Anyone who has spent any time immersing themselves in the party culture of Ibiza will be fully aware of Jean Claude Ades contribution to the scene. The French / German producer has been a key fixture on the white isle for the last few years – his BeCrazy! night having established him as one of the most sought-after names on the house music scene globally. Whether he’s hosting his own party, guesting at the premium clubs around the world, or locked away in the studio – Jean Claude brings a passion and authenticity to his work that never fails to inspire.
EG caught up with Jean Claude Ades to learn more about the drop of his new ‘Awake’ EP on Scorpios Music, his origins in the electronic music scene, future endeavors, and more.
EG: Hello Jean Claude! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us today. Where are you based right now? How have you been?
Jean Claude Ades: Thanks for the invite. I am based between Ibiza and Mykonos this summer, and so far so good. I am excited that we are back on business for the moment ☺
EG: Let’s go to the beginning. What were your first musical interactions like? When did you come across electronic dance music? Was there a record or gig that pushed you down the rabbit hole?
Jean Claude Ades: My father was a painter and musician and he was passionate about jazz and classical music, and my mother was mostly into rock and pop, with bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Queen. I started very early to play piano, and by the age of 16, I bought my first synth, the M1 by Korg. This was the beginning of my passion for producing music. I came across electronic music during my teenage time. I was into tapes and vinyl. I was listening to Depeche Mode, ABC, New Order, Pink Floyd, Prince, among others. Those bands made a massive impact on my style of music.
EG: Congratulations on the release of your new ‘Awake’ EP! The title suggests a rather powerful concept. What’s the inspiration behind this EP?
Jean Claude Ades: I recorded the track during the pandemic here in Ibiza and when you listen to the lyrics you will understand my concept that “music will bring back light into your life”. I never felt the urge to release this during that time, as I thought no one would listen to it on the dancefloor, so I waited until people could dance again.
EG: What can your fans expect to find on ‘Awake’, musically speaking?
Jean Claude Ades: It’s a melancholic track with drive. You can listen to it at home, but it will surely make you dance when you are at the club.
“Electronic music became a massive business and I feel sometimes that social media comes before art. I feel sometimes it’s more about the image than the music”
EG: The EP also features a remix, courtesy of Sabo feat. Conga Fist. What’s your general experience when listening back to a remix of your music for the first time? What was the experience like with Sabo’s remix featuring Conga Fist? Do you have any ‘Oh! I wish I had thought of that’ kind of moments?
Jean Claude Ades: I love to listen to a different approach to an original. Actually, I used to remix my own tracks back in the day. Sabo’s remix with Conga Fist is great, and sounds different from anything else!
EG: And ‘Awake’ is out via Scorpios Music. Why did you decide to go with Scorpios for this particular release? What is your relationship with the label like?
Jean Claude Ades: I have a residency there, every Sunday, for 6 years now, and I am very connected to the brand Scorpios. I have created the record label with my team, and I am also the A&R, so I feel a big part of that journey. That’s why I will release more stuff under the Scorpios umbrella in the near future.
Read Scorpios Music’s Label Insight here.
EG: These past few years gave us all a chance to slow down and reassess. What would you like to see more and less of in our scene?
Jean Claude Ades: Electronic music became a massive business and I feel sometimes that social media comes before art. I feel sometimes it’s more about the image than the music.
EG: What else can we expect from Jean Claude Ades in the next few months? What new milestones are you looking forward to?
Jean Claude Ades: I have just finished a remix for Demayä, ‘ARKADYAN feat. Yana Mann’, which will be released this September via Scorpios Music, and a new EP ready that will be released after this summer. Also, I am working on some NFTs where I will introduce some of my father’s digitalized paintings combined with my music.
EG: Thank you for your time, Jean Claude! We wish you all the best!
Jean Claude Ades: Thank you!
Jean Claude Ades’ ‘Awake’ EP is out now via Scorpios Music. Purchase your copy here.
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