Jax Jones on breaking down genre conventions: “People think that because you’re a DJ, you fit in this one-dimensional box”
To call Jax Jones a hit-making machine would be an understatement. The super-producer has practically made the UK charts a second home, garnering eight top 10 singles. He’s managed to accumulate over 9.5 billion global streams and rubbed shoulders with music’s elite, collaborating with the likes of Whitney Houston, Ed Sheeran, Diana Ross… The list goes on. Still, Jones (born Timucin Fabian Kwong Wah Aluo in 1987) isn’t just some faceless pop producer only heard on the radio. His dancefloor-filling rave-ready anthems have led to him performing across the world, packing out festivals, and practically making the party capital of the world, Ibiza, his second home.
However, while he may now be jet-setting across the world, life wasn’t always so simple for Jones as a youngster. Born in South London, the musician’s father (who was a singer) became estranged when he was a child, and after a failed move to Malaysia, Jones and his family would find themselves homeless for a period of time as they struggled to find permanent housing in the capital. Eventually, he found his passion for music through classical guitar, allowing him an outlet, and as he grew older, he would perform as a session musician for the likes of N-Dubz and Tinchy Stryder.
Now, after another wildly successful year, Jones has today released his latest single, ‘Won’t Forget You’ – a trance banger that’ll no doubt be a go-to for cold-weather ravers. The track marks Jones’ second collaboration with D.O.D and Norwegian singer-songwriter Ina Wroldsen, who featured on his 2019 smash ‘Breathe’. And whilst he continues to dominate the charts and drop music at a rapid pace, Jones still has time to develop his artists on his label WUGD, which houses rising star Hannah Laing. Here, HUNGER catches up with Jones to discuss his musical legacy, Ibiza’s evolution and more…
You spent some time in Ibiza this summer, and it’s been a place that’s meant a lot to you throughout your career. Do you consider it almost like a second home now?
Jones: Yeah, when I first went there, I was more of a music maker rather than a raver. I was a bit like a fish out of water, and I had to kind of learn the culture. But now, I bring my family there, and we’re a lot more integrated. And my Spanish is getting better!
How do you feel the scene in Ibiza has evolved since you were first going there?
Jones: It’s definitely changed, and it’s a lot bigger. It’s so popular, and there are more nights than ever, the season runs longer, there are more flights, and they’re always full. The crowds have changed, and they’re more touristy now. It’s kind of like dance music tourists, which changes perhaps the music you’re playing. It’s a little less about discovery and it’s more about the show and what you can present to them and how good you can make their social media look for them. But because of the amount of traffic, you can have all these amazing artists come together, and they will dedicate their whole summer to play there. And so that’s exciting at the same time for creativity and exposure.
What’s a typical day like for you in Ibiza? Where are some of your favourite spots to eat, drink, etc.?
Jones: Nowadays, I prefer to stay around the Marina, which is a little more built up, but it’s kind of in the thick of it. And because I play mostly at Pasha, it’s only a couple of minutes away from me, which is ideal. I just wake up, stumble onto the terrace, get that sunlight, and get that vitamin D. I like to wander down to the main Marina and eat at a cafe called Filin, where they have this melted chocolate croissant that I just love. I’m usually with my daughter, and then I might go to one of the beaches with my kids. I just hang out with my daughter, go swimming, and find crabs.
When it comes to food, we may go somewhere like Paloma for lunch. And before I work that night, I just do more food, maybe somewhere like Sa Punta. Then I get a little siesta and go to work, which starts at midnight for me.
So, for anyone who’s never been to a Jax Jones show, how would you describe it?
Jones: A Jax Jones Show is about good music that you may have heard of, may not have heard of. It’s about good vibes, good energy, connecting with people. It’s about creating memories for people in a real, easy-going way. I would say if you’re just getting into dance music, you need to come and see me. I’m basically like your starter pack.
What’s on your rider for a show?
Jones: On my rider, I have two bottles of champagne – Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. I always use that as a gauge to see how serious the production is because it’s a hard champagne to source, and they try to impress me by putting in a more expensive one, but the more expensive ones aren’t actually that great. When it’s there, I know, okay, cool, they’ve read everything, and we’re going to have a good time. Then just a couple of other drinks, and there’s some cashew nuts because you just want something chill. And I might have a flag from that country that I’m playing in to have a little moment with the crowd.
With all the success you’ve had, how do you keep yourself grounded through it all?
Jones: Having a five-month-old and a two-year-old kid will definitely keep your ass grounded. Changing a nappy will definitely humble you [laughs].
You’re over a decade into your career now. I know you’ve still got a long way to go, but how would you like your musical legacy to be remembered?
Jones: Man, it’s hard. I’m still thinking about that. I think you’ve framed it nicely for me. I still got a long way to go. I’ve still got time to define it at the moment. I’m enjoying putting out music, being creative and being fortunate enough to work with a lot of talented artists to collaborate with and having a way to get my music out to people. My primary concern is just to keep doing that, and then I’ll see where it leads me. I’m doing other projects like helping younger people come through via my record label. And via a publishing company, we signed Hannah Laing, who was previously a dental assistant. Now she’s gone top five with her record. So, I’m super stoked about watching these artists grow. I’m excited about leaning into that and passing on my experiences.
I’m also working with other charities, like the Shaping Us campaign with the Princess of Wales. And as I’ve mentioned my kids a few times, I’m really passionate about kids, so It’s a campaign that’s close to my heart.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Jax Jones?
Jones: First of all, they think I’m a girl. They think that I’m really tall! And people think that because you’re a DJ you fit in this one-dimensional box. But the only reason I’ve been at this level for a long time is because of my love and understanding of music. I’ve played the guitar and been rapping since I was a kid. I’ve been producing music and making hits, even for pop artists like The Vamps etc. All of that goes into the music I make today, and it’s a lot more than the mixing of records you see on the surface.
What’s something in your playlist right now that nobody would expect to see?
Jones: I’m really into older music at the moment. I’m experiencing music from a feeling right now, and a lot of what I’m listening to has nothing to do with what I’m making. A lot of classical guitar and stuff like that.
What else can we expect from you for the rest of the year? Is there anything exciting coming up you can talk to us about?
Jones: I’ve been producing a lot for other acts, so expect to see some of those, and I’ve been going into a lot of other genres. Also, more big Jax Jones bangers. I’m just keeping it moving. Your new favourite song has probably already been written!
