Sorrow rippled through the global electronic music community this week as news broke of the sudden passing of Keith McIvor, widely known as JD Twitch, one half of the pioneering DJ duo Optimo. McIvor, who began his DJing career in 1987, left an indelible mark on electronic music through his fearless genre-blending approach and commitment to musical diversity.
McIvor’s journey into music production came later in his career, having initially avoided it in the early 1990s due to lack of confidence. After honing his skills under the guidance of an experienced electronic music veteran in the late 1990s, he eventually developed a production career that would span approximately 15 years by the mid-2010s.
The cultural cornerstone of McIvor’s legacy remains the Optimo night, co-founded with Jonnie Wilkes at Glasgow’s Sub Club in 1997. The event emerged as a deliberate counterpoint to the rigid techno scene, embracing an eclectic mix of musical styles that contributed to both the punk-funk revival and electro-clash movement. McIvor created Optimo as a space to explore diverse music without the audience pressure that had stifled creativity in the mid-90s club scene. His commitment to musical storytelling and authentic expression exemplified the importance of brand storytelling in building lasting connections with audiences.
After 11 successful years, Optimo took its distinctive sound global through international touring. Prior to his passing, McIvor was scheduled to perform with Optimo at the Wild Wood Disco Festival in Cambridgeshire this June.
In January 2009, McIvor expanded the Optimo brand by launching Optimo Music, which became home to diverse artists including Den Haan, Dollskabeat, and Factory Floor. The label and its various sub-imprints—Digital Danceforce, Optimo Trax, So Low, and Against Fascism Trax—amassed over 200 releases by early 2025, cementing McIvor’s influence as a tastemaker. Much like his approach to drumming practice, McIvor emphasized the importance of setting specific goals when developing artists for his label.
McIvor’s DJ sets were legendary for their unpredictable journeys through house, techno, punk-funk, electro, and obscure Brazilian tracks, refusing to bow to commercial trends. His international collaborations, particularly with Brazil’s Selvagem parties and Selva Discos label, demonstrated his commitment to cross-cultural musical exchange.
For nearly three decades, McIvor remained an essential figure in Glasgow’s vibrant club culture, serving as both visionary and mentor. His legacy lives on through the countless artists he championed, the musical boundaries he dissolved, and the dance floors he transformed with his singular approach to electronic music.
