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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
71
Julian Jordan
22

In 2019, Julian Jordan re-entered the Top 100 DJs list after missing out the year before. He’s retained his position and jumped up 22 places this year, once again proving the popularity of the trademark sound he’s been developing and refining since releasing his earliest singles on Spinnin’ Records eight years ago.

The Dutch DJ/producer has long spoken about the correlation between the music he makes and the sound fans hear during his headlining club and festival sets. Because of that, we weren’t surprised to hear that he used lockdown as an excuse to work on a swathe of forthcoming productions. “This year I’ve been focusing more on my own signature sound,” he explains via email. “I’ve been in the studio on a daily basis and there are a lot more tracks coming.”

Jordan is keen to inspire aspiring producers too, and recently joined forces with pal Martin Garrix’s STMPD RCRDS label to release his first-ever ‘producer pack’: a digital bundle comprising a 105-minute masterclass explaining his creative and production process, along with an extensive sample-pack containing tons of signature sounds. 

What three things have most helped you through Coronavirus Lockdown?

“Netflix, new studio monitors and Ubereats!”

What lessons should the industry learn from this crisis?

“I have noticed how important it is to rest, eat healthily, exercise and spend time with family and friends – I definitely didn’t get enough rest when I was touring a lot. We were forced to think about other ways to spread our music and shows across the world.”

What steps need to be taken to address the racism in the dance music scene?

“Everyone should make it their main priority to create more awareness about the fact that racism in the dance music industry still exists. Speak up when you see this or notice this behaviour! I would love to see more anti-racism messages and movements at festivals and within the music industry in general.”

What industry changes are you personally pushing for to make the dance music scene more inclusive?

“I honestly really want to see the gender gap change within the dance music industry. We need to end unequal rights for women in the music industry by giving them more opportunities to be heard and seen. There are so many amazing female DJs, but they are still underrepresented. This doesn't only apply to the women on stage, but also to women working behind the scenes in the industry.”

 

What’s the greatest dance music track of all time?

“To me, it’s ‘Levels’ by Avicii. The response when you play this track to a crowd is so sick, it doesn’t matter what crowd you are playing for.”