Exclusive interview with Judge Jules for TranceSound.net

August 31, 2011 Posted by Cosmin Lukacs in Interviews

Interview with Judge Jules

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The all time favourite, the British EDM (Electronic Dance Music) veteran, Judge Jules is sitting down with TranceSound.net in relation to his latest updates in terms of productions, weekly show Judgement Sundays hosted in Ibiza, plus so many other hits and tips of how to remain the most wanted Dj/Producer of all times. That is definitely true in the case of Jules. Hailing out of North London, Jules didn’t look the part of EDM stardom but once you listen to his music, that proves otherwise. His club work, trademark nerdy glasses, the promoting, Dj at BBC Radio 1 ever since we all know him for, compilations, charity work and the man himself, a much appreciated persona all work in his favour just fine. Reading this interview, you can easily propelled yourself in the world of Jules, TheJudge

1. Thank you so much for taking out your valuable time for us. Although we try to be as unbiased as possible on TranceSound.net, but you clearly are one of the most liked artists on the portal, especially me…

Judge Jules: My pleasure!

2. You have been an active figure in the international EDM and EMI scene for a long long time by now. Are you in this for the long hall ?

Judge Jules: I think it’s important to believe 100% in what your doing and as long as the passion remains I will too…

3. With such a very busy schedule, especially during the summer, how has the Judgement Sundays project affected your work ? You have gained a wider fan-base because of it, right ?

Judge Jules: Having a successful club night in one of the most competitive clubbing resorts in the world is definitely a statement and it’s done a lot for my profile. The only thing with the summer months is that I have to put places like the USA on the back burner for a little while, it’s just impossible to do my live Radio 1 show and make it over to Ibiza for Sunday if I do a Saturday night gig in the US.

4. As a whole, EDM tends to be more or less difficult for many people to relate with nowadays. How do you get the crowd involved with your performances, especially when you are doing something as good as your show/gig ?

Judge Jules: I make a lot of bootlegs which I use purely for my DJ sets, I find this is a good entrance key for first time EDM listeners. Finding the fine balance of credibility is something I spend a lot of time on before I make a bootleg, using the right tracks is essential.

5. Everyone is finding out about you through news articles, magazines and on-line presence. You are everywhere nowadays. How are you handling the attention ?

Judge Jules: I think over the past few years especially with the boom of social networking the attention has been channelled through different mediums. Social networking has really changed the world forever and it’s something I am 100% behind.

6. The “Follow The Sunrise 2011″ have earned good praise from the fans and it’s nice to see a veteran like you working with an artists such as Marcel Woods. Can we expect more collaborations with him in the future ?

Judge Jules: The Sunrise compilation was a great project and I really enjoyed putting it together with Marcel. Naturally I love teaming up with other DJ’s/Producers, 2 heads are better than one…

7. Coming from you, an all-time veteran and EDM pioneer, which artist do you feel doesn’t get enough credit for their musical ability ?

Judge Jules: I think German DJ/Producer Scot Project is one of the most underrated producers, his tracks are always packed with energy and groove! He’s been in the scene for a while now but if you haven’t heard his music then check him out…

Judge Jules

8. What are some of your favourite examples of established EDM artists marketing new projects ?

Judge Jules: John O’Callaghan is certainly making his mark on the scene as an established producer. His sound has a lot of drive and personality, he also produces under the alias Joint Operations Centre.

9. With such a stellar line-up throughout the whole summer, inviting so many well known and renowned names within the EDM spectrum, Judgement Sundays in Ibiza looks busier than ever. But, there is only one artist being invited to each and every single show of yours and this is Ben Commins, why so ?

Judge Jules: Ben is resident in our new room 3 which for the first time ever is pure Dub Step and D&B, this seems to be working well so far…

10. What’s the next step for you as a musician ? Is there anything in the works ?

Judge Jules: I’ve just had my latest track “City Nights” released on Spinnin which features a corking remix from rising star Mat Zo.

11. With so many projects in the past and several things in the making on several top major fronts, what do you want everyone to know/remember about you as a person and artist either way ?

Judge Jules: I think as long as people see me as a good all rounder then I’m happy. Being a broadcaster/promoter/producer/DJ requires a lot of time and attention, which I give 100% to.

12. In relation to this, what are some influences of yours, personally, and influences you could see having affected your sound ?

Judge Jules: I listen to a lot of Drum & Bass in my down time as my ‘guilty pleasure’ genre. I think this has an influence on my productions.. Whilst the BPM is totally different, the use of effects and the way the breakdowns work in D&B is something I have tried to emulate.

13. How do you see your music career panning out ? Is it something that you hope to branch out to a wider market at some stage ?

Judge Jules: I will always be involved in the music industry in some capacity. I have been involved in just about every aspect of it, and I am legally qualified as well, so a combination of my legal skills and my music experience is something to think about in the future.

14. What are some of the more creative techniques you have used when performing on stage ? (i.e. lights, skits, choreography, props, etc.)

Judge Jules: Judgement Sundays is probably the best example of this, we spend a lot of time working out the entertainment technology and effects. This makes the whole night more than your average club night, and has to be seen to be believed.

15. In a recent interview regarding BBC Radio 2, you credited “It’s a career path that applies to more old-school DJs.” How did you manage to cope with the switch ?

Judge Jules: I’m not on BBC Radio 2 so I can’t comment on that one…

16. All good things come to an end, I may have so many questions to ask, especially someone like you, an endless list indeed, I would have one single question to ask… something I am always asking every single artist that I am having an interview with. Is there a message you are having for anyone reading this interviews, especially the TranceSound.net community ?

Judge Jules: Evolving with the times and reinventing yourself is absolutely crucial. Remember to keep your mind open to new sounds and branches of EDM. Trance is still my core sound but taking influences from all the different branches of the ‘dance’ genre is what keeps it interesting for everybody!

Thank you very much for taking your time answering to some of my questions (for the rest of them, perhaps we can do that again some other time). With that being said, I wish you good luck in relation to your forthcoming projects and keep up the good work you already did and still doing it, something that defines real Djs to the “one night standers”

Judge Jules: Peace

Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs (TranceSound.net admin/founder)

Judge Jules