MJ Cole facts for kids

Matthew James Firth Coleman, known as MJ Cole, is a talented English DJ, music producer, and remixer. He is famous for his work in UK garage music.

MJ Cole's Musical Journey

Early Life and Training

MJ Cole was born in London, England. When he was younger, he learned to play classical music. He studied the oboe and piano. He even won special scholarships to famous music schools. These included the Royal College of Music Junior Department. He also attended the City of London School.

Starting in Music Production

After finishing university, Cole began working at a music label called SOUR. He was a tape operator and sound engineer. This meant he helped record and mix music for other artists. He soon discovered UK garage music. He loved the sound and started working on his own tracks.

From 1997 to 1999, he was a key engineer and producer for the V.I.P. (Very Important Plastic) label. He also worked as a DJ on a pirate radio station called London Underground FM.

Breaking Through with "Sincere"

In 1998, MJ Cole created his first big song, "Sincere". He made it using a sampler and an Atari ST computer. The song became very popular. It was one of the first UK garage songs to reach the top 40 on the UK Singles Chart.

Signing with Talkin' Loud

He then signed with Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud record label. In 2000, he released his first album, also called Sincere. This album was a huge success.

Awards and Recognition

The Sincere album had two songs that reached the top 15 in the UK. It was nominated for the important Mercury Prize and a Brit Award. In 2001, MJ Cole won the Best Producer award at the MOBO Awards. His album sold over 60,000 copies in the UK.

Live Performances

To share his music, Cole formed a live band. They performed songs from his Sincere album on popular TV shows. These included Jools Holland's Later Show and Top of the Pops.

New Music and Collaborations

After leaving Talkin' Loud in 2004, MJ Cole started his own label called Prolific Recordings. He released many new songs and EPs (Extended Plays) through his label. He worked with other artists, including grime artist Wiley. He also often worked with singer Elisabeth Troy.

Working with Famous Artists

MJ Cole has produced music for many well-known artists. In 2014, he helped write and produce "Nobody But You" for Mary J. Blige. He also worked with Sam Smith on this song.

He has produced songs for Dizzee Rascal, Example, and Katy B. He has also remixed songs for global stars like Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys.

Recent Projects

In 2016, he released "Alcatraz" and "The Rumble". "The Rumble" featured UK MC AJ Tracey. Cole described it as a mix of exciting London music.

From 2017 to 2018, he released several singles on the 892 label. These included "Pictures in My Head" and "Soak It Up". In 2018, he released an EP called "Foundations". He said this project was a bit different from his usual style.

DJing and Other Work

Besides producing and remixing, MJ Cole travels the world as a DJ. He performs at festivals and clubs. He has also created music for TV commercials. He designed and built a recording studio complex in London called The Gin Factory.

Discography

Albums

Extended Plays

Singles

• "Sincere" (1998) – featuring Nova Caspar and Jay Dee – UK No. 38
• "Crazy Love" (2000) – featuring Elisabeth Troy – UK No. 10, BPI: Silver
• "Sincere" (remix) (2000) – UK No. 13
• "Hold On to Me" (2000) – featuring Elisabeth Troy – UK No. 35
• "Wondering Why" (2003) – featuring Vula – UK No. 30
• "Never Say Never" (2004) – featuring Shea
• "When You Said You Loved Me" (2004) – featuring Tubby T
• "Badboy" (2006) – featuring Laura Vane
• "Watertight" (2006) – featuring Laura Vane
• "Gotta Have It" (2009) – featuring Digga
• "From the Drop" (2010) – MJ Cole and Wiley
• "Satellite" (2011)
• "Red and Black" (2012)
• "Bouldaz" (2015)
• "Alcatraz" (2016)
• "The Rumble" (2016) – MJ Cole and AJ Tracey
• "Undo" (2017) - MJ Cole and Alyss
• "Shelter" (2017) - MJ Cole and Bruno Major
• "Interbass" (2017) - MJ Cole and DJ Zinc
• "Pictures in My Head" (2017)
• "Soak It Up" (2018) - MJ Cole and Kojey Radical
• "Homerton B" (remix) (2018) - MJ Cole and Unknown T
• "Waking Up" (2018) – MJ Cole and Freya Ridings

Remixes

• Flume - "Rushing Back" (MJ Cole Remix) (2019)
• Gracey - "Gone" (MJ Cole Remix) (2020)
• Disclosure, Kehlani & Syd - "Birthday" (MJ Cole Remix) (2020)