The 16 year old star from The Netherlands Rocking Steady…
Julian, welcome to DMCWORLD – a stunning career already for someone so young, congratulations. So tell us about how you first caught the dance music bug, how did you gain access into this crazy electronic world?”
“I was first introduced to electronic music by my older brother. He used to play some great classic techno records and that got me interested instantly. Eventually my interest began to go towards newer techno and house oriented music styles.”
Was there anything else you wanted to do with your life other than music?
“Music really never was my first interest, but I knew I wanted to to something creative. I love architecture, drawing and video editing and I knew that I wasn’t a 9 to 5 office person. My brother really influenced me to do more with music. So I started trying producing music and that actually turned out really well.”
What did your family think of your choice to follow your heart?
“My family is generally very supportive and really enjoy what I do. But they do think schooling is very important. I’m currently in my final year of high school and my parents urge me to finish it well, so I can dedicate my attention to music afterwards.”
What was your first break into the music industry?
“This is an interesting story actually. A while ago I was approached by a ‘fake’ Spinnin’ Records, boasting their name and even their official logos, stating that they would like to publish a record of mine. As it turned out, my record was stolen by some guy and sold to another label. This whole story was picked up by a very big Dutch blog, which was noticed by the guys from the real Spinnin’ Records and they offered me a real record deal.”
With so many superstar DJs coming out of your country The Netherlands, who were your early DJ heroes?
“Afrojack, Laidback Luke, Sander van Doorn, Quintino, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and DJ Chuckie.”
So a wonderful track smashing The Buzz Chart – ‘Rock Steady’ – tell us about the tune…
“Well it was a very quick process really. I laid the chords down pretty fast but couldn’t get a lead sound going. So I walked away from my computer to get a drink or something and just ran some fingers over the piano. And just like that, the inspiration for the lead was born. And from that moment I got into a certain flow, and finished the record quite rapidly.”
What were your thoughts when the mighty Spinnin’ Records came knocking on your door interested in signing you?
“As you can image I was absolutely stoked that now the real Spinnin’ was knocking at my door. And working with them has been an absolute pleasure ever since.”
A big moment when Tongy played the track on Radio 1 – where were you when he blasted it out?
“I was at home spinning some records with three of my friends when the A&R from Spinnin’ texted me ‘Rock Steady’ was being played on BBC Radio 1. Everybody went crazy, myself included!”
What is your current top 10 you are playing?
1 Arty, Matisse & Sadko – Trio
2 Nicky Romero – Se7en
3 Sander van Doorn – Chasin’
4 Starkillers & Dmitry Ko – Don’t Hold Back
5 Madeon – Icarus
6 Otto Knows – Million Voices
7 Swedish House Mafia – Geryhound
8 Skrillex ft. The Doors – Breakin’ A Sweat (Zedd Remix)
9 Hard Rock Sofa – Quasar
10 Norman Dorey – Leo
So how does it work DJing and clubs and the age restrictions?
“Well, it really doesn’t. During the day it’s no problem, but at night certain rules come into play. I can only work at night a couple of times a year and I have to be accompanied by an adult. So I haven’t see a lot of clubs from the inside yet.”
What is your friends reactions to your success – has there been any jealousy?
“No not at all. All my friends are really excited.”
What are the clubs you have enjoyed rocking this past year?
“See my answer above about age restrictions for the answe! But I did spin records at school as part of my music exams in front of a sitting crowd, it was very funny.”
What would be your dream gig?
“Playing The Mansion in Miami or Ministry of Sound in London. I would enjoy spinning in clubs where crowds are open minded to new music.”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Stay true to yourself. Don’t try to produce within the current hype. Follow your own path.”
Tell us about your home studio…
“I’m what they call a true bedroom producer. I have a PC and a Mac with FL Studio and Logic hooked up to some studio monitors and a midi keyboard.”
What is coming next studio wise from Julian Jordan?
“Can’t really say too much about that, but what I can tell you is that I’ve spent some time in the studio with Sander van Doorn recently. So big things are in the making…”
Official teaser on YouTube: http://youtu.be/skqpOYgKOoo
