Between every bar, Jimi Jules stands out as an artist who defies boundaries, embraces spontaneity, and injects humanity into everything he does. His latest album, ‘+’, serves as a testament to his exceptional talent and boundless creativity. In this musical expression, Jules takes us on a sonic adventure, traversing a diverse landscape that spans from exultant electro to moody deep house, with unexpected detours into dub techno and experimental hip-hop.
Photos by Studio Siebrecht
Jules’ musical journey began at a young age, but it was during his pursuit of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at the University of Art and Science in Zurich that he discovered his true calling. It was here that he found the world of sound experimentation, production, and composition. His approach to music is refreshingly simple, yet bold: “Just do it.” For him, music is not just a craft; it’s a way of life. His philosophy revolves around honesty, a profound respect for the art, and, most importantly, having fun. This ethos infuses his music with a personal human touch, reminding us that music is not just a destination but a journey to be savored throughout.
The descendant of Caribbean voodoo practitioners and a Swiss farming and music-loving family has quite the journey to share. He made a name for himself in 2013 with the smash-hit ‘Pushing On’, and became a resident DJ at renowned spots like Berlin’s Watergate Club and Zurich’s techno hotspots Hive and Zukunft. He also dabbled in a playful side project with his partner Kalabrese called ‘Jules et Spatz’ and started hosting the ‘Wolt’ radio show on Radio Ibiza Sonica. After releasing tracks on Objectivity and Watergate Records, their eagerly anticipated single ‘Lost Love’ dropped on Zukunft Records.
Jules’ most recent project, his ‘+’ album, released through the illustrious Innervisions label, manifests his dedication and boundless love for music. It’s an album that defi conventional markers of success, a labor of love realized during a challenging time when the world grappled with a global pandemic. Despite the odds, he and his team persevered, creating a body of work that stands as a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.
When starting a new track, Jules’ approach is as varied as his music. There’s no formula; inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes he might begin by whistling a melody, tapping on a microphone, jamming on horns and guitars, or even uncovering voice notes from his children. His music bears a nod to the unpredictability and spontaneity of the creative process, a reminder that there’s no single “right” way to craft a masterpiece.
One of the defining aspects of Jimi Jules’ sound is his aversion to MIDI, which means he prefers recording most elements by hand, including arpeggios, to infuse a human touch into the often-sterile world of computer music. While this approach can be challenging, it leads to fresh and unconventional ideas that breathe life into his compositions, reminding us that electronic music can have a heart and soul.
In addition to being a solo artist, Jimi Jules is a versatile producer who readily collaborates with other artists. His latest album features creative input from fellow musicians like Nathan Daisy, Dave Aju, Aquarius Heaven, and Tugg the Drummer. These collaborations add depth and diversity to the album, showcasing Jules’ ability to adapt and explore new sonic territories.
In the electronic music scene, Jimi Jules is a shining example of an artist who dares to break the mold, defy conventions, and let the heartbeat of humanity resonate through his beats. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of creative expression. That’s why we proudly celebrate him as our Artist of the Month.
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