An Interview with Julez

A fresh single release from Julez brings out the producer and artist's outstanding songwriting abilities by blending elements of classic dance, electro pop, and doing it with a vast and expansive undertone, but without losing any of the drive that makes you want to get up and move your body.

"Higher Than Love" doesn't waste much time giving you some of that classic dance influence with hints of vintage house by starting with a synth that brings that aesthetic back to life very quickly.

The track quickly updates itself by bringing in fresh sounds along with robust and shimmering vocals that come through, bringing so much presence to the table that you can't turn away.

There's something very cinematic about this track, and it feels great to listen to because it brings together those colorful and vivacious vibes and energy with that ambient underbelly and dance pop approach.

This track was a total banger, and its spirited feel is completely infectious right from the start.

Julez is joined by J.O.Y., who added some amazing vocals to the track and really brightened everything up.

This was a match made in heaven, if you ask me. This is because the energy levels between the music and the vocals are so on point, it's unbelievable.

Everything has a gorgeous, forward-moving flow and creates this atmosphere that you don't want to leave.

I love the elements of classic synthwave showing face here and there, and the choice of actual key and synth tones throughout this track is absolutely essential to bringing this beautiful and lush set of textures to life.

It's very layered and feels like something that certainly has influence from old and new school songwriting approaches from EDM, pop, synth-pop, electro, and more.

The song has loads of hooks, but they're both musical and vocal, which really says a lot for how impactful this track can be.

The arrangement is also outstanding simply because it breathes and feels alive. This is not exactly a cookie-cutter arrangement but is insanely radio-friendly and feels like it should be on the pop radio waves or in certain clubs.

You can hear some of those ambient synth pads floating through the ether of the track, giving it that depth, and if you listen to the song with headphones on, you're really able to soak in everything that it delivers.

I feel like it's one of the best ways to hear this track, especially for the first time.

Again, there are layers of textures going on, and the song's growth is very impressive, so doing this one with headphones is something that lets the music actually swim around in the air that surrounds you.

I connected with this track right away, and its spirited, uplifting, vibrant, and charismatic approach left its mark.

Julez certainly proves himself as a producer who knows how to bring in a slew of influences and make it sound current and refreshing.

He also showcases the ability to choose the right collaborators to enhance a song and level up the whole thing.

It takes a bit of foresight to do that properly, and Julez is a songwriter and producer who absolutely pays attention to the details when creating his music.

Even with all that, the track has heart and that's what's important.

With the release of such a well-woven single, we wanted to have a sit-down with Julez to find out where this came from and what might be coming up next.

Here's what happened.

Buzz Slayers: Let’s talk about the Higher Than Love single! This was such a great blend of cinematic and electronic approach with some emotional drive and vast undertone! Where did this song come from?

I really love electronic music sounds and Im a big fan of The Weeknd, Calvin Harris and Daft punk and I’m really inspired by cinematic sounds and productions of artist like Hans Zimmer. 

I love modern, futuristic sounds and with “Higher Than Love” I tried to fuse these styles together.

Buzz Slayers: I’m hearing a few different approaches on this track! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

I’m inspired by the likes of The Weeknd, David Guetta, Kygo, Marshmallow, Calvin Harris, Chain Smokers and Billie Eilish.

Buzz Slayers: Are you performing live right now? Any touring in support of this release?

I'm really trying to focus hard on finishing my new and upcoming album called “Reveal” which is due for release late August this year. Then I will start working on my next album. I would love to go live once I've released

enough songs, going live with all my new songs would be amazing and really can’t wait.

Buzz Slayers: Did you record this in a home studio setup, or did you go to a big studio for this?

I programmed all the music for” Higher Than Love at home in my home studio setup. I program all the music and rough ideas for the melody until I'm happy with it. Then i go into the studio with Producer Paddy Hunt and singer J.O.Y to finish the song. 

Buzz Slayers: Now that this is out, what's next for the project?

I'm working on 5 new tracks at the moment, which I hope to release in the up and coming months, so look out for new releases and my new album “Reveal” out in August 2025.

Buzz Slayers: Are you planning any music videos in the near future?

I'm planning at the moment, the video for the new single which will be released in August along side my new album, but mean time checkout the “Higher Than Love” Video on Youtube.

Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?

I’ve been listening a lot to The Weeknd latest album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” and “Starboy", Marshmello and Billie Eilish album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.

Buzz Slayers: This was a pretty big single! Was it a big undertaking? How long did it take to finish this?

"Higher Than Love" took some time to write, from programming the music to finishing the melody ideas and laying the vocals with J.O.Y. I have many writing processes that everything goes through to be sure that the song is the 

best it can be. Most of the time, my songwriting process starts while Im playing the piano, sometimes my song melody ideas come to me while out walking, it just depends really. It’s very rare I do the music first

before a writing a melody idea though, but I have done a few like that.

"Higher Than Love started around an intro sound, once I have an idea for chords and melody from playing at the piano, I will start to program different sounds or samples into the arrangement. I’m very fussy with the sounds, as when they are layered they all need to fuse well together. Once I'm happy with the arrangement, I will go into a studio with producer Paddy Hunt to fine tune the song ready for vocals with J.O.Y. who has co/written with me since the beginning of my musical project on some of my songs. I like infectious choruses with relatable topics with lyrics, creating a sound that connects with my audience. In a world where pop music is oversaturated, I try make my music stand out with the fusion of catchy melodies and honest, heart felt narrative. 

I started writing “Higher Than Love” in the Summer of 2023, which took some time as I've also worked for over 20 years now in London as a Design Director for various top Global design agencies around the world. I specialise in Brand Design and packaging design for some of the biggest brands in the world such as Coca Cola, Toblerone, Weetibix, Jack Daniels and Dove to name a few.    

Buzz Slayers: What would you tell people they can expect on this release?

Anyone who loves electronic, pop, alternative R & B or a fan of The Weeknd or David Guetta, may like this track. I’m always striving to combine the hard-hitting elements of electronic music with the angelic atmosphere of pop vocals. In the past few years, its been filled with nonstop music-making for me with producer Paddy Hunt in London. “Higher Than Love” which Features the amazing vocals of J.O.Y. really shines as it highlights a track I feel very proud of. Calling it the best song of my career so far would not be wrong, hitting the Top40 New Music Weekly Chart at number 20.

Buzz Slayers: What would you like to express to fans of the music? 

Anyone who loves electronic, pop and alternative R & B or a fan of The Weeknd or David Guetta, may just fall in love with this “Higher Than Love. 

I was over the moon to be chosen as the 2024 USA Songwriting Competition Overall Grand Prize Winner this year with my song “Higher Than Love”. I was speechless when I heard the news. Receiving this incredible honor to be recognized by the USA Songwriting Competition in this way. It's been on a great musical journey so far, though sometimes tough at times, it really put some amazing light on my musical project that really makes it all worth the hard work. I’m really looking forward to seeing where my music continues to go from here and I thank everyone for listening to my music, really means the world to me. 

“Higher Than Love” is available on all major music streaming platforms and look out for my up coming album release 'Reveal” in August.     

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