Julian Jeweil [Interview]

Boreal – the stunning six-track extended player from long-standing French techno icon Julian Jeweil – is out now via Drumcode Records. Boasting an impressive collection of majestic releases on Drumcode over the course of his revered career – the last of which came in the form of his five-part Schema EP back in January 2021 – Boreal marks Julian's fifth musical outing on the legendary Stockholm-based label, as he returns armed with an arsenal of interim releases on the likes of FORM Music, Filth on Acid and Tronic to name just a few. We caught up with the Frenchman from his home in the south of France to find out more...

Hello Julian, and a very warm welcome to Progressive Astronaut. How are you today?

Hey there guys, a very warm thank you to you! I'm great, just came back from Argentina, getting ready to tour some more.

Where are you answering this interview from?

I'm currently at home, resting in between tour dates. I live in a lovely house up on the hills, somewhere in the South of France. Lots of trees and sunshine, which is all I need.

How have the last couple of years been for you, given everything that's been going on in the world?

I won't lie to you, it wasn't easy - especially as France had implemented a strict lockdown for a long time. But I'm not complaining, as I know I still was luckier than many, many people. I was also blessed to be close to my family and friends and I have a home studio so, even if the pandemic took its toll, I passed the time working out, painting, performing online, and creating new music.

Do you feel like life is finally beginning to return to normal?

Absolutely, at least in France. The mask requirement was dropped yesterday, as a matter of fact. So I've been spending on stage all that energy I'd stashed away! I've been performing every week and I love it.

We understand you have a huge new EP release coming up in on Drumcode. Can you tell us more about that please?

Yes, and I'm so proud with that one. 'Boreal' is a six-track monster that fully embodies my own personal vision of Techno music. I chose Drumcode because I knew they would be so supportive; and indeed they let me do whatever I wanted.

Talk to us about the techno scene in France right now. Are there any special new talents we should be keeping our eyes on?

The Techno scene in France is very vibrant and packed with new talents, that's for sure. There are so many talented artists I can't name them all, but I'll mention one though because he's from the South like me haha, Space 92. He's a beast.

What else do you have coming up over the next few months? Any more exciting releases or projects you can share with us?

I've a ton of projects, collabs, remixes but I'm superstitious, I don't like to talk about projects before they're out or I'll jinx it. Sorry guys!

Anything you'd like to add before we wrap this up?

For me, the most important thing to say right now is 'thank you': to you, for your interest, and to all the supporters out there for enjoying my music.

Julian Jeweil - Boreal EP is out now via Drumcode.