Nearly thirty years since Optimo's first party at Sub Club, JG Wilkes is still delivering the kind of unpredictable, genre-blurring sets the Glasgow institution built its reputation on. In conversation with Mixmag's Megan Townsend for The Mix 123, Wilkes describes crafting a mix inspired by "melting down" moments on the dancefloor — the unscripted peaks that have defined Optimo nights since the beginning.
Rather than leaning on a set formula, Wilkes speaks about his continued commitment to spontaneity behind the decks, a philosophy that has helped keep Optimo feeling vital across generations of clubbers. He also touches on the energy he sees building among a newer wave of promoters coming up in the scene, suggesting an optimism about where club culture is headed next.
Much of the conversation is also a tribute. Wilkes speaks about his late Optimo partner, JD Twitch, calling him one of the best DJs he's ever heard — a reminder of the creative partnership that helped shape Optimo's identity and its lasting influence on Glasgow's club scene and beyond.
