Dutch DJ and producer Julian Jordan is at the vanguard of the country’s new generation of dance music hotshots, with a mightily impressive track record in his short time in the game. He brings a fresh spin to the dance scene, fusing some of its trademark sound and bombast with exciting new twists and influences that so far has seen the likes of MTV cite him as “one to watch”.  Julian is currently #94 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list.

When did you get into DJing?

When I was 12 years old, I started to discover electronic music because my older brother played it all the time.  I really wanted to DJ as well when I heard all those tracks and saw all those movies on DVD haha!  That is when I knew I had to save money to buy a DJ set.

What or who were your early passions and influences?

Of course, Tiësto was/is a big inspiration.  I discovered electronic music also because of his tracks on the radio.  The Prodigy also really inspired me with their electronic sound.

How do you find your inspiration?

I don’t really have a ritual to find inspiration, it just comes at the most random moments.  I do get inspired when I listen to live sets or when I travel around the world.  I always see different cultures and crowds and how they react to music is really inspiring.

Where are people most likely to see you perform?

You can see me at a lot of festivals but also in a lot of clubs!  You can find me all around the world!

Do you have original music that is available online?

Yes, a lot already!  And so much good stuff is coming!  So I would say follow me on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated!

What is one mistake you see a lot of up and coming DJs making?

A lot of upcoming DJs/producers think too much in ‘rules’; they think a track has to be 128 bpm or has to have 2 breaks and 2 drops, etc.  It doesn’t work like that haha, every track that really stands out is different from the rest and that is because the producer didn’t follow rules.  So tip #1 is forget rules and be creative, you will find amazing and inspiring ideas!

If you could be eternally stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be?

Hip hop.  I would love to see how touring and studio sessions are in that world.  I did a few studio sessions with rappers in Holland and really enjoyed that.  Some people underestimate the creativity going on in the rap scene.

What is one tract that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

Of course, Avicii – Levels.  That track has everything.

What is something that bugs you about the DJ scene?

Some people are in it for the wrong reasons and I always see those people end up getting lost in this industry.  That’s because someone is not enjoying it and just doing it because he/she has to.  I wouldn’t recommend this ‘job’ to someone who is homesick a lot or to people who care a lot about sleep.

What do you try to communicate to the audience through your vibe?

I just want to bring the full party mode to the crowd.  I love it when DJs want to ‘teach’ their crowd a lesson sometimes, but the crowd is in a club or at a festival to have a good time and party.  I always want to bring the best positive party vibe I can give them!

How do you prepare your sets?

I play a lot so I don’t really prepare my sets.  I know all of my tracks very well and I think it’s important to read a crowd instead of preparing something.  Whenever I play too hard, I know I have to bring it down when I see the crowd isn’t responding well.

Where would you most like to perform?

I would love to perform in a place that you wouldn’t expect, maybe give a super-exclusive DJ set on the moon in the future!

What are your predictions for the music industry in the next few years?

You are going to hear a lot of big, new Julian Jordan music.  I can’t tell you how excited I am about everything that is coming.  We already have so much scheduled.  I can’t wait!

What have you learned since you started out as a DJ?

Well, I have really changed as a person and that is all because of touring as a DJ.  I was always a shy kid but, right now, I really can say that I am more socially skilled.  When I was young, I was afraid to walk up to people and I didn’t know what to say, but now I just enjoy talking to people I meet on tour.  Everyone has a story to tell.

You can keep up with Julian Jordan by visiting his website JulianJordan.com and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.