Boasting an impressive collection of majestic releases on Drumcode over the course of his revered career – the last of which came in the form of his five-part Schema EP back in January 2021 – Boreal marks Julian’s fifth musical outing on the legendary Stockholm-based label, as he returns armed with an arsenal of interim releases on the likes of FORM Music, Filth on Acid and Tronic to name just a few.
Known for his experimental soundscapes and hard-hitting atmospheres, Julian’s uniquely underground treatment across the package is wonderfully dark and hypnotic, as he engages the listener from the very first kickdrum. The title track is a truly special record, striking the sweet spot between euphoria and melancholy, as airy pads and stirring waves of melody stamp it with a timeless feel. Continuing on a theme, the follow-up, ‘Time’, is a propulsive weapon built around a steely industrial backbone.
‘Revers’e is a low-slung beast that builds up intergalactic energy throughout, whilst Cosmos sees Jeweil do what he does best; deliver functional, powerful techno with a trippy extra-terrestrial edge. The penultimate offering, ‘System’, is a jacking slice of heat led by shuffling beats and a persistent vox primed for sweaty dancefloor moments, before the generous EP rounds out with ‘Minuit’ – a polished driving cut with a sleek melodic core that reinforces the Frenchman’s breadth in the studio.
Talking about the concept behind the release, Julian commented: “I am very excited about ‘Boreal’, because it really reflects my personal vision of techno music. I am so happy to see it released on Drumcode, a label that I respect very much. They always give me carte blanche when it comes to producing and I am blessed”.
‘Julian Jeweil – Boreal EP’ is out now via Drumcode Records. You can now listen to the full premiere of ‘Minuit’ exclusively on When We Dip. Enjoy!
WWD: Hello Julian, welcome to When We Dip!
Hey guys, thanks for having me again!
WWD: Starting at the beginning, can you tell us how you got into electronic music?
Well, I can safely say it was love at first sight (or hearing?)! I started listening to Techno music during the late Nineties when I was a teenager and pretty quickly I became a huge fan of the genre. I started buying records… I’d lock myself in my bedroom and listen to them endlessly. Later, when I was about 18 years old, I started mixing and performing at parties, then… You know the rest of the story!
WWD: What was the music scene like where you lived in France when you first starting making electronic music?
I grew up in the South of France so, for me, Marseilles was one of the best options available. It is France’s second biggest city after Paris, and culturally it’s a vibrant place. This being said, electronic music was not super popular like it is today. Back in the days we were more about illegal or basement rave parties and the occasional Detroit DJ coming over. I think the scene in the South of France is much more dynamic nowadays.
WWD: Can you share some memories from the days you started raving/DJing?
One week after going to my first rave party, I went to a record store and bought my first turntables and my first techno records on vinyl haha.
WWD: Congratulations on the release of your huge new Boreal EP on Drumcode. Can you tell us more about the project?
Thank you so much! As always, Drumcode gave me complete freedom to do whatever I wanted, and “Boreal” – a six-tracks – fully expresses my vision, as an artist and techno music lover. This one is special because I packed up so much energy being stuck at home because of the pandemic that I’ve been really enjoying to play it in front of a crowd.
WWD: You have a long history with the label. How did you connect with Adam in the first place?
I’ve always admired Adam and liked what he was doing with Drumcode. I’m very, very picky when it comes to expressing myself as an artist and I thought that this label would fit perfectly. I also hoped it would help me express myself without any constraints, which is totally what happened. So, I basically sent Adam some demo tracks through my manager and they were accepted. Later on, Drumcode was the first label I thought of when I completed my first album, “Transmission”.
WWD: What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not touring the world or making music?
I’m a pretty chill person, so I work out, I hang out with my family and friends, and I paint. I guess painting helps me express myself visually just like producing does sonically. Also, it’s quite useful when I want to clear my head and relax!
WWD: What’s your favourite part of being an artist?
Sharing my music with other people and seeing them actually enjoy it. And also, of course, traveling around the world and meeting so many interesting people.
WWD: And your least favourite?
Touring can be very tiring physically, but it’s still worth it. I’m not complaining.
WWD: Top 5 records in your collection the moment?
1 : Lowerzone – Tension [Jam]
2 : Axel Karakasis – Breeze Of Flame [Suara]
3 : Mython – Reverse Funnel [Out Rage Records]
4 : Christian Smith – Movement [Tronic]
5 : Chiyas – Amotik [Amotik]
WWD: Do you have any other releases or projects planned in the coming months you can share with us?
I’m very close to finalizing a very big project, that’s very important for me. I really can’t tell you more at the moment (and I’m superstitious!) but you’ll know soon enough. I promise ; )
WWD: Any final words for our When We Dip readers?
Thank you so much for your interest guys, I can’t wait to see you and make you dance!
WWD: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us Julian!
You’re welcome guys : )
Release Date: March 25th, 2022. Buy Here
Julian Jeweil: Facebook // SoundCloud
Drumcode: Facebook // SoundCloud