Dimitris: We're well into 2023 now, but it would be cool to let us know how 2022 was for your career. Which achievements or goals that you achieved are you proud of?
Jewel Kid: Well, 2022 was the year that I decided to relaunch my Jewel Kid alias, so most of the year was spent working in the studio on my comeback tracks.
Dimitris: Tell us about your latest single Release Inside on Glasgow Underground - was there any specific inspiration behind this one?
Jewel Kid: The inspiration for this track came after hearing Denis Sulta playing at a pool party. He was playing these bottom-heavy tracks with full on house vocals that really grabbed my soul. The next day I went straight to the studio with all that inspiration and “Release Inside” was born.
Dimitris: Which music composition software or hardware do you prefer and why?
Jewel Kid: Cubase is my favorite software as it has been my go-to DAW for the past 20 years. Went it comes to hardware it’s quite tough to choose from my collection as I love every little bit, but probably my Moog Sound System is what I can’t live without right now.
Dimitris: Do you prefer instrumental dance tracks or do you adore vocals?
Jewel Kid: I definitely prefer bangers with vocals when it comes to House and Tech-House. In fact, all my tracks have some type of vocal in them as I believe that people will resonate with them better.
Dimitris: Do you believe that artwork can attract listeners or record buyers?
Jewel Kid: For sure! The artwork must stand out in this saturated market and it’s even more effective when the artwork is in line with the sound of the track.
Dimitris: What, in your opinion, is an example of artwork which really elevates a music release?
Jewel Kid: I think the artwork that Glasgow Underground did for “Release Inside” represents what I said before perfectly.
Dimitris: How much time do you spend promoting yourself in your social media? Do you see this as an essential tool for self-promotion?
Jewel Kid: I am trying to dedicate some time to socials every day because it’s not just about the music anymore. Being an artist now is like being in a reality show. The followers want to have a deeper look at your day-to-day life. I don’t mind it and to be honest I kind of like to share my journey with the public.
Dimitris: Do you have any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions that might help up and coming artists?
Jewel Kid: The more time I spend in this musical career the more I realize to keep things simple. Most people tend to complicate things too much, both behind the DJ booth and in the studio. Focus on perfecting your simplicity as that is what will have the most positive effect in your outcome since listeners always tend to resonate with strong clean music.
Dimitris: Is there a particular classic record that you would like to remix or rework in 2023, given the chance?
Jewel Kid: The classic records that I really like I would not dare to touch as I think they are masterpieces and could only be ruined if touched. It must be a classic track that I’m not really crazy about for me to give it my own spin and try to make it sound more recent.
Dimitris: Do you believe that music genres or styles are still relevant today? What is your opinion about hybrids and artists attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?
Jewel Kid: I think that not only are genres still relevant, but now-a-days most genres are being split into sub-genres. You cannot be hardheaded towards these things because we are here to deliver what the listeners want to hear, in order to stay relevant. Music is always evolving, so if mix matching different genres is what is working right now, I don’t mind experimenting with that and see what the outcome will be.
Dimitris: Finally, please tell us what you are preparing in the coming months regarding releases and performances in gigs/festivals...
Jewel Kid: I have tons of music coming out every 2-3 weeks till the end of the year on some very interesting record labels, which also include a few collaborations with some friends. I’m really excited to get all this music out there and share my soul with my listeners. As for gigs, I’m really looking forward to this beach party I’m playing in a few weeks in the South of France; should be a great one!