“Equal rights for everyone, forever (heart)” – this powerful message from Jimi Jules sets the tone for his new single “Human Rights” and his upcoming conceptual project, “NOW.”
“Human Rights” blends percussive elements, a driving four-to-the-floor rhythm, and a housey synth loop into a vibrant mix designed for the dance floor. The “NOW” project extends the themes of his previous album, “Better Together Forever,” focusing on life, love, togetherness, and the joy of making music. It reflects Jules’ commitment to being present and cherishing moments spent with family, friends, and in creative pursuits. A message that the world—and despite our frequent declarations, one it often overlooks—embraces the essence of togetherness. In a society increasingly dominated by the ‘I’ mentality, which holds its own significance, we must remember the importance of the essential things: the moments spent with those we love and the simple, kind gestures, like a smile for the person standing beside us. It is these connections that enrich our lives and bind us to one another. With visual direction by Trevor Jackson, “NOW” integrates music and art to create a holistic experience that celebrates the beauty of collaboration and presence.
Enjoy our interview as Jimi Jules delves into his creative process, the evolution of club culture, and the inspirations behind his latest work.
All images by Chad Mclean
Jimi, I love that you have studied music in-depth. How did your master’s degree from the University of Arts in Zurich shape your understanding and approach to electronic music production?
I grew up in a household filled with orchestral musicians, which deeply influenced my life and musical journey. This environment inspired me to learn several instruments, such as the trumpet, and eventually pursue formal education in music at the University of Arts in Zurich. However, my path took a new direction as I encountered various people and experiences that introduced me to electronic music, especially House/Techno. This genre captivated me with its limitless potential for experimentation and self-expression. My classical training allowed me to approach electronic music from a unique perspective, blending traditional techniques with the creative freedom of electronic music. This fusion has been instrumental in developing my own style, enabling me to freely explore and innovate.
Your upcoming project “NOW” is set to explore life, love, togetherness, and the joy of making music. Can you share the inspiration behind this conceptual project?
‘NOW’ is an extension of the themes explored in my previous album, ‘BetterTogetherForever,’ and is deeply rooted in the positive experiences I’ve gained since then. This project emphasizes the importance of being present and cherishing moments, whether spending time with family, touring, or creating music in the studio. It reflects my commitment to valuing time spent with people and activities that inspire, challenge, and offer opportunities for reflection on various aspects of life. ‘NOW’ celebrates these elements.
And what message are you aiming to convey with your new single “Human Rights,”?
Equal rights for everyone, forever (heart)
“Talking to people, regardless of their background or opinions, is essential in my life. It’s not always easy to understand each other or share the same viewpoints, but in the end, it’s important to communicate, learn, and respect…”
Your vocal performance is a highlight in “Human Rights.” How do you approach integrating vocals into your tracks, and what was unique about this one?
The production process for ‘Human Rights’ followed an organic flow, similar to my other tracks. I typically start with an idea or theme and let it evolve in the studio. For this track, I had the lyrics in mind early on and focused on integrating them with the instrumental in a way that felt authentic to me. Using filters and autotune, I enhanced the vocals to ensure they conveyed the emotion of the lyrics and complemented the overall sound. My vocal writing often reflects my current feelings, observations, or thoughts, emphasizing the message, which is usually my perspective and sometimes a question.
Have recent global events influenced the themes and messages in your ‘NOW’ project, particularly in tracks like ‘Human Rights’?
Absolutely. These events influence me, my family, friends and my environment as a whole, just as they do for everyone else I guess. For me, music is a personal expression, both in terms of sound and content, as well as the overall composition. Whether consciously or unconsciously, these influences shape my musical output.
“Change is the only constant we have, and it brings me great joy to see electronic music finally gaining widespread recognition.”
You mentioned not losing track of reality while making music. How do you balance the escapism of electronic music with addressing real-world issues?
Talking to people, regardless of their background or opinions, is essential in my life. It’s not always easy to understand each other or share the same viewpoints, but in the end, it’s important to communicate, learn, and respect what others, whether my children or strangers at an airport, are trying to express.
What is your process when creating a new track? Do you start with a specific idea, or do you let the music guide you?
The process varies. Sometimes inspiration strikes unexpectedly, and I quickly jot down notes or, if possible, start translating those ideas into sound on my laptop. In the studio, I have the luxury of experimenting more extensively with instruments and sounds. This environment often leads to spontaneous ideas and rhythms that captivate me. From there, I refine and develop these initial sparks into full tracks.
After two decades of performing worldwide, how do you understand the evolution of club culture, and what role do you believe it plays in today’s society?
Change is the only constant we have, and it brings me great joy to see electronic music finally gaining widespread recognition. It’s not just about the music but also about community, unique sounds, diverse cultures, and the message of coming together.
“Success is a very individual concept, and for me, it’s a feeling directly connected to happiness. It has nothing to do with numbers or extrinsic validation.”
How do you define success in the music industry?
Success is a very individual concept, and for me, it’s a feeling directly connected to happiness. It has nothing to do with numbers or extrinsic validation. It is the “NOW” that counts & makes me feel successful.
The most important thing in life is?
Family, friends, experiences, community, and trying to be happy in the moment—’NOW”
Check out Human Rights here: lnk.to/JimiJules_HumanRights
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