This month we caught up with Julius Voigtländer and Gregor Brechmann, more commonly known as Jewelz & Sparks, to chat about their January 12 debut Guangzhou performance. The German DJ duo formed in 2011 and have since seen success both in the studio and on the global EDM festival circuit, performing at Ultra Europe and Tomorrowland, among numerous others. Below we talk about working as a two-man DJ team, collaborations and, of course, China!
It’s your first time coming to Guangzhou. What can fans expect?
A high-energy show with a lot of exclusive music and some exciting new mashups and remixes. Also, we will be premiering our collabs with Hardwell and Afrojack in Guangzhou.
Ultra Europe, Tomorrowland, Parookaville and TomorrowWorld – you both have played some major, major gigs. Which one stands out?
One of our all time favorites was TomorrowWorld in the USA. The atmosphere was just great, the crowd was amazing and we were really lucky with the weather. But we feel blessed to play so many amazing festivals.
A lot of people think DJs are a one-man show. How does it work with two of you behind the decks?
By now we are very experienced with the live set so we share the tasks and we know each other very well. A lot of preparation goes into getting the mashups and remixes ready for our live performances. If one of us is playing a new track the other might be on a microphone, or vice versa. It’s all about entertaining the fans.
What makes a two-man DJ show better than a one-man gig?
You can share every experience. Not only on stage which, of course, is great fun but also offstage as a traveling person and a tourist. It’s just way more fun to share the good times with a good friend.
You two have managed to log a No. 1 song on Beatport’s overall charts. Any recipe for such success? How does it feel?
It feels amazing. It’s been a long road. We both put in many years to our electronic music career without achieving international success. To be patient is rule number one. But if you keep doing your own style, it always pays off in the end.
You have some upcoming collaborations with both Hardwell and Afrojack. Anything you can share about the songs or music?
Not yet, but our collab with Hardwell will be premiered via Hardwell On Air very soon, while the debut live performance will take place in Guangzhou! We also have more exciting collabs coming up in 2018.
Have either of you been to China previously? If so, where and what stood out?
Yes, we have been here a few times and we have always loved it. The crowd in Shenzhen was outstanding but, then again, it’s always a big party with a Chinese crowd. China is great!
Planning to see any sights around Guangzhou while you are here?
Of course. We hope we can take some time to see some culture. We always enjoy that.
Anything else?
Very special thanks to Xin Wang Group and Music Fest Asia for arranging the tour!
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Jan 12, 9pm-late; RMB100 including a drink, free for ladies before 11pm. Fei.
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