How'd you get the name Jewel Kid? Well my family is know in my country for the jewellery business, and me being the youngest, I was always referred to as the Jewel Kid, so when I got into DJing it was natural to adapt the name.
What was it that made you fall in love with techno? Growing up, I was amused how techno DJs played. They were the ones bouncing from one track to another continuously while controlling an 808 or a 909. I was also in love with the music that was coming out of the techno studios by the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, which for me kick started a big obsession to this sound.
A few years ago you won the Carl Cox Remix competition on Beatport. Was that a turning point for you? What was that like? Growing up in such a small island with no international music connections what so ever, this was a moment for me when I was like, “Hmm, I think I can do this,” since a lot of people used to tell me that it is impossible to succeed from Malta.
This was a huge wake up call for me, which gave me an ultra-boost of confidence. The remix then when on to reach number two on the charts, and being that it was like one of the very first competitions Beatport did with thousands of applicants, it was quite a big deal.
Since then, you’ve seen quite a few of your releases hit chart success. What's the process for you when it comes to tacking a new track or remix? I try and do my best at not having a process. It’s sad to see so many artists die out because they play it safe by sticking to a technique or a sound.
I mean I know that sometimes it is beneficial for my practice from a marketing point of view because it’s a fast process and you can keep selling your sound over and over, but I can’t do it. I believe my responsibility, as a musician, is to produce music with no boundaries.
You joined forces with Christian Smith's Tronic in Miami and did a label showcase with him and back-to-back session, how did that come about? Christian is like family to me. I highly respect him and always share career thoughts with him, so when I approached him to include him in our Alleanza Showcase he suggested we join forces with both our labels and ourselves.
What made you decide to start up your label? Freedom to completely express myself was definitely one of the main factors – in fact you can see that I always release my risky, controversial tracks on Alleanza. I love to come out with a track that no one expected from me and see the reaction of the public.
I honestly think that is one of the most interesting things from an artist side. Another major thing for me and my team is our artwork, which we’ve also become quite known for. You see, it’s not just a random selection. I listen clearly to the tracks we sign and vision what personality and image the track would have if it was a person.
You played Familia at Egg London in April and you're back again this time with your label showcase. What can people expect music-wise? I always like to bring out my 110 percent at Egg since it’s one of my favourite clubs and Familia has got one of the best crowds I could possibly play for.
Last April I ended up playing much stronger than I thought since the club was going in full force 30 minutes into my session. We are set to break that bar this time by bringing the whole Alleanza concept to London alongside my brothers from the Alleanza Family Bart Skils and Karotte.
You'll be joined by Bart Skils and Karotte, who've you worked with quite a bit in the past. How do you see your sounds complimenting each other? We always fit in very nicely. Karotte constantly pulls out these big signature tracks, which no one ever heard, alongside his stupendous personality, which we all love, while Bart follows on with his signature chunky bass grooves that are always vital for a great night. I tend to play that hardest from all three, which seems to round things off nicely every time.
Finally, do you always see yourself being based in Malta? Well, now that I made it this far I will probably stay here and anyone that knows me will tell you how much I love Malta and its people. I mean it does get claustrophobic at times but now that I’m travelling every week that’s not a problem anymore.
Listen to Jewel Kid on Pulse Radio.