What is a better way to experience the positive vibes of New York City than visiting its parks? They are not only free to visit, but are a great option ...
March 7, 2018
Travel Profile: Jean Claude Ades
By SunCity Paradise | Published on July 27, 2017
Establishing itself as Ibiza’s most prominent Thursday night destination, famed deejay and producer Jean Claude Ades’ ‘Be Crazy!’ stands out with a unique offering that has become respected by clubbers and fashionistas alike. Situated in the stunning Marina at Ibiza town, it’s a place where the most contemporary tech house soundtrack meets the glamour of a truly modern disco. One of the island’s most glamorous nights, Lio itself is a beautiful venue located in the picturesque Marina at the foot of Ibiza’s Old Town, built into the sea so you can enjoy stunning views directly from the dance floor.
— — —
SunCity Paradise: Coming from Italy, describe the country as a whole a bit. What’s one aspect that really stands out to you and makes each special? Also, what would you suggest a first-time visitor to see when they visit?
Jean Claude Ades: Italy, for me, is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, if not the most beautiful one. I love food and Italy has the best cuisine in the world, as well some of the best beaches. The people are incredibly friendly and really helpful if you are in need, also very tolerant! Tuscany is my favorite region and Apulia is the best for the food.
Everywhere you go in Italy you can eat simple, honest and delicious food for very little money, and most of the Italian products are organic. I love the fashion, cars and furniture they produce — in general, the Italian lifestyle!
SCP: How were you first exposed to music? When did you first start playing it? How did it transform into your career?
JCA: My father was a painter and musician. He had a huge collection of jazz and classical music. My mother was kind of more of hippie woman that loved to listen to the Rolling Stones and Cat Stevens. I grew up in a creative environment and I started to play piano by the age of six. When we moved back to Germany, I started to love the 80’s electronic music as teenager. I was listening to Depeche Mode and New Order, so [at that time] I decided to buy my first synth to create my own sounds.
READ MORE: Travel Profile: Morgan Page
During my studies, I got called by a band to see if I wanted to become their keyboarder. I was 18 at the time. I spent a lot of time in their studio and I started to love all this electronic stuff. I had the chance to learn a lot about recording and programming. When I was 22, I left the band and I started to do house events in Germany. With the money I earned I started to build my own studio that allowed me produce great records. Right after, I got a deal with Virgin Records in ’96, so by then I had my first club number-one record. Since then, I’ve only kept doing music for living.
SCP: To create music while you’re traveling around the world must be such a feeling. What’s the most impactful and meaningful part you cherish about it? Does the traveling help inspiration?
JCA: I don’t create so much music when I travel, because travelling and playing at night became very intense. I prefer to split the work. I listen to thousands of records during my flights and create great playlists. I have my summer residency with my Be Crazy brand on Ibiza every Thursday at Lio, plus all the touring on top. It’s always very intense in the summer, and I concentrate on selecting various music for my DJ sets to keep them special every week. For productions, I take some weeks off during wintertime to be able to dive very deep into my world without being disturbed. Travelling inspires me a lot, because I can see how different cultures respond to certain sounds and melodies. So, I get a global formula for my sound.
SCP: How does music and travel complement and go hand-in-hand with each other?
JCA: For me, those two are completely different things, but travelling is always very adventurous and exciting for me. So, it might influence my mood and my mood goes into my music.
SCP: When searching for a personal getaway, are you looking for a serene beach or after a more active, adventurous getaway? Why?
JCA: For a getaway, I’m looking more for a Nordic place as I have so much beach, heat and sun all year around me living in Ibiza. I prefer to go in winter to the mountains and enjoy silence as much as I can!
READ MORE: Travel Profile: Super Flu
SCP: One of our core objectives at SCP is to bring people together while traveling, not only to influence people to see and appreciate our beautiful world, but to also minimize cross-cultural divides. What effect does traveling, specifically surrounding dance music, have on humans in this regard? How has it broadened your perspective of the world?
JCA: Music brings people together. I see almost everywhere I go that when a party is great, and the vibe is amazing, there is no space for racism or cross-cultural conflicts.
SCP: Everyone has a list of places that they still have to hit. What are three destinations, either work or pleasure, that you need to see? Why?
JCA: I’ve never been to Tokyo. As I’m a food lover, the Japanese cuisine is my [second] favorite right after the Italian. I read a lot about that country and their culture, and I’m really attracted to it. Tibet! I would love to go there one day to meditate with the monks. There is no more on the list, because I’ve been almost everywhere.
SCP: Most destinations have a festival that they’re known for, whether it’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Oktoberfest in Munich. Which one would you choose to attend? Why?
JCA: I’m married to a Brazilian woman, and I’ve never been to the Carnival in Rio [De Janeiro], so this is a must-do on my schedule sooner or later.
SCP: What is the most beautiful outdoor location that you’ve played at? How did the beauty add to the music?
JCA: It’s hard to say, because I’ve played at so many great outdoor locations worldwide. But, this summer I have a residency at Scorpios in Mykonos every Sunday, which is the most beautiful outdoor venue I’ve seen worldwide.
READ MORE: Travel Profile: Sied van Riel
SCP: When you’re relaxing on a beach or just have some downtime are you listening to dance music? Or do you like to switch up the tunes? If so, to what?
JCA: I love to listen to the sound of the waves and the birds. I never listen to music in my private time. I love the silence.
SCP: Lastly, when’s the next vacation and where to?
JCA: I hope in January. I will try to go to the Alps, lock myself into a chalet for two weeks and ski every day with my closest friends.
— — —
For more on Jean Claude Ades visit his website:
Set close enough to enjoy Cancun's downtown shopping, dining and nightlife, but far enough to escape the buzz, this hotel won't dissapoint.
Luxurious, Spanish-styled architecture will leave travelers amazed, while relaxing in serene Cabo San Lucas.
Few brands have mastered the family-friendly vacations the way Beaches has and this Negril property meets and exceeds that standard.
Travelers looking for a luxurious crash pad, a short walk away from Cabo's infamous nightlife, look no further, it's here.
You May Also Like
Christian and Alan Anadon, better known as the Mambo Brothers, were raised in the clubbing utopia of Ibiza. As the sons of the founders of ...
June 8, 2018
Kevin Lee, lead singer of the Kings, was signed to Music Corporation of America (MCA) in the 90's, ...
May 29, 2018
