MODMAT: Built for the Decks. Rooted in the Underground.
Some things never go out of style. Vinyl is one of them.
Before streaming, playlists and algorithms took over, there were record shops, dusty crates, pirate radio stations, underground clubs and DJs putting in serious hours behind the decks.
And while the world keeps moving, that culture isn't going anywhere.
At Jump the Dark, music has always been a massive part of our DNA. Hip-hop, underground sounds, street culture. It's all connected. So when we come across people who are genuinely about their craft, we're always happy to give credit where it's due.
That's where ModMat comes in.
NO BANDWAGON. JUST YEARS IN THE GAME.
ModMat isn't some random brand that's spotted the vinyl revival and decided to jump on the bandwagon.
The man behind it, Paul Stowe, has been involved in music, clubs and vinyl culture for over 30 years.
That's three decades around the scene. Long before vinyl started finding its way back into the mainstream.
What began with making slipmats for mates, DJs and club nights eventually grew into a proper operation, supplying custom slipmats to DJs, record collectors, labels and businesses.
And we rate that.
No overnight hype. No pretending to be part of something. Just someone who's been around it, knows the culture and turned his passion into a craft.
NOT ALL SLIPMATS ARE BUILT THE SAME.
If you've ever spent time behind a pair of Technics, you'll know a slipmat isn't just some piece of fabric sitting underneath your record.
Whether you're cutting, scratching, beat juggling, blending tracks or simply spinning records at home, what sits between your vinyl and platter matters.
And that's something ModMat understands.
From classic slipmat designs to personalised artwork, different formats and options for DJs, labels and businesses, they've built their name around doing one thing and doing it properly.
There's a real understanding of what different DJs and vinyl heads are looking for, whether that's something built around performance or simply a fresh look for their setup.
They're not trying to be everything to everyone.
They know their lane. And they know it well.
YOUR DECKS. YOUR RULES.
One thing we've always respected about DJ culture is individuality.
Two turntables, a mixer and a stack of records. What you do with them is entirely up to you.
Same goes for how your setup looks.
ModMat gives DJs, artists, record labels and independent brands the chance to put their own stamp on their decks.
Got a logo? Your own artwork? Running a club night? Want a limited run for your label or some custom merchandise?
They offer custom 7-inch and 12-inch slipmats, alongside bulk and wholesale options.
Whether it's a personal design, a fresh pair for your decks or a larger run for your brand, these guys know their way around a slipmat.
Looking to put your own artwork on the decks? Check out ModMat custom slipmats and see what they're working with.
DIFFERENT CRAFTS. SAME ROOTS.
For us, this connection goes a lot deeper than just artwork and slipmats.
Long before Jump the Dark was even a thing, I was already deep in the London underground music scene. Years spent behind the decks, spinning vinyl and playing on pirate radio stations like Chillin FM 102 back in the day.
That was a different era. Pirate radio, record shops, digging through crates and putting in serious hours behind the decks. No algorithms, no shortcuts. Just a genuine love for the music and the culture surrounding it.
And that part of my life has never really left me.
So connecting with Paul at ModMat feels pretty natural. He's spent decades immersed in vinyl and DJ culture, and I've got my own history in that same world.
Different crafts. Same roots.
These days, most of my creative energy goes into Jump the Dark, creating artwork and printing our own gear. But the influence of those early days still runs through what we do.
Music and streetwear have always gone hand in hand. From hip-hop and graffiti to underground radio and independent fashion, these scenes have always fed off each other.
And that's what makes this connection interesting.
We're now looking at exchanging some designs with ModMat, bringing a bit of Jump the Dark onto the turntables while showing love to another independent UK brand doing its own thing.
Just two independent creatives with a shared love for the culture, making something happen.
And it doesn't stop at slipmats either.
ModMat has a few other bits worth checking out, so if you're into your vinyl, music and DJ culture, it's worth having a proper look around their store.
We've picked out a couple for you to check out below. Two pieces that caught our eye and deserve a little spotlight.
Here are two of our top picks from ModMat:
Official Licenced Band/Artist badges and stickers
Vinyl Record Care and Accessories
KEEP IT INDEPENDENT.
The underground has never needed permission to exist.
It was built by people creating their own opportunities, putting in the hours and making something out of what they had.
From pirate radio stations broadcasting across London to independent labels pressing their own records, that DIY mentality has always been at the heart of the culture.
And it's something we still believe in.
That's why we're giving ModMat their flowers. 🌸 🌺 🌼 🌻 🌷 💐
Over 30 years around music culture, a proper understanding of the craft and a business built around something they genuinely know.
If you're a DJ, vinyl collector, record label or just someone looking to put a personal touch on your setup, they're well worth checking out.
Whether you're after a fresh pair of slipmats, your own custom artwork or bulk quantities for an event or brand, head over and see what they've got going on.
CHECK OUT MODMAT — WWW.MODMAT.CO.UK
Hit up their Instagram > here.
Support independent. Support the culture.
Dino
JUMP THE DARK