The longing for unlimited freedom, a touch of lightness, the scent of a fresh salty sea breeze, the feeling of wind blowing through your hair and sunshine on your skin – this is probably the best description of the atmosphere that is created by the early works of German musician Julian, also known as Jules Ahoi. The so-called saltwater folk, with its inimitable sound, serves as the perfect soundtrack for those who love the unique lifestyle of travelling, exploring and dreaming.
Photo Credit: Christoph Eisenmenger
In an interview with DIFFUS magazine, the singer-songwriter explains that “music has always been a part of his life, and it’s been a never-ending love story ever since.” After beginnings in various musical genres, a period of personal change was set to become the greatest inspiration for his unique sound. Upon dropping out of university, he moved to France to follow his heart. While living on the coast of South France and working as a surf instructor and street musician, he found his sound amidst the waves. Inspired by his love of the sea, surfing, and the local lifestyle, he released his first body of work called Between Lines in 2016. The song ‘Robinson Crusoe’ in particular helped him make his breakthrough when it got featured on a well-known Spotify playlist. Named after Defoe’s story of a shipwrecked man, the song is still one of the artist’s most successful tracks to date, inviting listeners to embark on bus trips along the coast.
The lovingly handcrafted sound, blending indie and folk elements, can also be found on his sophomore record EUPHORIA / fragments (2017) and the EP Echoes (2019). Songs like ‘Denmark’ reminisce about his early surfing days and encourage seeking adventures and leaving comfort zones. The feeling of wanderlust, constantly resonating between catchy guitar sounds and the artist’s deep voice, makes his music the ideal soundtrack for road trips and surf sessions.
The experiences from his time as a globetrotter have shaped him, which is also reflected in his music. However, having found a home in Cologne, the likeable artist now draws inspiration from the things surrounding him in this new environment. Amidst a time that brought us all to a standstill, he released his album Dear__ in 2020. It stands out somewhat from his original sound. The lightness of his previous works steps aside in favour of deep and emotional insights into the artist’s world. While the album’s predecessors were dominated by honest, dreamy soundscapes that are thematically oriented towards the love of freedom, the themes in this work have become more distinctive. The album addresses various aspects such as gender roles and personal setbacks, demonstrating the diversity of the musician.
Furthermore, his album Melancolic Dreamwave, released in 2022, is also a child of the times. Created during the isolation of the pandemic, this album captures the emotional state and mood of the last few years. The tone of this one is certainly less cheerful. Artistically, he focuses on the basics of his sound: his unmistakable voice and his guitar, paired with the recurring rhythm of an old drum machine, whose muffled sound captures the thoughtfulness and melancholy of the album and the spirit of the time.
Fans of the musician can look forward to a fresh sound with his new album, Magnolia, set to be released this year. In a press release, it is stated to be inspired by a stay at the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Bauhaus Dessau and the associated analysis of music, poetry, design, and the visual arts. The aim is to produce a work that transcends boundaries and creates a new, cross-form genre of art folk. Jules aims to return to the essentials and emphasise handmade music. The album, which he produced himself at home, is intended to provide an intimate and personal insight into the lives of the artist and his band. Let’s remain curious!
Jules Ahoi is an authentic singer-songwriter who knows how to capture a special atmosphere within his music. He is a musician who is constantly developing his sound and yet always remains true to his origins and his craft. If you want to experience his versatile talent, profound lyrics, and the unique atmosphere of his music during a live show, your time has come. This year, he will be commencing his Magnolia Tour.
Written by: Vanessa Svejkovsky
Edited by: Shanna Henselmans
