Judge Jules is an integral part of the Ibiza fabric, he is one of the high profile DJs that plays on the island throughout the summer, he has a house here, runs a successful party in Judgement Sundays and represents Ibiza on his travels DJing around the world. As he gets set to draw the curtain on yet another summer season, Essentialibiza caught up with him to find out how it was and if there are any rumours of him using his law degree on a full time basis…
How has the summer been for Judgement Sundays so far?
The summer has been one of the most exciting and busiest we’ve ever had. The co-host parties with Ferry’s ‘Full on Ferry’ event have been a tremendous success and something very special for all of us to be involved in. Our regular Judgement Sundays parties have seen record numbers through the door and the atmosphere this season has been typically fantastic.
How big a challenge is it to maintain the huge level of success year on year?
Ibiza is an incredibly competitive market place and each year the competition grows ever more fierce with new promoters and club nights coming to the island. We work all year round to build the best series of events possible. It takes a lot of time and energy but we are dedicated to pulling together the best line ups. The atmosphere at Judgement Sundays is what sets us apart from other nights. Our events are like a big theatre show, pinning entertainment with the music. For this reason we spend a lot of time and money ensuring all the ingredients that contribute to the atmosphere on the night are perfect.
How do you go about it?
Combining the right balance of theatrics and entertainment with the music is a challenging task. We receive a lot of feedback from the clubbers which we absorb and use to make necessary changes where needed. All the artists who end up performing for us are those we believe in and support 100%. So we work throughout the year to enlist the services of the DJs whom we feel will work best on our line-ups, this goes for both the established names and new emerging artists. There is also a busy process behind the recruitment of the stilt walkers, performers and dancers who are an integral part of the theatrics at Judgement Sundays.
Your DJ line ups suggest you are still very much in touch with what’s going on in your genre, do you still chase a tune and keep up with new talent?
Absolutely! The very core of what we do is about pushing new talent. We pride ourselves on keeping an ear to the ground and seeking out new DJs, something that is a fundamental ingredient in the evolution of our line-ups and the music policy at Judgement Sundays. I’ve always maintained a keen interest in supporting new music/artists on my radio show, in my DJ sets and further bringing that to Ibiza with Judgement Sundays.
Which DJs have caught your ear this summer?
Dance music is flourishing right now with countless new and exciting DJs, which is fantastic for the longevity of the scene. Our line ups this season have featured some great young stars in Danny Howard, Claudia Cazacu, The Squatters and Jordan Suckley, all of whom have played sterling sets for us this summer.
When the season ends do you down tools and put your feet up or is your DJ diary still as busy as ever?
Traditionally I take a week off for a family holiday. However, this year I took my holiday slightly earlier due to commitments with my diary. During the Ibiza season I shuttle myself in and out as I maintain my diary commitments. Over the last few weeks I’ve been back and forth with shows in Russia, Poland, Estonia, and Portugal alone. Coming up after the Ibiza season closes, I’ve dates scheduled in Ukraine, Norway, Dubai and the UK, as well as some long-haul tours coming up.
San An has added a few new venues and parties this summer, how important is it that the area keeps evolving?
Hugely so. The present interest and expansion in the nightlife of the area is very exciting and a healthy development for all of us in the region. There are some that have a negative view of San Antonio due to its more mainstream bars and restaurants but there is a whole other side to the area, which is often overlooked by your short-staying holidaymaker/clubber. With the new venues, hotels and restaurants opening up in the area, San Antonio as a whole will prosper from such developments.
Is there any truth to the rumour you are considering retirement to become a lawyer?
None whatsoever! Over the last five years I’ve been back to college refreshing my legal qualifications – something that has always been my game plan. From next month I’ll be practising law in a part-time position at a top entertainment law firm but I will also continue my duties with regards to DJing and music production. I’ve absolutely no plans to retire from DJing and look forward to continue playing, touring and releasing music for many years to come.
