“I find that inspiration hits me unexpectedly” | Jean Claude Ades interview
Jean Claude Ades is a DJ and producer with a French and German background, boasting over 20 years in the music scene. He was raised in Italy, lived in Germany, and now calls Ibiza and Lisbon home. Touring globally since the early 2000s, he has fronted numerous successful record labels and promoted his own underground and road-blocked event, ‘Be Crazy’, in Ibiza for many years. You can catch him during the summer of 2024 as the resident DJ at the famous Sunday party at Scorpios Mykonos, where he has held his residency for the last eight years.
F: With a diverse musical background that includes jazz, classical, and popular music influences, how do you incorporate these varied elements into your electronic music productions?
Jean Claude Ades: I’m not one to stick to trends for long—I’m always evolving; I’m constantly looking for fresh approaches and styles to give my music a creative edge. My intention is to mix old-school vibes with modern sounds, crafting a one-of-a-kind sonic journey. With advancements in mixing and engineering techniques, I’ve experimented with cool new styles, including influences from Jazz, classical, and organic house in my music production.
F: Reflecting on your extensive discography and hits like “I Begin to Wonder,” what do you consider your most significant creative breakthrough in your music career?
Jean Claude Ades: One of my most significant records was my early release, ‘I Begin to Wonder,’ in collaboration with the amazing Dannii Minogue in 2003. This moment marked a breakthrough in my career, and I look back on it fondly. Much time has passed, and my sound and style have evolved and changed immensely since then.
J: Another significant moment was creating my second label, Be Crazy Music, which was named after my many years-long event in Ibiza. Under Be Crazy Music, I’ve released numerous records, including tunes like ‘You Make Me Feel’ and ‘Mood that I Love’. Following this, we launched Scorpios Music, dedicated to the vibrant and underground scene of Scorpios Mykonos, where I have invested my time over the past few years.
F: You’ve transitioned from playing the piano to using synthesizers and embracing electronic music. How has this evolution affected your approach to music production and live performances?
J: I will always love the piano and classical music, and they give me great grounding when it comes to song construction and melody. Synthesizers are a natural progression; I incorporate both into my sound design when producing records, but melody is very important to me. When I enter the studio, inspiration hits me unexpectedly. I typically begin by playing with melodies on the piano or experimenting with different pads until I find a sound that resonates.
F: As a resident DJ at Scorpios Mykonos, how do you tailor your sets for the venue’s unique atmosphere, and how does it differ from playing at other international locations?
J: Firstly, performing at Scorpios holds a unique meaning for me. It’s like returning to a familiar place where I feel confident in the music that connects with the Scorpios crowd. The venue’s eclectic atmosphere allows me to delve into various musical styles, shaping a unique ambience that stands out from other locations. It helps that it is a beautiful meeting place and inclusive venue, and people love to come. It showcases a downtempo, melodic, and organic house. There is a focus on creative and world live music, too. The sound and style are very signature and differ greatly from other international venues in other international destinations. It’s stimulating visually because of the location on the beach; sonically, it is very different.
F: What can you tell us about your latest collaboration with Re. You? Was there any specific inspiration behind this one?
J: I finished recording this approximately two years ago but decided not to release it because I had a few variations and struggled to decide on the best one. Then, during a chat with Re. I asked if he would give a remix a shot; he thought it would be a great idea. I was impressed with the result, especially the bassline and beats, so I merged my track with his remix. Through a collaborative exchange of stems, we eventually achieved the perfect fusion.
F: With your involvement in Scorpios Music as an artist and in A&R, what are your main criteria for selecting music and artists for the label?
J: My residency has been every Sunday for 8 years, and I am very connected to the Scorpios brand. We have created the record label with a great team, and I am also the A&R, so I feel a big part of that journey. I always look for authenticity, freshness, and originality when looking for artists and tracks to sign.
F: Given your experience and success, what advice would you give emerging artists trying to make their mark in the ever-evolving electronic music scene?
J: I must say this is a tough one, especially as there are so many releases every day. The best advice I can give to emerging artists is to be authentic, especially authentic to yourself. Don’t try to copy a sound or style because it is trending or in fashion right now. Also, if you can put on your own events, start small, and everything will follow. Who knows what you can achieve if you put in enough time, effort, and focus over time?
F: In recent interviews, you’ve discussed the impact of social media on music. How do you balance the demands of maintaining a public image with your artistic integrity?
J: I think you mean when I said that electronic music has become a massive business, and I feel that sometimes social media comes before art. Sometimes, it’s more about the image than the music. This is true, and many artists are fixated on creating content and portraying the dream rather than focusing on their productions and performances. Social media is an essential tool but there has been far too much focus on its role of late, it should be a part of what we do but not the most important part.
F: Are there any new technologies or trends in music production that excite you, and how do you plan to incorporate them into your future projects?
J: AI will bring many opportunities for young producers who have not learned sound engineering from scratch. It will give us more opportunities to experiment with samples than before. New tools like AIVA and Soundful are AI music generator tools specialized in creating original compositions using artificial intelligence techniques.
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