Exclusive Judge Jules Interview

Words-Art Jefferson
Photography courtesy of Judge Jules

There is much to be said about a man who has been at the top of his career for over two decades. This is the case with with producer, radio personality, presenter, A&R, music taste maker and award winning deejay Judge Jules.

Beginning his career in 1987 on Kiss FM which was a pirate at the time before gaining a license and becoming legal in 1990, the North London raised DJ went on to establish one of the station’s most successful shows that span from London to Manchester winning the Kiss FM award for “Best Club DJ” from 1991 to 1994. In 1987, Judge Jules began working with BBC Radio 1 further establishing his imprint in the industry as his “Global Warm Up” show has garnished listenership in the millions and is syndicated worldwide.

As an A&R in the 90s, his claim to fame is signing one of the biggest tracks in dance music, Josh Wink’s “Higher State of Consciousness”. This accomplishment was only a sample Jules’ mission to constantly introduce listeners to the finest dance and electronic music around.

Taking on the title as a producer, the Judge Jules partnership with Paul Masterson manifested into singles that landed in the UK Top 20 charts including “Caned And Unable”, “Gonna Work It Out” and the massive “Pitchin”. The two went on to remix artists on Warner Brothers, Virgin, Universal and more as well as recording with superstars such as Boy George. Jules released his solo record “Proven Worldwide” in 1996 to praises spanning from the UK to the US.

The hardworking DJ has also left his mark on television including appearances on MTV (UK and Europe), Channel 4, shows such as South Bank Show, The Wright Stuff and the list goes on. His 2002 ten part series “Spin Cities” on the now BBC Three, gained extreme popularity.

Not only has Judge Jules played in the biggest clubs and venues on a global scale, one of his well established nights is ‘Judgment Sundays’ at Eden in Ibiza. Running between June and September annually, he has brought some of the most cutting edge producers and deejays to the venue, drawing crowds in large numbers. This year Jules comes together with long time performer Ferry Corsten for a number of shows. With a succesful night running consistantly for 13 years, Judge Jules proves time after time why he is one of the best at what he does.

AJ-‘Judgement Sundays’ has been running for 13 strong seasons now. What exciting things can club goers expect this summer?

JJ-This summer we’ve teamed up with Ferry Corsten and his Full on Ferry event to host a series of exclusive parties. Those familiar with Ferry’s night will know that he performs special b2b sets with some of the featuring guests on the night and he’ll be continuing this tradition over the season in Ibiza. Clubbers can expect to see a range of guests on these JS/FOF nights from Robbie Rivera and Shogun to Aly & Fila and Showtek.

AJ-You are considered one the taste makers of the industry. Although this may be a difficult question, which artists are you excited to personally see play at ‘Judgement Sundays’ this year?

JJ-Danny Howard, Kryder, Jordan Suckley are all doing really exciting work right now. We’ve always tried to pride Judgement Sundays on being a beacon for discovering new talent and I’m confident the likes of those mentioned, plus Kamuki, Majestic, Ben Gold and various others on the line up will go on to have great success over the next couple of years.

AJ-Going back to you connecting with Ferry Corsten for some shows, what made you two powerhouses decide to join forces?

JJ-Ferry has been performing at Judgement Sundays now for about nine years. He has a great connection with us and the clubbers love him. We both wanted to do something special this summer and joining forces for a select number of parties just seemed like the most natural thing to do. I think the line-ups we’ve put together are really exciting and will be lapped up by the dancefloor on the night.

AJ-Putting on your taste maker/DJ hat again, which tunes do you think will really rock the island this year?

JJ-Ben Gold’s remix of John O’Callaghan’s “Big Sky” is definitely one that has been popping up in a lot of people sets. Of course Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” has chalked up countless plays and features a number of impressive remixes. I’ve been told that even the likes of Luciano have been spinning it. That’s the beauty of Ibiza, it represents music across the board and people are far more open minded about it.

AJ-Finally, you have played in countless venues around the world. What are some of the things that you love about playing at Eden?

JJ-Eden has an energy about it that is truly unique. Ibiza as a whole just draws the best out of people when they’re on the dancefloor, likewise the DJ when behind the decks. Eden is a big room venue with an intimate vibe that is great for DJs, like myself, who feed off crowd interaction.