Photo Credits: Cherise Hewett @dripeisha__

Artist Jules recently released his anticipated 10-track debut album “Loverboy Chronicles.” The project provides an unfiltered view of his personal experience and expression of love in our highly digital culture. Through raw emotional openness, Jules shows us that strength is found through honesty. Beyond the music, Jules is dedicated to supporting his community through participation in quarterly blood donations, helping local food banks and community events, and becoming the project manager for Union Dance. To learn more about Jules and his latest album, read on.

Where are you based?
North West London.

What inspired you to pursue music?
I have always been surrounded by music. My sister is a singer-songwriter, my dad is a DJ, and our household constantly plays music. It has always served as a means of expression and a way to unwind. I grew up listening to artists like Tarrus Riley, Michael Jackson, Kanye West, Arctic Monkeys, and Linkin Park. Later, I found inspiration in acts like Rae Sremmurd and Drake, which motivated me to pursue music as a career. Watching "Straight Outta Compton" in theatres when I was 14 was the final push I needed.

How would you describe your sound? Are there any artists or cultures that inspire your sound?
If I had to choose a word to describe my sound, it would be "cosy." Whether my music is upbeat and fun or slower and emotional, it always feels familiar yet new, refreshing, and comforting—like home. In terms of influences, I would definitely include Drake, Kid Cudi, Bob Marley, and Black British culture.

To be able to create songs that flow so smoothly is hard, but you make it look easy. What does your writing process look like?
I wanted the writing and creation process of my album to feel completely free and driven by emotion. Whenever I felt the urge to create, I would let it flow naturally, and when I didn't, I would step back and return when the moment felt right. It was all about embracing the sound I’ve built, trusting my instincts, and expressing myself fully. In terms of writing, I usually focus on the flow and melody before the lyrics. I voice note every idea I have before putting it down in words.

Congratulations on your debut album “Loverboy Chronicles”! What inspired this album? What are some things listeners can expect to hear from it?
Thank you! This album was a long time coming for me as an artist, almost serving as an official introduction. I've always loved love-based projects and the different perspectives they offer, especially depending on which scene the artists are in. For example, growing up listening to albums like Nothing Was The Same, Views, or even Parables by Tarrus Riley, which only touched on love at some points —these all influenced my journey in music, getting me to a place where I’d make an album focusing on love. When it comes to the initial spark to create ‘Loverboy Chronicles’- this comes from listening to Trippie Redd's album collection ‘A Love Letter To You’ - I always wanted an album like that where I can add to along my journey as Trippie did. You can expect to hear vulnerability, honesty and melodies that are almost earworm-like.

The second track on your album, “Cityboy,” is lyrically very honest. What is the story behind this song?
“Cityboy” is almost a love letter to my younger self. Growing up where I did and during that time, I often felt underrepresented. When I started making music at 15, I also felt misunderstood. There was a lack of sonic understanding for someone like me, who chose a different path—making more expressive and vulnerable music rather than the typical drill, road rap, or afro swing that were popular, yet still not fitting into that R&B niche. The story behind this track serves as a reminder that “we grew up the same,” with “similar pain and similar ways,” navigating life while “ducking the knives and the cops.” The only difference is that I “let go of the darkness by writing it all in a song.”

“Loverboy Chronicles” was created across several different cities and countries. How were you able to tie in and represent the influences of each city in the songs on this album?
During this entire process, I intentionally drew on small elements from each location to help tell the story and capture the raw emotion of what I was trying to communicate. New York is very similar to London in its raw, gritty energy — so for me, being there was almost like a home away from home. How this translates in the music created over there was that drill influenced bounce — making ‘Runnin’ & ‘Rock My World’ with Jah X. For Miami, I was there over New Year’s, so along with that new energy and motivation of a new year, I recorded ‘1 am in London’ even though being so far away from home. Jamaica, being my native country, really helped embody the self-introduction that was needed for this project, creating ‘Cityboy’ 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.

You’ve supported sickle cell research through blood bank work. Can you tell us a bit about how you contributed and who you worked with?
In 2021, while involved with PYP (Positive Youth Power), I learned about the unfortunate case of Richard Okorogheye and had the opportunity to meet his family several times. Through these interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of how sickle cell disease affected Richard and the broader implications for the Black community. Since then, I have participated in quarterly blood donation drives and discovered that my blood type is compatible with the majority of others. This experience taught me how much of an impact I can make, and I strive to give back whenever I can. One of the highlights of this journey was working with the Richard Okorogheye Foundation to facilitate live shows and participate in marches.

You also joined Grenfell community events. Can you tell us about the kind of events you joined and what you did?
Well, growing up in Notting Hill allowed me to see the devastating results of the tragedy close up. I could remember the morning after like the back of my hand, and seeing how it affected the people close to me was heartbreaking. In 2021, I was recruited to be a PYP (Positive Youth Power), and through this, I was able to help out at numerous food banks and participated in the majority of marches that were happening during this time. This is something I’m very proud of, as giving back to my community is something I hold very close to my heart.

You collaborated with Union Dance, a black contemporary dance company that works towards bridging the gap between dancers and musicians in live shows. Can you tell us more about Union Dance and your involvement?
Yes! So in 2015, I did my school work experience with Union Dance and around 2021 after COVID I reached out to them in hopes of them assisting in getting funding for this online live performance show I was creating at the time called ‘RugRoom’. Thankfully, we got the funding! Since then, they’ve launched a new part of their charity called "Union Sound," which focuses on helping dancers and up-and-coming artists put on live shows. I was brought on as the project manager, taking care of everything related to music and sound. So far, we’ve put on over eight shows around London with some amazing aspiring artists!

What advice do you have for young individuals looking to pursue music?
In this music ting, everything is subjective. One song may move someone, and the same song may have no effect & that’s completely fine. Along the same lines, your least favourite song from your catalogue could be someone's favourite. I say this to say that, as personal as your music is, it's important to remember what you do this for and who it's for. This way of thinking can help you not react or feel a way about a negative comment or opinion.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
Well, my debut album ‘Loverboy Chronicles’ has just dropped, and in all honesty, I want to honour this project and give it the attention it needs, especially in the post-release stage. For what’s next, though… expect a whole lot of new sounds, new vibes and don’t be surprised if you get a second instalment of Loverboy Chronicles at some point.

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
In all honesty, I believe that maintaining positive energy is a journey in itself. I remind myself of the almost yin-yang balance in the world: where there is brightness, there is darkness, and with highs, there are lows. Whenever I find myself in either a high or low state, I keep this balance in mind. Growing up in inner-city London, it’s easy to get caught up in a fast-paced mindset and let the joy of the journey and the simple pleasures slip away. I try to appreciate the small moments, like spending time with friends and family, enjoying a drive, or savouring my favourite food. Life is beautiful on its own; it’s important to do things that remind you of that.

What is your motto in life?
LIVE LIFE LOVE. I grew up in Screwface Capital — and with this, I've learnt love conquers all. It’s so easy to focus on the negative and stay in that frequency. Life is for living, and what’s life without love? We need love for ourselves, love for our community, and the appreciation of the art of life itself.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
In all honesty, understanding, a moment of escapism, and, in general, a good vibe! There are a lot of things going on in the world right now and life itself is a journey full of highs and lows. I truly hope that my voice and music can provide comfort and solace in whatever way you need. Whether that be just having fun and turning the f**k up or being that voice that says exactly what you need to hear.

Please list any websites, social media, and/or important organizations that you would like Jejune to promote:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
www.loverboychronicles.com

Jules: Music as Unfiltered Expression