From the calm of her London home to the electrifying stages of Tomorrowland and Time Warp, her journey is one of constant evolution. In this interview, Juliet Fox opens up about her artistic process, how her alias mirrors her nocturnal instincts, and the seamless flow between her studio work and live performances. Expect unapologetic vibes, spontaneous sets, and a fierce commitment to balancing life’s demands with artistic expression. Also don’t miss her latest release “What Would Gerry Do?” out on August 30th.
Where are you as you answer these questions? Can you describe the atmosphere and vibe of your surroundings?
I’m writing this from the comfort of my own flat in London, where it’s nice and calm and allows me to work from my home studio space. It still feels like summer here at the moment, so I’m enjoying that nice warm feel.
What’s the story behind choosing “Juliet Fox” as your stage name? Was there a specific inspiration for it, and how does it reflect who you are as both an artist and a person?
Well Juliet is my first name, and my friends used to say I had a ‘fox’ like nature. I was always out and about at night, up late, curious and had a good intuition (amongst other things) so I thought it fit me well to use as a name.
The title of your latest EP, *What Would Gerry Do*, evokes deep emotions and a sense of connection. Can you walk us through the origins of this project? How do you interpret the concept of ‘touch,’ both physically and metaphorically? What inspired the creation of this EP, and how did the composition process unfold?
Like all my tracks, I write my music from scratch and it all depends on my mood, or music mode I’m in. The majority of the time I don’t have a set plan, I let it flow. In 90% of my tracks I use my own vocals, but with this one I wanted to experiment with a sample that had a softer singing tone. The lyrics connected to me right away, but without making it too emotional, I pitched the vocals to make it sound more chipmunk-like. I wanted the track itself to complement the vocals with an electronic feel, nice driving bassline, percussions and rolling vibe.
When you create music, is there a conceptual or narrative thread that you consciously follow, or do you find that your sound evolves more instinctively and emotionally?
Leading on from the question before, my style of production and music I play can vary from week to week. I have always been this way, as I love almost all music styles / genres… I think it’s important to keep your mind open to exploring all types of music that’s out there. As one to the next can be what inspires you, or where you might get an idea from from the next track. My musical taste has definitely evolved from my surroundings, the places I visit, clubs I go to or play at, and the people in my life at the time.. Not just from what they offer, but on an emotional level.
How do you balance nurturing your creative mindset with the increasing demands of the music industry?
It can be difficult at times, especially in the middle of a busy summer schedule or big tours. But I have always had a pretty balanced approach to life – “work hard, play hard” and in between that I love being in nature, exercising or just chilling listening to music. If you don’t have any other outlet to the busy touring DJ life, then you can’t be inspired and in turn your creativity suffers. So it’s super important to try and keep a nice balance to all things, and take some time out to do whatever helps you create.
How do you engage with your listeners’ feedback? In what ways does their input influence your work?
I think this is what really helps drive us as creative people, hearing the positive feedback on tracks, or sets. I love having people come up to me after a gig and tell me how much it connected to them or how it made them feel. A lot of this can also be read from the crowd while performing, which is super important to do – read the energy and in return they give it back.
Do you explore other creative outlets beyond music, such as visual arts, fashion, or writing? If so, how do these forms of expression intersect with your work as a DJ and producer, or do you prefer to keep them separate?
I love art, and painting myself, visual art, sound & light events and fashion are all amazing elements of being creative. I think this is so important to do, and disconnect in order to reconnect your own creative mind. This in turn always comes through in some way to either the cover artwork to my music, small video clips, artistic direction and visuals.
With a jam-packed touring schedule that includes performances at some of the most globally recognized festivals and venues, how do you manage to keep your sets fresh and reflective of your artistic evolution? Could you discuss the interplay between your studio work and live performances, and how you adapt your music to different settings, from intimate clubs to massive festival stages like Tomorrowland and Time Warp?
I have a new set every time I play, and build a new folder of music according to what I think and feel that individual crowd would like. Depending which country I am in, I might incorporate a track or two that has their local language in it or play something specific for that place. I never plan a set from start to finish, and often find it’s when I arrive in the city I am playing in, I get the full energy and vibe of what to include. My sets are performed mostly from feeling and reading the crowd, and you will know this after the first few tracks what they want.
What has been the highlight of your year so far? Could you share why this particular moment or experience stands out for you?
It would have to be back in February when I supported Carl Cox on his New Zealand tour with five shows in five consecutive days. Wow what an experience that was and a way to start the year! Since then I also played with him on his stage at Ultra Australia and in NYC at Brooklyn Mirage. Not to mention playing so many incredible festivals this year, there have already been so many extra highlights and this is what really builds you up, it’s an amazing feeling.
Are there any upcoming plans, projects, or collaborations that you’re especially excited about? What can we expect from you in the near future?
I’m really excited to be launching a new project in Australia (where I am originally from) in December, which I will bring to Europe for 2025. I have a collab track with another female artist that’s being released late November. I also recently just signed a multi deal with Armada which is a huge achievement for me! ‘What Would Gerry Do’, being the first track of the releases, so listen out for the rest to come.
What track have you been obsessed with lately? And on a lighter note, can you share any party tricks or tips with our audience?
One track I found recently, and really love is called ‘Roleplay’ by Blame The Mono & Azan Caro (the label is Selected (Berlin). It’s got this live band feel, rolling techno drive and a beautiful male vocal in it – check it out! Love that! Okay so my party trick is I can touch my nose with my tongue, and I would love to do handstands wherever. Maybe I should them both at the same time next party.
Can you share with us an insight into the photoshoot showcased in this feature alongside this interview? How did it come about and how does it reflect your artistic vision or current state of mind?
This shoot was done in Berlin with an amazing photographer friend of mine, Sherif Tarhini. I came with the outfits, and he came with the creative direction and together we made some really cool art. My heart will always be in Berlin, it was the city I moved to 8 years ago to really find myself, my sound, and delve into my love for techno music. So this is a reflection of this, and a mix of who I am now, more confident and found.
What would Juliet do? / Juliet Fox
Artist: Juliet Fox / @djjulietfox
Words: Iro Bournazou / @irwb
Press: Hypha Creative / @hypha.creative
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei