Judge Jules: From Illegal Raves to Radio 1 Royalty

Some DJs have been part of dance music history, while others have helped shape it. In this episode of Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with the legendary Judge Jules for a journey through more than four decades of clubs, radio, raves, Ibiza and electronic music.Jules takes us right back to the beginning, from discovering electronic music through acts including Human League and Heaven 17 to experiencing the sheer power of New Order on a proper club sound system at Camden Palace. From there, his musical education took another huge turn with visits to New York's Paradise Garage and an introduction to the emerging sound of house music.The conversation uncovers the unlikely origins of the Judge Jules name, born while Jules was a law student promoting unlicensed parties and often finding himself the one tasked with speaking to the police. Those early events, his love of rare groove and old-school hip-hop, and a chance encounter at Clink Street would eventually help launch one of British dance music's most enduring careers.Jules and Paul explore the acid house explosion, Kiss FM, the move to BBC Radio 1, the legendary broadcasts, Ibiza and the creation of Judgment Sundays. They also discuss the harder side of Jules' sound and why the lines between trance, techno and hard house are becoming increasingly blurred again.There is plenty of reflection too. Jules talks about the importance of luck, preparation, and staying relevant; the responsibility a DJ has to the crowd; and finding the balance between educating and entertaining a dancefloor. He also explains why, after four decades, he is still searching every week for records with that elusive "magic factor".The conversation also moves into his remarkable second career as an entertainment lawyer, returning to study while still DJing before ultimately becoming a partner in his own firm.From underground parties to Radio 1, Ibiza superclubs, law and an MBE, this is the story of a career that continues to evolve.JOIN THE HISTORYIf you love hearing the real stories behind the DJs, clubs, records and moments that built our scene, like, comment, share and subscribe to Hard House History. For bonus episode content, exclusive Paul Glazby mixes and more, join the YouTube Members area or Patreon.#HardHouseHistory #JudgeJules #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #DanceMusic #TranceMusic #Radio1 #Ibiza #RaveCulture #ElectronicMusic