TECHNIQUES‘ debut EP “Switch” is out on December 2nd and already on pre-order on iTunes. While waiting for its release, we asked a few question to the lovely Jaja Hargreaves, who shot the beautiful cover, and we learnt that it’s actually her real name, that she loves Instagram, what are her influences and which music videos she likes the most!

Enjoy the minimix while reading the interview!

You’re a journalist and photographer and you shot the cover for TECHNIQUES’ EP “Switch”, how do you see the connections between music and visual arts or fashion? Do you feel there is a strong link between them?

The relationship between music and fashion is paramount and was already important as far back as the fifties with its subcultures. It’s a fascinating pairing that has existed for decades. Both disciplines influence each other endlessly and creative collaborations between the two are becoming more and more frequent. Burberry’s Christopher Bailey is obsessed with music and champions new bands. Not only does he introduce live music on the runway but he also uses musicians in his campaigns (Bryan Ferry, These New Puritans, Patrick Wolf etc). Music icon David Bowie experimented with clothes so much that it almost became a sort of guiding philosophy. The Mod style and identity were dictated by music and fashion. Chanel’s ambassadors are often musicians and Hedi Slimane’s love of music is well documented. The relationship between music and fashion is not just a flirt. It’s a vital and intrinsic element which prevails in these two creative industries and results in interesting works.

How did you end up working with TECHNIQUES? Did you know each other before?

Lucile Troquet, James Mulholland’s stylist, is a friend of mine. We collaborated on several projects together in the past and share very similar aesthetics and influences. She showed some of my photography work to Gildas Loaëc and it started from there.

Is it different to work with a musician than a model? Are you used to work with non-professional models?

I’ve worked with models and non-professional models but this was my first time shooting a musician. There isn’t much difference between the two, you still have to give directions and explain what you’re trying to achieve. A professional model will be more likely to feel comfortable posing and will easily deal with long studio or outdoor sessions. James was great to work with: he was enthusiastic and not afraid to try new things. It also helped that his features are photogenic!

Did you get to listen to the single before shooting the cover?

No, I hadn’t heard it before the shoot. I only knew about his musical influences.

Have you had the chance to watch the Let The Machines Do The Work remix’s music video, which premiered on The Guardian? What do you think of it?

Yes, I’ve watched the video and love the track! It has a wonderfully mesmerizing and atmospheric feel. The crazy nineties rave dancer is brilliant!

Did you ever consider doing video? What music video would you have liked to direct?

I’ve never been interested in doing music videos. It’s not something that appeals to me. You need the technical tools to navigate that minefield and it just takes the romance out of capturing a moment. With photography, creating a narrative is more straightforward. However, there are a lot of remarkable music videos I admire. One of my favourite music video directors is Romain Gavras who did MIA’s Bad Girls. I also think that the Hanni El Khatib Family video is genius with its inspiration derived from degenerate Asian biker gangs. Its fun and I like the themes that it explores.

Your photos have this vintage feeling that we just adore, where does it come from? What are you main influences? 

I’ve always been completely obsessed with photography and started looking at my parents’ photo books very young. I’m very conscious that I’m self-taught but I learnt a lot just by looking at these overwhelmingly inspiring images. I love the seductive and soft focus spirit of David Hamilton’s photography. In that vein, I also adore Deborah Turbeville, Tana Kaleya and Sarah Moon. Helmut Newton and Paolo Roversi are also favourites of mine. I’m always seduced and influenced by photographers who can create a whole atmosphere and give the viewer the sense of a real story.

Speaking of filters and vintage, what do you think of Instagram?

I’ve been an avid Instagram user since it first appeared and post one to two images a day. It’s the most amazing way to simply stay in touch with friends all over the world and sometimes even make new ones. It’s an effective and radical way to discover individuals who are on the same page as you creatively. I thoroughly enjoy using it!

My instagram name is julystars

What is your favourite album of all time?

Chet Baker sings by Chet Baker

Last question, where does the name “Jaja Hargreaves” come from? Does it have any signification?

That’s just my real name!

Thank you for your time!