Judge Jules Interview
Updated: 24 July 2001
 Judge Jules has just released his second 'Clubbed' compilation album titled 'Clubbed 2 Summer Collection'. As the title may suggest, it's a collection of the finest tunes gracing his box this summer. We caught up with him in Ibiza to find out how the season has been for him so far. He chatted about why his album doesn't have the word 'Ibiza' in the title, Judgement Sundays and turning his convertible into a bath.
 The new album is called the Clubbed 2 Summer Collection. You resisted calling it an Ibiza Collection.
We didn't really want to call it an Ibiza album because there are already millions out there, but that's what it is. It's a reflection of all the tunes that are big for me this summer. We just didn't want it to be an Ibiza Compilation 452. That's why we called it the Clubbed 2 Summer Collection.
How much input did you have into choosing the tracks on it?
I had 100%. I chose every track on it. Because I A&R for the same label they are all tracks that I have signed for the label.
So which of the tracks on the album do you think will go on to be the biggest hit this summer? Kosheen's 'Hide You' is gonna be a real biggie.
You are now into your second season of Judgement Sundays at Eden. How has that been going?
We are up on numbers every week and are one of the busiest nights on the island. We've done 2 key new things this year; one is that I play both rooms, I play a funky set in the back room, which is good because it proves I'm capable of delivering more than one style of music. Secondly, we are the only club in the whole of Ibiza to have a door policy. Being in San Antonio there is 10% of the clubbers that we don't want in. Every other club will let whoever comes to the door in because the season is short and they want to grab as much money as they can. It's really helped keep the crowd quality high.
Does it surprise people when they come in and see you playing funky house?
It does. We didn't advertise it, we just let it spread by word of mouth. The very fact that people haven't come up to me and and asked for a record that I would play in the main room makes it perfectly clear that they've got the idea of what is going on.
 That back room has such a good atmosphere.
I like playing the back room and I love playing the main room. Eden is a nice club and I helped design it, but it's not the most beautiful club. If you want the most beautiful club then you go to Pacha. But, talking superlatives, it has the best atmosphere in Ibiza without question. It's like Brazil playing in Rio in the World Cup final sometimes. It's what we always aspired to do when we set out to start the night.
Do you find it really difficult looking after your own night in Ibiza alongside all the other commitments you have?
I've got a partner who works out here all summer and my wife and 2 year old are out here. In July and August I'm far more part time at home; I only come home for Friday and Saturday.
 Whilst Judgement Sundays is doing really well other high profile clubs are struggling. Why do you think that is?
Some clubs are up and some clubs are down. God's Kitchen are doing better. The clubs that have a music policy pays attention to the fact that clubbers are on holiday. Some clubs are down on numbers but have gone really progressive. Whilst there is a body of support for progressive music, it's not appropriate for a holiday destination. People on holiday want a giggle.
Clubs have found it difficult this year because the authorities are clamping down on flyers. Have you had any problems?
There is a big problem with flyering this year. We've had to tell our flyerers not to go out flyering but to go out in branded t-shirts and talking to people.
 Did you get caught up in the storms last week?
I've got a convertible over here and I left the top open the night of the storms. The next morning when I got up it was like a bath. Having a house here you become very aware of what the climate is like, and you know when it rains and when it doesn't. I doubt if it has rained in July for the last 20 years. It occassionally rains in late August or September, but even then it is very sporadic.
Haven't you had problem with you driveway too?
I had a bit of a misunderstanding with my builders. They were painting my drive and they ended up painting it the most garish Liberace kind of colour. When I came home and saw it I quickly made them change it.
Finally, what do you have planned for the Radio 1 Weekend?
Obviously I have the show at Mambo, but this year I'm going to try and hang out with the posse. I had dinner with Mr Tong and his wife the other night, which was nice. It's the biggest weekend of the year so I'm really looking forward to it.
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