KISS Nights: Behind The Booth with Juls

We dropped a few q's to the multi-talented, MOBO nominated, British-Ghanaian producer, DJ, and musician known as Juls. We find out more and get to know about where it all began for him, the genre, his favourite venue, and his biggest inspirations!

He's collaborated with some of the most exciting names in music, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Lauryn Hill. We're lucky enough to have Juls spinning the hottest Afrobeats every Tuesday from 9pm on KISS Nights so make sure you check it out, available for 30 days on the free KISS KUBE app!

Juls let's get to it...

Tell us, how did it all start for you?

"My journey is a lot different from most. I started making beats when I was 22 in Uni. My major and whole educational background is Finance so I have no music foundation or background in it. Just passion. My influences were and still are J Dilla and Kanye West. I was sampling soil samples and making boom bap beats on FL studio. Then started sampling African folk music and highlife. My love for Hip Hop is unreal.

To make a name for myself I taught myself how to DJ and my first gig was at Surrey Uni when I did my masters. I became a resident DJ in the uni and started putting on my own events back home in Ghana when I’d go visit for Xmas holidays. I used that to push my production skills.

Fast forward to 2015 had my first hit record. I scouted a young man by the name of Mr Eazi and was primarily responsible for his prolific growth.

I’ve just grown from strength to strength since then. I’ve produced for all the greats in my Afrobeats scene and more. Wizkid, Burna Boy, Goldlink, Masego, Lauryn Hill, Wande Coal. The list goes on!

I’ve shut down shows all over the world and here in London. The o2, Jazz cafe, Kings Theatre New York, SOBs, etc.

It’s been great and only the beginning."

Listen to Juls' 'Wizkid Takeover' show to celebrate his sold out 'Made In Lagos Tour', 2 hours of his BIGGEST tracks and features here.

What is your DJ set up?

"CDJ2000s, USBS or my laptop. DJM 900 Mixer"

Which part of DJing comes the most naturally to you?

"I just like to put a smile on peoples faces and enjoy the vibe. So reading the room is what I do best."

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?

"Practice a lot! Be experimental! Read a lot about your genre focus. Being a DJ isn’t just about playing music and shutting down events.

You are a tastemaker and the trend is in your hands!" 🙌

Want to host your own show on KISS Fresh? Heard of KISS Freshers? Let me tell you...it's where The Dixon Brothers go on the lookout for 6 of the UK's best new DJs to present their very own one off show on KISS Fresh. Keep an eye out for entries opening in 2022.

What track are you most proud of releasing?

"I think that’s a tough one. All my releases are special and have a different meaning. I'm proud of everything I’ve done. But I think Soweto Blues and Blessed opened doors to a new audience."

Juls has recently dropped his new album 'Sound Of My World', listen to it on Spotify.

Name a song you’d love to sample, that you haven’t already?

"Maybe a song from The Dramatics."

Where do you think the scene is headed? One year from now? Five years from now?

"I think African music is definitely growing steadily and at the forefront, and dance music is evolving. I don’t know what the future holds but Tech definitely has an influence on everything."

Who is your biggest inspiration, who do you have a lot of respect for?

"J Dilla, Swizz Beatz and Black Coffee"

What single night out has been the most memorable for you as a DJ?

"There has been quite a lot... Recently I played at Fabric in the summer. I think Ends Festival as well was really really good in 2019. Also, I was a headliner for Muze Open Air in Kenya earlier this year and that was amazing!"

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

"1992, Thats the best era of music ever!"

⏪Love your Old Skool & Anthems? Check out our 24/7 KISSTORY station here.

What is it that you love about the scene?

"I just love music and love the fans of the music. That's really my focus. All the other politics and stuff I don’t entertain. I only want to push the music I love and support and for a good cause."

What is one subgenre you think doesn't get the attention it deserves?

"Afrobeats. Like we are the HOTTEST thing right now yet still struggle to get a look in at the majors or platforms."

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

"Bitty Mclean - Walk Away From Love"

Any exciting new dance genres, we need to know about?

"Amapiano"

What is your favourite venue in the world?

"Oh wow. Erm probably the Ngong Race Course in Nairobi Kenya."

If one celebrity in the world could come to one of your shows? Who?

"Kendrick Lamar"

Juls, describe your perfect night out...

"Good music, Good people, Good energy." 👏

What advice would you give to younger people going out to music events safely?

"Don't do drugs. Protect and stay close to your friends. Don’t overdo stuff and be stupid by drinking ridiculously."

How can I listen to Juls on KISS Nights

Tune into KISS Nights, every Tuesday from 9pm and catch Juls dropping the HOTTEST Afrobeats. Listen via FM or DAB Radio, KISSFMUK.COM, Smart Speaker ("Play KISS FM") or the free KISS KUBE App.

You can also listen back to shows for 30 days on the KISS KUBE App. Download it here!

What is KISS Nights?

Shows on KISS from the world's biggest and best DJs playing all your favourite music including Drum & Bass, Afrobeats, Grime, Hip Hop, Dance and Garage.

When is KISS Nights?

KISS Nights shows are every Sunday to Thursday from 9pm and from 5pm on Fridays and 6pm on Saturdays, only on KISS!

Check out our KISS Nights Line-Up:

How to listen to KISS:

Listen to KISS and all of the KISS Network stations on our free Rayo app, by hitting the play button on the bottom of your screen and on your smart speaker (‘Play KISS FM’). Plus KISSTORY R&B is now available on DAB nationally and KISS Fresh, KISS Dance via DAB+ in London.

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