Widely known as the Godfather of jungle and drum n bass, Jumpin Jack Frost talks to us about his upcoming collaboration with a dynamic collective of Nottingham musicians and promoters.
Bush Doctor Promotions, the Nottingham-based brand behind some of the most notable moments in jungle and drum and bass music, has collaborated with legend Jumpin Jack Frost on a new single called Touch Road – coinciding with the launch of its label, Bush Doctor Music.
We caught up with them, alongside Nottingham artist and producer Origin One, Creative Director Dot Com and Sheffield-based lyricist Aziza Jaye, during a photoshoot to promote their collaboration.
Nigel Thompson, AKA Jumpin Jack Frost, is globally regarded as one of the most influential figures in jungle and drum n bass music. He was brought up in Brixton, heavily influenced by sound system culture, and discovered DJing at a relatively young age – mostly playing funk and hip hop, before the emergence of the acid house scene.
Frost played at all the major raves across the country, both legal and illegal, including the infamous M25 parties. Under the alias Leviticus, he produced ‘Burial,’ one of the biggest jungle anthems to date. He also teamed up with friend and fellow artist Bryan Gee to form the seminal label V Recordings, responsible for signing some of the scene’s most respected artists, including Roni Size, Krust and DJ Die. His much-loved radio shows and DJ sets exhibit his vast talent and knowledge of music, notoriously as high-energy and captivating as they were in his youth.
Jumpin Jack Frost’s autobiography Big, Bad and Heavy charts his journey with music, as well as giving an unfiltered view into his past, chequered by various addictions, criminal activity, anxiety and depression. The past decade or so has seen Frost committing to sobriety, sharing his insights and inspirations with his many followers on social media.
Founded in 1994, Bush Doctor Promotions revolutionised the jungle and drum and bass scene by taking the genre beyond London and introducing it to new audiences. Known for inclusive raves and an unwavering commitment to showcasing top talent, the collective expanded into an industry magazine, record shop and record label. The new label, Bush Doctor Music, is a celebration of the brand’s heritage and an opportunity to create new sounds.
Jumpin Jack Frost brings his unparalleled expertise to the new Bush Doctor Music production, which launches on 21 May. Sheffield musician Aziza Jaye’s evocative lyrics and Origin One’s innovative soundscapes create a unique sonic experience, complimented with a raw, documentary-style music video with touches of commentary from the artists throughout – cementing Bush Doctor’s ongoing collaboration with Nottingham’s Asphalt Media Group.
How did you find the collaboration with Bush Doctor?
JJF: It started really, of course, because of our shared and long-time love of jungle music. These guys are OGs. Really committed to the music – especially the underground element. I get good vibrations – easy, good genuine energy, you know what I mean? This is what attracted us to work together. Really good vibrations.
Was the connection easy?
JJF: In music, it’s rare to connect with people immediately – but with these guys, it was instant. We went into the studio, caught a vibe... and built the track, brick by brick. When me and Kev (Origin One) got into the studio, it was easy, it was fun. We’d never met before but I like to do some prep beforehand so we had a chat on the phone. Same with Aziza – the connection was instant and it was just great to work with such talented artists. I came up to Nottingham and the project just flowed.
The connection was instant and it was just great to work with such talented artists. I came up to Nottingham and the project just flowed
You’re now sober – how’s your life and sound evolved since you made this significant lifestyle change?
JJF: I was a total caner, I won’t lie to you. It sort of comes with the territory - DJing, producing, touring, late nights and a lot of socialising. And I’ve been in the game a long time. It’s easy to get carried away. Music was my life before – but I realised it’s music that’s saved my life. It wasn’t just addiction I had problems with, it was also crime and mental health struggles. Sobriety has brought me clarity – both in my personal life and my music.
You share thoughts and inspirational messages on your social channels, which are very candid. Your audience seems to get a lot from this, do you as well?
JJF: Yeah absolutely. I tend to post every day, it’s part of my routine now, and what I share is meaningful to me. Like you say, people tell me they get a lot out of it. I’ve been around a while, you know what I mean? I like to think I’ve got things to share that may be useful – especially for younger people just starting out. Helping people also helps me find purpose and inspiration, it’s simple as that.
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Featuring legendary DJ and producer Jumpin Jack Frost, soulful lyricist Aziza Jaye, instrumentalist Steve Bland, Nottingham-based creative director Thomas Comery – aka Dot Com – and producer Origin One, Touch Road is set to launch on 21 May 2025 at a Nottingham city centre location, marking a milestone in jungle and drum and bass history and celebrating Bush Doctor Promotions’ 31st anniversary.
An original composition that captures the essence of life on the road as a touring musician, the track was recorded in Nottingham and uses no samples.
To find out more and get tickets for the event, head to the website below.
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