Exclusive Interview: JATS

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There’s something special about a record that doesn’t simply soundtrack a dancefloor, but actively pulls the people on it into the experience. That idea sits at the heart of JATS’ latest single, Power – a record designed around audience interaction, collective energy and that unmistakable moment when a room moves as one.

With the new single arriving via Stereo Productions, JATS is entering an exciting new chapter. A producer and DJ with two decades of experience, he has spent the last three years developing his solo project, drawing on house, Afro-Tech, indie dance and a broad spectrum of old-school influences to create a sound that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in club culture.

With early support from heavyweight names including Solomun and DJ Chus, Power is already finding its place on dancefloors. But for JATS, the record isn’t really complete until the crowd becomes part of it.

We caught up with JATS for We Own The Nite NYC to talk about Power, the art of building a musical identity, the importance of audience connection, joining the Stereo Productions family, and why sometimes the best way forward is to ignore the trends and simply follow your own instincts.

Hey JATS, welcome to We Own The Nite NYC! How you doing today?

I’m doing great! We’re one day away from the release of my new single, Power, so I’m feeling excited and impatient to finally share it with the world. I’m happy that people everywhere will get to experience it, create moments with it… and, of course, shout “POWER!”

Your new single is called Power, but the real power in the track seems to come from the crowd. Was that the idea from the beginning?

Absolutely. From the very beginning, my goal was to bring something new to electronic music—to push it a little further. I kept asking myself, “What hasn’t really been done before? What have I never experienced on a dancefloor?”

After exploring a lot of different ideas, I became fascinated by the concept of audience interaction. I wanted to create a track where the crowd wouldn’t just listen, but would actually become part of the music itself.

What really surprised me was how quickly people understood the concept. Within the first five seconds of the MC’s vocal, the audience immediately reacted. That spontaneous response was something I never expected, and it’s become one of the most rewarding parts of playing the track.

You’ve described your favourite moments as the ones where the audience becomes part of the music. Can you remember a specific dancefloor that inspired that mindset?

My favourite moments are the ones where I feel a special connection with the audience—a real sense of harmony. It’s difficult to describe, but you suddenly feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, at the right place and the right time, sharing an invisible energy that everyone is creating together.

I’ve experienced that feeling on very intimate dancefloors, where the closeness with the crowd makes it incredibly powerful, but also on much bigger stages, where the collective energy of thousands of people creates something just as special.

That said, this idea wasn’t inspired by one particular dancefloor. It was actually a completely new concept for me. Power is one of the first tracks I’ve written with this level of interaction in mind.

Power builds patiently before delivering its biggest moment. Do you think DJs have become too focused on instant impact rather than creating a journey?

I think the most important thing today is to build your own musical identity. You have to stay curious about music as a whole and pay attention to emerging trends—but without simply following them. Instead, you should take inspiration from them only if they genuinely bring something to your own sound.

The goal is to enjoy creating music while also making something that truly connects with people.

Chasing instant impact isn’t a wise approach because trends move so quickly. If you’re constantly trying to follow what’s already popular, you’re always one step behind. I’d rather create music that’s rooted in my own influences, my own taste and my own vision than simply try to fit into what’s fashionable at the moment.

Stereo Productions has been responsible for so many timeless club records. What does joining that family mean to you personally?

I’ve been playing records from Stereo Productions for many years, so joining the label means a lot to me.

During my conversations with DJ Chus, I immediately felt that we shared the same vision and the same love for music. We both want to help electronic music evolve rather than simply release tracks. That kind of connection is quite rare. You can really feel the passion and commitment behind everything they do.

I’m genuinely happy to become part of that family and hopefully contribute to the next chapter of the label’s story.

And I promise—I wasn’t given any tips for this answer! It’s completely sincere. (Laughs)

Your productions blend house, Afro-Tech and indie dance without feeling forced. How do you decide which influences belong in a track?

I think there’s something invisible making those decisions for me! (Laughs.)

More seriously, I simply listen to myself and follow my inspiration. Every morning, every new day, the first record I listen to, the ups and downs of life—they all shape my emotions as an artist. At least, that’s how it works for me. The places I play and the experiences I have also influence the direction my music takes.

So I’d say that both my musical choices and life itself guide my creativity.

I’ve never wanted to lock myself into one particular style. I love experimenting and exploring territories I haven’t visited before. Right now, I enjoy bringing old-school influences—whether it’s disco, funk, hip-hop or other genres—into my music, combining a retro spirit with a modern electronic sound.

Early support has come from artists like Solomun and DJ Chus. How much confidence does that give you before a record is officially released?

I’ve been producing music and DJing for twenty years, and I launched my solo project, JATS, three years ago. Support from artists like Solomun and DJ Chus gives me even more confidence in both my music and the vision I’m building.

It also brings incredible visibility. Seeing the project grow and knowing that people connect with it is deeply rewarding.

They’re among the biggest names in electronic music, so having their support brings credibility and introduces my music to a much wider community of DJs and listeners who trust their taste.

France has produced countless influential electronic artists. Do you feel connected to that legacy, or are you carving out something completely your own?

As a French artist, I’m incredibly proud of everything those artists have achieved. But I don’t see myself trying to become part of that legacy.

My focus is on building my own musical world, continuing to evolve, and enjoying every step of the journey. If one day I can contribute, even in a small way, to the evolution of electronic music, that would be amazing.

But that’s not a goal I’m chasing. What matters most to me is sharing my music with people who connect with it and, hopefully, becoming part of the soundtrack to their lives.

If someone hears Power for the first time in a packed club this summer, what do you hope they’ll remember long after the night ends?

I hope they’ll remember the energy.

I hope they’ll remember that unique moment and the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves. Most of all, I hope they’ll remember the collective connection they experienced—because with Power, the audience isn’t just listening to the music… they’re helping create it.

JATS – Power is out now via Stereo Productions

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