Jules Talks Debut Album, His Voice And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Cherise Hewett @dripeisha__
Jules has released his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Loverboy Chronicles’—a 10-track exploration of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery told through the lens of a man unafraid to feel deeply. We chatted to him about the new album, his voice and more:
What is your earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory… that’s a hard one to pinpoint since I grew up around music my whole life. But if I had to pick the earliest and most significant, I’d say when I was about 6 years old. I had a crush on this girl in school, and I wanted to let it be known — so I wrote a song about her. My older sister even recorded a little music video for it at my nan’s crib. Loverboy for real, lol!
When did you begin songwriting?
I’d say I officially started songwriting around 14 or 15, when I decided to actually start making and releasing music. I remember being in school when my boys and I went to watch Straight Outta Compton in the cinema. Seeing the impact they had really lit something in me. Not long after, I started creating and releasing music with that newfound motivation.
You have your debut album *Loverboy Chronicles* out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
This project has been in the works for a long time — it’s something I first conceptualised back in 2021. When I finally decided to bring it to life, I wanted it to feel completely free and emotion-led. Whenever I felt that urge to create, I’d let it flow naturally, and when I didn’t, I’d step back and return when it felt right. It was all about owning this sound I’ve built, trusting my instincts, and expressing myself to the fullest.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
The album was recorded using the same microphone across my home studio and during my solo travels through New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and Jamaica. I wanted to keep things cosy and organic — no fixed setup or single producer. I opened my DMs, connected with producers who wanted to collaborate, and recorded whenever the opportunity came. The only in-person sessions were track 1, same ole jai, with Jordeaux during an overnight session at the crib, and track 3, rock my world, with Jah X when we linked up in Brooklyn and booked a Pirate Studio.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
Definitely! One that stands out was when I was in Jamaica, on my way to record Cityboy. The studio was a real roots reggae spot, run by elders — you could feel that energy as soon as you walked in. Originally, one of the lyrics went “these n****s are weirdos, n****s are arseholes” — but as soon as I got there, I changed those lyrics *so fast*, loool. I ended up saying “these bruddas are weirdos…” instead. It just didn’t feel like the place to be saying that!
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, or recording equipment to help you get a specific sound/tone for the record?
The one piece of equipment that stayed consistent throughout *Loverboy Chronicles* was my Rode NT1 5th Gen mic. It gave me a super clean sound, and before travelling, I decided to record everything through that same mic. I knew recording in so many different environments could make the project feel scattered, so keeping one mic helped everything sound cohesive — especially for mixing.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest, and c) most reflective?
Great question! At my happiest, I’d say Perfect Picture with Teddy Trillion — that track’s just a feel-good bop. At my angriest, probably Luv Like Dis with DIEGOWITHA3 — the emotion in that one really captures those low moments. And most reflective would be I’ll Be There — it’s deeply personal, self-produced, and at that point in creating the project, it flowed effortlessly. It almost felt like a love letter to myself.
Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?
Everyone on this project is an emerging artist I’ve connected with over the last year — all crazy talented and deserving of way more recognition. DIEGOWITHA3 is definitely up next; he’s somewhat misunderstood, but after being in the studio with him and recording multiple tracks, I can confidently say he’s got real rockstar energy. Then there’s Teddy Trillion — I met him at a festival we were both performing at for Bread & Butter Studios. When I heard his set, I instantly knew he was the missing voice for the project. The flow, the cadence — everything clicked. As soon as I had a track that fit him, I sent it over, and the rest is history.
Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?
Coming from where I come from, I have always felt underrepresented musically. Loverboy emerged from an ends that typically focuses on drill, road rap, or just summer-style tracks. This project is a testament to all the people trying to express themselves fully and be who they are. I have always known I wanted to create a project like this, and I can confidently say that this will not be the last instalment of the Loverboy Chronicles. The name itself—’Chronicles’—suggests that there are chapters to this journey, and this is only Chapter One.
Was it a difficult album to write?
Some tracks, like “In My Space,” focus on the feeling of loving someone who doesn’t feel the same way. I had to confront that uncomfortable feeling and express my emotions. Overall, though, this project came together very smoothly. I believe the key difference between this album and my previous projects lies in my current musical and personal growth. I’ve come to fully understand my creative process and am learning to work with it rather than resist it.
Who designed the album artwork?
The talented Asia Gayle (@sup3rhumann) designed the album artwork. As an artist, I have a specific vision for my work, but I’m not always proficient in that style. Therefore, being able to communicate my ideas clearly and then seeing the artist exceed my expectations is an incredible feeling and a rewarding process overall.
Where is your hometown, and could you please describe it in five words?
North West London! Cultured, Unpredictable, Underestimated, Resilient, and Creative. It’s a place full of character and contrast — where different worlds collide and inspire you daily. Growing up there taught me to stay grounded, think big, and embrace authenticity in everything I do.
How do you look after your voice?
In all honesty, nothing too crazy – just teas and vocal warm-ups, lol.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
I do indeed! Alongside my DJ Jah X, we will be hosting many events from the end of this year through to 2026, so stay tuned for more announcements on my IG @lifeofjxles
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I want to provide an escape for the audience, immersing them in my world, allowing them to vibe and feel good. Other than that, I have a balance of introspective songs to vibey tracks, so the other side would be to leave them feeling seen and represented … especially them loverboys and lovergirls.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I am currently using a Zoom V3 Vocal Processor, which allows me to alter my voice during performances. It also has features like auto-tune, reverb, echo, and compression. It’s a really cool piece of equipment, and I’m focusing on mastering it before I add anything else to my setup.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Hmmm, this is a really good question- one I haven’t really thought out before. If I were thinking purely film-based and recreating it in my way, I would probably go for Entergalactic with Kid Cudi- the soundtrack and mood for that is such a vibe, and I would’ve loved to add my jazz to that. Novel to film, I’d go for one of the Spiderverses – because of the highs and lows to those stories, I really feel I have the catalogue and the sound to create something that embodies all the moods of the story.
One of the tracks is ‘City Boy’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?
This song holds a special place in my heart, especially considering the time and place where I wrote and produced it. “Cityboy” reflects my experiences growing up in a challenging urban environment, navigating through the ups and downs of friendships, love, and personal identity. It captures my desire to rise above negativity and chase my dreams, even when faced with obstacles and doubters. Creating this track at the end of my solo travel journey in Jamaica was for me a truly powerful and reflective moment. Being in my motherland made me realise that, yes, I am inherently an “island boy,” and I love that part of me. At the same time, I proudly embrace the fact that I’m also a “cityboy,” navigating life in ends – trying to find my way.
Do you have any visualisers to accompany the album?
Yes! We got the official ‘runnin’ music video on YouTube and also the album trailer on Instagram, along with several shorts embodying the vibe of the track chosen in the album. More on the way too!
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Some of my biggest musical influences include Drake, Michael Jackson, Skepta, and Bob Marley. I grew up around music my whole life — my dad was a DJ, always playing old-school 90s rap, neo-soul, and Latin music, while my mum filled the house with reggae. That blend of sounds really shaped my ear and the way I approach melody, rhythm, and emotion in my own music today.
For recommendations, I’d say check out Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, Trippie Redd’s A Love Letter To You 3, and Sampha’s Lahai — all albums that inspire me in different ways. In terms of newer artists I’m tapped into right now, I’d mention Wolfacejoeyy, David Armada, and Bawo — they’re all bringing fresh energy and individuality to the scene.
What makes Jules happy, and what makes you unhappy?
What makes Jules happy? Great question hahahah. I’m a Taurus, so it sounds cliché, but food and cosy vibes will do it for me lool—peace of mind and some fire ass food.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Cherise Hewett @dripeisha__
Jules’ debut album ‘Loverboy Chronicles’ is out now.
Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7c3jL0BZCiRppBXOaFzeLQ?si=h8XEc7U4SZeVzRs0ruViqw&nd=1&dlsi=de247a27183f4f92
