| Spooks |
http://www.tranceinfrance.com
http://tinyurl.com/podcast-tif
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Interview with The Judge, reknowned DJ & animator of the BBC Radio 1, one of the pioneers of Trance in England. Very nice person, really! And it's cool to have the opinion, about some points, of a DJ as experienced as him.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : Hi Judge Jules, we hope you are fine and thank you for giving us this interview. When you started, mixing wasn't very common like it is today. First, what did inspire you to do that? Was it difficult at this time?
Judge Jules : Hi! Well at first I didn't have my own set of decks, but my flatmate at University in London had a set of Technics 1210's. The minute I got the chance to spin a record on them you couldn't peel me off, hours where spent practicing new techniques of mixing and mashing 2 tracks together. It was quite embarrassing really, as my flatmate didn't get anywhere near his decks, and they were his, not mine...
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : I think you didn't start playing Trance, because it didn't exist at your beginnings. How did you discover and get this passion for Trance?
Judge Jules : In the mid nineties a lot of House records started to have a very synthy influence, this slowly evolved into Trance with a slight BPM increase and the use of breakdowns. I've always loved melodic tunes in a minor key and when trance came along it fitted my music taste like hand in glove.
Benoit (Trance In France Team): At your debuts in 1987, you mixed on "Kiss FM" which was a pirate radio station. What is your position today about illegal downloading?
Judge Jules : Illegal downloading and Pirate radio are two very different things. I think Pirate radio is a great way for young DJ's to showcase their sound and get themselves known. Illegal downloading on the other hand is doing damage to the industry but it's a cultural change we have to accept, as you can never stop it.
Benoit (Trance In France Team): Since you have succeeded in the world of clubbing, what is the most important thing you would have liked to know before starting your career? Do you have any regret? If yes, which?
Judge Jules : My music business career has been a journey and you have to take each step to get to the next level. So I guess that patience, taking a step back and thinking carefully about each next move is very important. I can't say I regret anything, as the only way to make your mark is to believe in yourself and have an unshakeable belief in what you're doing.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : Do you have any piece of advice to give to young people who want to try deejaying, producing, and want to become recognized in the Dance Industry?
Judge Jules : I think the best way to get yourself known these days is to produce good records. With the reasonable prices for studio software and midi keyboards, it's never been easier. Just believe in what you do. Try not to copy what others are doing, cultivate your own sound...
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : After more than 10-years career, were your dreams realized? Can you give me some tracks that you have played during your career and which have stayed in your favourites?
Judge Jules : For sure, there have been too many amazing gigs to mention - I consider myself very very lucky. One tune that will certainly stay in my mind is Southside Spinners - Luvstruck, I remember hammering this track for so long back in 2000 that I had to request a new copy of it on Vinyl as the grooves got totally worn-out.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : What are your 3 favourite clubs worldwide?
Judge Jules : In recent times I would say Judgement Sundays in Ibiza, Music Box in Los Angeles and The Ministry Of Sound in London.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : When you're going to mix at a party, what do you think about most?
Judge Jules : I always think it's important to look at the crowd and carefully gauge what's working for them on the dance floor, then tailoring your set around that.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : You have given so much to the English clubbing, now considered as one of the best. How has it changed in recent years? Is it in crisis like in a lot of other countries? Have you noticed a negative evolution since your beginnings? If yes, can you tell us some problems you regularly notice?
Judge Jules : I think the club culture in the UK is strong, inevitably over time your crowd is going to change and as a DJ I think it's important to evolve with them. Re-inventing yourself as a DJ/Brand is essential.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : Trance Music has always been unknown in France (except in the 90's), even if it is booming right now. What is your point of view on the subject?
Judge Jules : I think France has bred some exceptionally good House producers, I can therefore understand why house would be popular. I've not played enough gigs in France in recent years to gauge the strength of the trance scene… Please can someone invite me!
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : What do you think of Trance today? Do you have any idea about what Trance music will be tomorrow?
Judge Jules : Trance as a sound is constantly evolving and there are a whole batch of new artists coming through. I'm excited with the way the sound is moving and I think my productions reflect that.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : Your last title "Verano Loco" is really excellent! Where did you draw your inspiration?
Judge Jules : I've always been a fan of records that have a slightly quirky edge and my influences for "Verano Loco" came from a combination of my favourite records from over the past few years, including one in particular, Alex Kunnari - Lifter.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : You support "Shelter", "Cancer Research UK", "Samaritans", "CALM" (Campaign Against Living miserably). How do you participate in these associations? Do you have positive returns from your efforts?
Judge Jules : As a patron of so many Charities I do my best to play an active roll where I can, in recent times I've played a number of Charity gigs and donated my fee to charity.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : In case you don't feel like mixing anymore, do you have any project?
Judge Jules : I can't see that happening in the near future as I love what I do so much, I know I'll always be involved in the music business, but for now it's all about playing good records.
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : To conclude this interview, did you want to give a message to your fans in France and all around the World?
Judge Jules : Just a big thanks for all your support and continued communication. If you want to find out where I'm going to be next simply head to www.judgejules.net
Benoit (Trance In France Team) : Thank you Judge Jules for accepting this interview. It is always a great honor to interview a DJ like you with so much experience. We hope to see you in France soon. Keep up the good work.
Video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln4_gpzZtG4& |
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