Artist Interview: Concrete Jungyals

By Resonate | December 9, 2022

Words by Tommy Elsbury

Photos by RuuMedia

Inspired, refreshed, and sexy. This is something we all want to feel on the dancefloor, and Concrete Jungyals encapsulate all of this. Cultivating a community of fem and non-binary individuals gathered around their namesake, they’re more than just an event group and perhaps even more than a collective. In recent years Concrete Jungyals have cemented themselves into Bristol folklore. A beautiful story of love that people would struggle to replicate in the scene; they care deeply about one another and their output. And in a time of political polarisation, each body of work or event in which Concrete Jungyals are involved gifts us this celebration of that love. Music will always be political, but with Concrete Jungyals it runs a little deeper. They invite you to step into their world – and yourself.

I first caught the self-described ‘bad-bitch led’ collective through their mid-week residency at The Crofters Rights and immediately gravitated to the combination of local talent they were bringing forward, along with headliners burning bright from across the pond. One such artist is the Minneapolis-based headliner Yasmeenah, who graced the stage for their event entitled ‘Last Dance.’ It was the inclusivity and friendliness of the event that assured me that although they will only continue to grow, their roots are firmly planted in Bristol. 

The collective are proudly genre-fluid, and have always made sure that those new to their work don’t confuse them as a jungle group. For example you can sometimes hear noughties RnB combined with pulsating garage rhythms, and classic pop given a techno-infused spin. But the collective will always make you bounce with percussive grooves. 

I ran into gorgeous co-founders Sasha and Tiffany SK, and core member DJ Emmy at The Social, a quaint bar a stone’s throw from Crofters Rights. We met at 5 pm and, with all of us working or studying, avoided alcohol for sweet mocktails and warm hot chocolates. “It can be a lot,” Sasha tells me, “…especially when you have a residency like Crofters, so having each other is really what keeps us going.” 

“We’re in work mode, making sure everyone is safe and having a good time whilst also being surrounded by alcohol,” says Emmy, making it clear that it can be difficult working in the night-time economy as community organisers. The burnout is real, but Concrete Jungyals have built trust with their audience, allowing them to take time out over the summer without the worry of hitting pause on their trajectory. 

Sitting with the collective ‘IRL’ is only possible because of their Facebook community, which is where it all started. The group helps to provide a safe online place for fem-identifying and non-binary creatives to ask questions, seek support and ultimately get together in person. The group is a concept that Sasha says she is most proud of. Tiffany and Emmy nod in agreement and point me towards Facebook communities like Bristol Girl as inspiration for a similar platform geared towards Bristol’s music scene. 

This ethos evolved beautifully onto radio, which I first discovered through their individual mixes, such as Emmy’s for NOODS radio. But CJ are nurturing something bigger than themselves, making sure that  “radio allows us to continue the conversation and reconnect with creatives.” “Especially because at events, it’s hard to chat because the music is too loud.” Their interviews on the unfortunately now ended SWU.FM, showcasing their gender-fluidity and nack for spotting talent, was something I made sure I tuned in to. As well as having the smoothest radio voices, they use this medium so that creatives can make their mark on the airwaves. 

Tiffany SK, who currently works on marketing for Bristol’s Loco Klub, feels that sometimes women’s work in the music industry isn’t valued enough in terms of pay. Tiffany explained that whilst efficiency and work rate may increase, money sometimes doesn’t follow suit. This is something the group have been vocal about on social media, raising awareness around fair pay for female DJs. 

“Some people undervalue the brand and book us to diversify their line-up rather than an acknowledgement of our hard work,” Tiffany says. It takes collectives like CJ time and effort to partner up on events, on top of developing their craft in a male-dominated industry. “It’s great to be seen, but we’re going to want loads of money,” she continues. The message is clear. If you’re going to exploit creatives in the name of diversity, you need a budget. “Don’t be afraid to ask or say no,” Sasha confirms. Knowing your worth is a message the collective is keen to share with the community. They certainly know theirs and the work that needs to be done.

When I asked the group the advice they had for aspiring DJs and other creatives starting in the industry, it was a firm response from DJ Emmy. “Take things at your own pace. I knew friends living in Bristol when I moved here, but they were working full-time, and for a long while, I felt like I didn’t have my people,” catching Tiffany and Sasha as she speaks. “And join courses outside of university or work,” Tiffany explains, with the collective pointing towards Saffron’s Mix Nights program. For those who don’t know, Saffron’s Mix Nights program is a course and series of workshops for women, trans, and non-binary beginners wanting to develop as DJs.

Sasha SK, a music plug for foundation FM by day, described in their 1020 radio interview that the facebook group and collective was born out of male friends not trusting their music selections. She confirms to me that connecting with and celebrating other like-minded creatives whilst having a growing online platform made her feel less alone, especially during the lockdown. We agree there’s no shortcut to finding your rhythm; you must be brave enough to take the plunge and be seen, and CJ are a great example of a group doing this.

Most importantly, Concrete Jungyals want to have fun and take you along for the ride. I first saw DJ Emmy as a resident of Crotch queer night at the Llandoger Trow pub. I would catch the bus to Bristol from our hometown just to feel seen and to hear her fun mixing style. Going to their events and other queer nights at a time when my friends and I were stepping into ourselves as adults were really important. 

“That’s exactly what we wanted to create, and this has definitely re-inspired us,” Sasha replies. It’s so important that collectives like CJ exist for young women and non-binary people, as well as POC and other marginalised communities who want to feel good on their terms. If their residency at Crofters was anything to go by, we can only expect bigger and more dynamic events in the future. Concrete Jungyals represent something bigger than themselves, with an audience eager to join them in unison on the dancefloor. So whatever these beautiful women have in store for us, we can’t wait.

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