Issue 153

Interview: Judge Jules

26th February 2007

Judge Jules is a critical addition to anyone's top 20 DJs list. Having started out at house parties in the late 80s, Jules got his name from his daytime studies as a Law student, and is part of a generation of DJs who were heavily influenced by the New York house scene.

Front managed to catch a few precious minutes with the man who has a keen sense of being 'the people's DJ' as he was rushing round the country preparing for the clubbers version of 'Back to School', that came to Swansea on 27 January.

"I've played Escape plenty of times over the years and it's a nice club," explains Jules. "But I'm really excited because this is a good weekend for going out. Everyone's just got the first pay cheque of the year."

Debate has reigned over the use of CD decks as they become more and more common place. Some DJs, such as Fatboy Slim, are adamant about not making the transition. Judge Jules, however has expressed a clear preference for them.

"I love music and if CDs are replaced tomorrow I wouldn't miss them either. I find it hard to get attached to a particular format such as vinyl because that's not what I'm about.

On the subject of vinyl junkies, he argues, "Sometimes I play sets with vinyl again but it reminds me of why their days are numbered. With the Pioneer CD decks taking off everywhere you get so much more versatility. There's also a misconception that CD mixing is easier - its not."

The clubbing scene is constantly evolving, with licencing laws now allowing drinkers to stay in bars longer, plus the media's constant speculation about clubs' effect on young people. But has it changed since Jules started out?

"I think some of that is youth culture, not club culture. If you go to a party that is often just as much about the drink or the drugs so it's hard to piece it apart. As for the new laws for bigger commercial clubs that just serve as a slightly bigger venue to drink and socialise, it has changed. However I am a specialist DJ and consequently the places I tend to play have a different clientele, so they have stayed more or less the same."

Having queued to see the man himself on a chilly night (pondering the eternal mystery on how some girls forget to put clothes over their underwear on nights out), Escape was buzzing. Building up through techtouching house, and climaxing with what he does best, the room was alive with energy. The verdict inside Escape was unanimous in their absolute adoration of the Judge.

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