I Can Give You Judge Jules [Interview]

Posted on Sep 3, 2013 in Interview

Recently we were given the opportunity to conduct an interview with one of dance music’s most esteemed figures - Judge Jules. With so much controversy surrounding the current state of the EDM industry, we wanted to capture some insight from someone who has seen it through all of its iterations, as well as hear about the Judge’s esteemed Ibiza residency (Judgement) and what things we can expect from him in this coming year. Check out the full interview below:

-

I Can Give You House: Judgement is back for its 14th consecutive season and the lineups are nothing short of incredible? What was your thought process in selecting this season’s artists?

Judge Jules: Thank you – we had a short window in which to nail down the line ups this year due to the sale of the club but we’re really happy we managed to secure all the names we wanted to bring in for the summer season. One big change this year is we took the decision to shift from Sunday nights and host Judgement on a Friday. This was always going to be a risk but it has paid off as the feedback and crowd numbers so far this season have been tremendous. All the artists performing are those we 100% believe in and support on a musical level. Talent and suitability to the Judgement crowd are extremely important. Names like John O’Callaghan, Showtek and Danny Howard are fantastic artists and each and every time they play at Judgement the crowd are always left demanding more. We also are constantly looking out for new artists who are making all the right noises across the year. DJs like Zak Moya and Omnia and are just some examples of new and emerging names we are backing.

IGYH: Give us a quick run-down of the venue? The newly refurbished Eden is sounding pretty incredible.

JJ: Well it’s been a top-to-bottom affair and I have to say it looks and feels fantastic! Only the name remains the same. Anyone who’s been to Eden before but not seen it this year will be easily impressed at the strides forward the new owners have taken with the venue and it has to be said that the newly installed state of the art Void soundsystem is the icing on the cake.

IGYH: What has been one of your best Ibiza memories?

JJ: I’ve been fortunate to live so many standout Ibiza moments, but for me the ones which linger the longest are the Judgement closing parties. After a long and busy season, as well as all the preparation leading up to the summer, everything culminates in this one huge event where all the workers, djs, clubbers and everybody involved with the night come down and has a big blow out. It’s definitely my favorite party of the season……alongside the opening!

ICGYH: How has this year’s season been going? How have you seen Ibiza change over the years as the dance music landscape has developed?

JJ: The clubbing landscape in Ibiza is quite different to the one of old but that’s no bad thing. Competition on the island has always been fierce but this is what keeps all of us on our toes. The current state of Ibiza is seeing a massive influx of heavy spending businessmen, hotels and chain brands. Personally I see this as a good thing for the whole of Ibiza because the local economy benefits from this growth, and in turn so do the club nights and paying punters.

ICGYH: What do you think sets Ibiza apart from every other party capital?

JJ: We have the best clubs in the world… I hear a lot of claims being made about Las Vegas being the clubbing capital now. Las Vegas is unique but it doesn’t hold the magical spirit that Ibiza instills in everybody who steps foot off the plane. Ibiza has and always will have a mystique about it that is impossible to recreate anywhere else in the world.

ICGYH: Who is the biggest up-and-comer on the island this year in your opinion?

JJ: Technically he’s not an up and coming dj because he’s successfully crossed over into the high tier of scene of late, but I have to give Danny Howard the nod. I’m really impressed with how much he has grown over this past 12 months and believe there is so much more to come from him during this next year. Certainly one to keep your eye on!

ICGYH: What is the record of the summer for you so far?

JJ: Mat Zo – Rock The Funky Beat

ICGYH: What does this winter have in store for you? What new projects are in the works?

JJ: I’ll be embarking on several longhaul tours during the some with several dates coming up in America after the Ibiza season is over. I also have new tracks coming up such as my new single ‘The March’ which is out soon.

ICGYH: When you’re not DJing you are…?

JJ: I am sure you are already familiar as to how I got my DJ name. In addition to DJing I have now taken up practicing entertainment law during the week, helping put my huge entertainment industry experience to good use.

ICGYH: Lastly, what would be your best piece of advice for young DJs/producers just starting out?

JJ: Practice your mixing, because no amount of gimmicks can hide your qualities as a DJ on the decks. Also, seek to find something unique about what you do that sets you apart from others in the scene. And of course, make some great tunes!

-

Stay connected with the Judge!

Facebook // Twitter // Web

STARTING A WEB SITE? Get $5.99 .COM domains.