Judge Jules talks nostalgia ahead of Dubai gig

The veteran British DJ will take over the decks at Zero Gravity on Friday, March 23

British dance music DJ, record producer and entertainment lawyer Julius O'Riordan aka Judge Jules kicked off his career in the mid 80s and since then has become a force to reckon with in the music industry - he's had a BBC Radio 1 residency, he's won dozens of awards including the number 1 DJ in the world, he still DJs on some of the biggest stages in the world on a weekly basis, and also works as a music lawyer at Sheridan's in London. We caught up with the globe-trotting entertainer for a quick chat ahead of his set at Zero Gravity on Friday, March 23.

Dubai is regarded as party central nowadays and has established itself as a leading nightlife destination. What are your thoughts on playing here and what can guests expect from the show?
First and foremost, I would agree entirely that Dubai is a leading nightlife destination. But how would one make such a judgement about a location? One, the fact that it attracts international leading performers and brands to its venues, week in, week out. Two, that it boasts a range of world class venues, both large and small. Three, that it holds huge anticipation and excitement for performers pre their arrival. For me, Dubai has all three in abundance. There is a special mixture of holiday vibes and expat love - Dubai consistently goes "over and above" in terms of clubbing.

You kicked off your career in 1987. How has the world of DJing changed since then?
Quite simply, in every way. In practical terms, we've moved from playing vinyl, to CDs, through to digital with MP3s. And on a more macro level, the size of the DJ world and its associated culture has grown incredibly - it is now a truly global market and a professional industry, where it was once a group of small time regional players passionately fighting for what they loved.  

Nostalgia in music is trending. Why did this happen, you think?
In 2018, roughly one and a half generations have experienced dance music and its related culture. They have grown up subliminally surrounded and influenced by dance music, often without even realising it. There is a huge body of work, and reference points for producers and fans alike to call upon. Often those tracks which are recognisable across the generations, or have recognisable samples, are the ones which generate the best reaction, tugging on the subliminal memory banks.

If you could collaborate with anyone in the music world right now who would it be and why?
That's always a tough question and one that I usually hope I don't get asked! But since you have - I suppose that it would have to be someone that nobody else has ever collaborated with. Collaborations within the music industry are rife, so I think I'd look further afield - perhaps an orator or someone who is well known for being a great speaker; definitely someone who isn't linked to music in any way.
DJing is a more popular career option for youngsters today as compared to earlier decades. What advice would you give aspiring DJs?
You need to be really good at everything. DJing is no longer simply about choosing and mixing records - you must be exceptional at that, of course, but there is so much more to it. It's a given that you need to have the hunger, drive and willingness to pick yourself up after countless knocks, but also you must be a great record producer, have a good ear for A&A, and be super-skilled as a marketeer. If you can run your own events too then that's a bonus, but if not, it helps if you can build an identifiable brand so that third party shows feel like your own events. Essentially, you need to be an all-rounder hitting 10/10 in every facet of artistic life.
 
EVENT DETAILS
.Ritual presents Mixtape Classics
. Artists: Judge Jules, Freemasons, Julie McKnight
. Friday, March 23
. For info: www.0-gravity.ae
enid@khaleejtimes.com