Mr Jukes

Mr Jukes is the solo moniker of Jack Steadman, best known as the frontman of the indie rock band Bombay Bicycle Club. Launched in 2017, the project represents a radical departure from his indie roots, diving deep into jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop.

The debut album, God First, was heavily influenced by Steadman's travels and his obsession with record collecting, specifically Argentinian jazz and classic soul. The sound identity is defined by a 'producer-first' mentality, where live instrumentation from collaborators like Charles Bradley and BJ the Chicago Kid is woven into intricate, sample-based frameworks. Critically, the project was praised for its authenticity and technical proficiency, avoiding the pitfalls of 'indie-man-does-jazz' by demonstrating a genuine understanding of groove and arrangement. Following the success of his debut, Steadman expanded the project's scope with The Locket (2021), a collaborative album with rapper Barney Artist, which leaned further into boom-bap and UK hip-hop territories. Mr Jukes occupies a unique space in the UK scene, bridging the gap between the London jazz explosion and the broader alternative pop landscape.