Throughout the winter months Loverboy’s libido has been frozen, lost, missing in action and some have even presumed it deceased. But if there is one thing that is going to res-erect it then it’s speaking with Greek-born, Austrian-based electronic artiste Jorkes.

Jorkes has been busy being loved up, getting couples in the mood for aural at Viennese saunas and seemingly being incapable of wearing an ensemble for more than thirty seconds. Jealous does not even cover it!

He has also contributed new track ‘Citizen‘ to OMBRA Intl‘s new compilation and the track is suitably sexy, multi-lingual and features a big, fat, throbbing beat that insists you dance immediately. Jorkes is also one half of record label Freeride Millennium which he co-parents with his partner, Daniel.

Hello, Jorkes! I hear on the grapevine that Jorkes is an alias. How did you decide on the new alter ego?
I was on Paros Island when the name Jorkes came into my mind. It had that summerness and nonchalance to it. I’d already been uploading mixes to my Soundcloud which were basically mixtapes for summer holidays, after hours or friends’ birthdays.
My partner Daniel had his diploma at fashion uni around this time and called his first show Freeride Millenium. It felt natural to make this a playground for Jorkes, where so many people were involved at that time.

Aww…you and Daniel look very much in love! Super cute.
Daniel to me is the manifestation of lust for life, keeping your curiosity going forever, being tender and kind. We met 10 years ago in a club in Munich.

Being Jorkes looks pretty fun too. Besides making great music, it also seems to involve ad hoc, near-naked photoshoots. Is this true?! Where do we apply to join in?
Let me answer with a song.

You’ve contributed the most excellent track ‘Citizen’ to the new OMBRA release. Why did you decide this track fitted with this project? 
Thanks a lot for diving into the song. A while ago the magic of the internet brought me together with Nikkname. In 2016 he made a remix for Jorkes and we were really vibing.
As Nikkname has Greek roots too, we constantly talk about the impact Greek culture has on who we are and often exchange poems, movies, books, songs, whatever comes our way. ‘Citizen’ is based on a saying by the Roma people in Greece. The writer and lyricist Xenofontas Fileris made a poem about it, that also the singer Marinella and Kostas Hatzis were referencing to in their 1979 album To Tam Tam. I absorbed the vibe of him a lot through the record collection of my parents. It has a kind of ancient melancholy to it and refers to a point of no return, where we seem to find ourselves living in self-made ruins. At the same time it has a nostalgic romance to it, capturing details of the moment.
Nikkname and me were talking about it, how privileged we are to live in Vienna in these times, how lucky we are to have partners that keep us in a bubble and sane although the outside world seems to be collapsing. It really makes you appreciate togetherness and reflect on relationships you had. So we just started making the song.
I also saw a scene inside my mind that can be described as ‘couple utopia in dystopian times’. You can hear it in Curses´ February Together Alone show on Rinse France’s Soundcloud page. It is a story about togetherness and appreciation of one another. At the end the song brightens up a lot, showing a path to sunlight and a happy exodus. Nikkname and I had lots of fun in the studio making it, literally crawling on the floor laughing 🙂
After it was finished, the idea to send it to Curses came to my mind like a flash. He made a remix for an upcoming Jorkes EP, so we were already in contact. Then one thing led to another and voila!

This is not the only OMBRA x Jorkes crossover that is happening. You’re also contributing to their upcoming Label Showcase livestream, right?
Yes. There is a takeover on April 3rd at our homestation Radio 80000 in Munich from 12:00 to 23:00 CET with so many excellent artists. I’ll definitely be on the speakers all day grooving to all OMBRA artists. Curses has such an excellent taste in music, it’s gonna be a diverse festival. My slot is the first one and I’ve worked hard on my tracklist.
Ombra in Venetian dialect means Wine, so I can see you drinking a wine while listening to the selection and enjoying the spring sunshine. It is a bouquet of some records that are for a long time in my record collection and now have their chance to shine. On May 12th there is a takeover with Ombra on Beatport too, where we will have something special prepared for you alongside Nikkatze, Skelesys & Curses. Ombra will be releasing all info very soon.

As a DJ I hear you’ve been playing in some of Vienna’s hottest gay saunas. When you’re playing a set, are you creating a seductive ambience or a tougher kinkier vibe?
So far our HOT series has been taking place at Viennas Bear sauna called APOLLO. We tried to have a space for our friends to feel safe and be tender to each other. Imagine a naked cuddle party with glory holes, steam and a pool. But of course everyone is free to do whatever they want. This being said a more seductive ambience is fitting of the vibe. At the last event Massimiliano Pagliara played one of his uber-erotic and sensual LoveSexDreams sets that got everyone right in the mood.

I’ve just been listening to your …Is Burning mix. Thank you for introducing me to that Fila Brazillia track ‘Mermaids.’ It’s magical.
Love this one too. It’s pure bliss and keeps you floating.

Totally. I’ve definitely been gravitating towards those kinds of celestial vocals in the recently and taking strength from their purity. What different/unexpected type of music has been pulling you in over the last twelve months?
Being home a lot the last twelve months I rediscovered some 90s and 00s female R&B stars that at some point have crossed my ears but been forgotten. I am talking about Toni Braxton ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’ & ‘You’re Making Me High’, TLC’s CrazySexyCool LP, Lauryn Hill, Sade, Total’s Keima, Keisha & Pam LP, Erykah Badu, Brandy, Queen Latifah, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Missy, Monica, Tweet. You know, strong womxn of color that totally own a situation and can do with their partner whatever they want, but are caressing, giving, autonomous, full of affection, love and are the source of all good and positive energy this planet has to offer. It is kind of a reminder of how joyful a matriarch society would be. It brings the fact right in front of our eyes, that our livable future on Mother Earth without a doubt is female & trans.

Lastly we are named after the biggest selling single of 2001. So we always ask what is your favourite Mariah Carey track?
Definitely ‘My All’. Mariah sings “I’d give my all to have just one more night with you. I’d risk my life to feel your body next to mine ‘Cause I can’t go on living in the memory of our song. I’d give my all for your love tonight“ This is pure devotion. Erotic energy to the max. Even death can’t tear this romance apart.

Jorkes’ track ‘Citizen’ features on OMBRA Intl’s 017: Destiny – out now.
Jorkes – Soundcloud / Spotify / Instagram / Facebook
Photos: Daniel Rajcsanyi