot of very cool friends, and her events are so safe and friendly, you’re always going to meet lots of people (who you might not even realise are DJs/producers/artists). Hirst is another like-minded individual with great music taste, and while I was thinking of who to ask to come out and play at the party, one of his Voices Radio mixes popped up on my feed, and as soon as I had a listen, it was clear he needed to be at this party with us!
Let’s talk about 5 Rhythms, released just four weeks ago. What was the initial inspiration or starting point for the project?
I do some voluntary work for the NHS, delivering training to civil servants about personality disorders—I am a lived experience trainer. One day, I met my colleague in Westminster, who is always curious about my music, and she told me about the 5Rhythms Model by Gabrielle Roth. I’ve always been interested in holistic types of healing through sound and meditational practices, and the whole movement model really tied in closely to what I resonated with when it came to my production practices (in terms of why I make music). This was so inspirational and aligned with the timing of starting the new project that I couldn’t help but run with it.
What emotions or inner states guided you throughout the creative process?
Even though there are 5Rhythms, I wanted the EP to be cohesive and flow in a way that felt natural. Like the flow state you get into when doing something creative that is so raw and authentic. So I’d say it’s a meditative state, with healing and connection in mind.
The EP is composed of five tracks: Install, Connect, Movement Meditation, One Last Thing, and Movement Meditation – Terrence Dixon's Detroit City Remix. What would you say is the common thread that ties them all together?
The samples of Gabrielle Roth's voice are a reminder of where the 5 Rhythms came from, the recycled hi-hats in some of the tracks. Aside from the sonic experience, you can feel the EP being tied together by a secret message of healing.
This marks the second release in CDR’s Pathways series, right? How does being part of that series influence or frame the project?
Yes, this is the 2nd release after Zars’ Light Stain At Dawn EP, which was a beautiful piece! Being a part of Pathways has influenced me to try to be better with my production skills. Being chosen for the program affirmed to me that I was on the right path with my musical journey, as evidenced by the fact that someone was willing to invest in boosting my levels with me. It’s so nice to have a purpose for a project and a team to support and help with the vision, rather than mindlessly making music that stays on the hard drive. I knew this project had to be special because it’s not just a representation of me; it’s also something for the community.
You’ve mentioned Gabrielle Roth’s movement practice as an influence. How did her work shape your creative and sonic approach on this release?
The main theme being movement, I wanted the music to have space and feeling and also be down to the listener's own way of movement, like there's no set rule for how you do it. I wanted to replicate that freedom through sound but also have her voice quietly there to remind you of the origins of movement and dancing: a healing and grounding practice.
Speaking of collaborations, the EP includes a remix by Detroit techno legend Terrence Dixon. How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like hearing his interpretation of your work?
Tom Lea had the idea after hearing my music and thinking who might be a nice fit for this EP. He had the connection there and made it happen, so massive thanks to Tom! When I got the remix back, I was in my creative space and had time to listen, and honestly, I could not fault this reinterpretation of my work; it was effortless, really emotional, spacey, and calm. And of course, still danceable, which is exactly what we want!
What do you hope listeners feel or take away when they experience 5 Rhythms?
I want listeners to feel anything they like so long as it's true to them. I would also love the music to motivate anyone who is listening to move in a way that feels good to them.
Finally, could you share any insights into your upcoming projects or what’s next for you?
I am starting to produce some new tracks again; it feels great to be back in my creative space with fresh ideas. I’m also leaning a bit more into DJ’ing and would love to play out some more!
