Surfing between progressive to techno genres, Jickow crafts a sound that is both innovative and nostalgically familiar. His records have received support from A-tier artists, including Sven Vath, Solomun, ARTBAT, Popof, Miss Monique, UMEK, Joris Voorn, Sasha, and many more. With latest EP, “Escapism / Echoes,” he continues to prove his mastery in creating soundscapes that resonate with listeners on a visceral level. The Marseille native’s ability to blend melody, rhythm, and atmosphere into a cohesive whole is on full display with this EP.
Fans of melodic techno will find much to love here, while newcomers will discover a fresh and exciting sound that is both emotive and dancefloor-friendly. Recently debuting on Kognitiv Records with “Something Is Burning,” Jickow keeps the momentum going with this killer double tracker. We caught up with the producer to find out more about the project and his process – check it out below!
How did you first get involved in the electronic music scene, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a DJ/Producer?
I stumbled into it, quite literally by chance. It’s a cliché but I developed a love for music at an early age and when I was 18, I invested in my first DJ equipment to mix the music I enjoyed. I had my first full time job as a radio host, and I would spend most of my earnings on buying vinyl records and upgrading my equipment. Initially, music was just a hobby and a passion for me, until I started performing in various venues in the south of France. I became more involved in the local music scene and some up-and-coming artists approached me to handle their bookings. This led to me organizing my own events and securing my own residency. I never had a plan for all of this to happen, it just fell into place, even though I had no idea of what I was doing back in the days.
Your music blends elements of progressive and techno genres. How would you describe the unique sound you produce and the emotions you aim to convey through your tracks?
I enjoy a variety of musical genres, my focus is on melodic house, techno, and progressive house. My productions and DJ sets often have a melancholic and nostalgic feel to them.
Your latest EP, “Escapism / Echoes,” showcases a darker, peak-time-primed sound than what you typically go for. What influenced the direction and mood of this release?
The title of my upcoming release, “Escapism / Echoes,” holds a deep meaning for me. It’s a reflection of my personal journey and the emotions I experienced while creating these tracks. “Escapism” represents the desire to escape from reality, to immerse oneself in the music and find solace in its captivating melodies. It’s about finding that moment of liberation on the dancefloor, where worries fade away and the music takes control. On the other hand, “Echoes” symbolizes the lasting impact and resonance of our experiences. It’s a reminder that our actions and emotions reverberate and leave imprints, creating a ripple effect that echoes through our lives. If I want to be more precise, this track is putting the parties I shared with my best friend at DC10 in Ibiza. Together, these tracks explore the dynamic interplay between escapism and the echoes of our past.
Link: https://fanlink.to/Jickow_OM007
Your tracks have received support from renowned artists around the world. How does it feel to have such recognition and praise from your peers in the industry?
Quite amazing, but on the other hand, I would like to share something: I understand that this may seem utopian or romantic, but I cannot select a specific moment when I felt most touched by my work as a DJ. Every time a DJ or even a person takes the time to play/listen to one of my tracks, whether they are known or unknown, young, or less young, it deeply touches me. We live in a society where there is an abundance of musical content and where music is consumed in a disposable manner. For me, it’s more important to have people who have one of my tracks in their top 5 Spotify for a calendar year rather than having DJs tell me it’s a “super release” but who will never pay attention to it again once downloaded.
You have multiple roles within the music industry. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face? How did you transition from being more on the industry side to the artist side.
Balancing different aspects of my career can be challenging at times, but it’s a journey that I embrace wholeheartedly. While I’m not driven by the goal of “making it big” in the music world and solely relying on it for a living, I will continue to play and share my productions if it brings me joy. From the industry side, I know rely on one partner to take care of all the administrative and technical work. I do have other activities that take a lot of time, and I can’t continue spending time on it. My wish is for my music to resonate with a wider audience and to have more opportunities to perform. However, I don’t have a specific dream or goal in mind. I prefer to be realistic and seize the opportunities that come my way. My professional projects will always take priority, and music serves as an outlet for me.
Your event concept, Hedonism Party Crew, has become a staple in the club scenes of Brussels, Antwerp, and Paris. Can you tell us more about the concept and how it has contributed to your artistic development?
The Hedonism series was a blessing and a challenge at the same time. I had the opportunity to start a new event series in Brussels and I was searching for a name. I remembered that someone once wrote about the primary hedonism I conveyed while DJing – this tribal naivety, sexiness, and happiness. That was the feeling I wanted to bring to the people. So, I created Hedonism and invited artists such as David K, Timid Boy, Matt Sassari, Criss Source, and Andre Crom. I was driven by my personal admiration for the artists, not by popularity. Some events were tough, especially when I had to switch venues, but I stayed true to myself.
Last year, I decided to end the Hedonism series, but I now realize that it wasn’t the best decision. Hedonism had a strong brand with loyal followers. It just needed to evolve. Experimentation, iteration, and redefining is a constant process and I’m not afraid to make mistakes. As my grandfather used to say, only those who do nothing make no mistakes. I am now brainstorming on bringing back the Hedonism spirit to not only Brussels, but also Paris and other cities in France and Europe because that was an interesting laboratory where I always tried to bring local scene at the forefront of the events.
Collaboration plays a significant role in your career, having worked with notable artists. What do you enjoy most about collaborating, and how does it influence your creative process?
My artistic evolution has been a continuous process of experimentation and refinement. I’ve struggled to find my own path and define my artistic vision, as it is constantly shaped by my mood, life experiences, and how I develop over time. I am always questioning myself and starting from scratch, striving to become a better version of myself day by day. I feel most confident as a melodic techno artist, but I enjoy pushing boundaries into deep house and techno. In a certain way, collaboration is a beautiful aspect of my artistic evolution and I consider it at the roots of the music industry that I thoroughly enjoy. It brings together different perspectives, talents, and ideas, ultimately leading to something greater than what one person can achieve alone. Collaborating with other artists allows me to tap into new creative realms, learn from their experiences, and bring fresh elements to my own sound. It’s a constant source of inspiration and growth.
Being based in different cities throughout your career, how has the local scene influenced your music and artistic vision?
Being based in different cities has had a profound influence on my music and artistic vision. Each city has its unique vibe, energy, and local scene, which seep into my creative process. It’s about absorbing the essence of these places and translating it into my music. Whether it’s the raw underground scene of Brussels or the artistic richness of Marseille, these cities have shaped my sound and contributed to my artistic evolution. . It has exposed me to a unique blend of cultures and traditions and has instilled in me a strong sense of pride. Marseille also given me a unique perspective on the world, one that is informed by the struggles and triumphs. It has taught me to appreciate the beauty and richness of diversity and to always strive to make a positive impact in the world.
Looking ahead, what can we expect from Jickow in terms of future releases, collaborations, or any other exciting projects on the horizon?
Well, when I write these lines, I am considering taking a break. That being said, and looking ahead, I have an exciting line-up of future releases in the works. I’ve got a couple of tracks planned for release on my label Olympe, including special reeditions of some of my earlier works like “Pig Tails” and “Can’t Get You off My Mind.” I’m also collaborating with Krafted and Polyptych on some upcoming releases that I’m really excited about. Additionally, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a remix opportunity on an A-tier label, which would be a dream come true. And to add a unique twist to my journey, I’ve decided to explore some of my roots and create an unofficial remix of a popular French rap artist, Jul, blending rap and melodic techno in a fresh and unexpected way.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with DMC World.
‘Escapism/Echoes’ is out now
