SONOS CLUB : JUICY JARDS
@Juicyjards (he/him) is a queer black London‑based DJ whose rise is powered by instinct, sweat, and a refusal to play by anyone’s rules. A true disruptor, he channels raw talent into sets that are chaotic, complex, and emotionally charged rooted in a lineage of resistance, rhythm, and black queer club culture.
INTERVIEW
How would you describe the emotions or energy you try to bring to your sets?
JUICY JARDS: I aim for a balance of euphoria, urgency, and release the kind of energy that makes people feel seen, liberated, and connected. My sets are built to move bodies, but also to shift moods: tension into joy, hesitation into confidence, chaos into flow.
Are there any particular artists, cultures, or experiences that have shaped your musical identity?
JUICY JARDS: Chicago Footwork, Detroit’s high‑octane club lineage, London’s queer raves, and the DIY ethos of community-led events have all shaped me. Artists who blur genre boundaries innovators rather than purists —have always been my compass. And festivals like Body Movements and Outro have been yearly reminders of why I do this.
How do you balance playing what you love versus what the crowd expects?
JUICY JARDS: I treat it like a negotiation. I give the crowd what they need to stay open and engaged, then slowly introduce the sounds I love the faster tempos, the left-field rhythms, the unexpected blends. When done right, the crowd ends up wanting what I wanted all along.
Is there a particular genre or sound you’re currently exploring or excited about?
JUICY JARDS: I’m deep into exploring percussive, polyrhythmic club music and harder, groove-driven techno that still feels playful. I’m also experimenting with blends that bring queer ballroom energy into faster BPM spaces. I’m excited to explore a bit more of latin tech, bouyon and Caribbean speed garage and mixing that into other genres but I feel like I’ve got a good collection of genres and excited to blend them altogether.
The music industry can be intense. How do you take care of your mental and emotional well-being?
JUICY JARDS: I protect my energy by setting boundaries, keeping my circle grounded, and staying connected to life outside nightlife. Rest, routine, and honest conversations keep me steady. I also remind myself that my worth isn’t tied to bookings or algorithms.
Beyond music, how do you see yourself in the world—what drives you and your purpose?
JUICY JARDS: I see myself as a curator of experiences, someone who builds spaces where people feel free, affirmed, and connected. My purpose is to create moments that stay with people long after the night ends. I’m a very determined person (the Aries in me) I love challenges and I like to explore and dissect things that I have a passion for.
Have you faced any challenges in the industry that shaped the way you approach your craft?
JUICY JARDS: Absolutely. Navigating spaces where queer, Black, or underground sounds aren’t always centred has taught me resilience and intention. It’s made me double down on authenticity and community-first thinking.
Do you think electronic music is becoming more inclusive? What progress do you hope to see?
JUICY JARDS:It’s moving in the right direction, but progress isn’t linear. I want to see more diverse lineups, safer spaces, and genuine investment in underrepresented artists — not just tokenism or trend-chasing.
How do you navigate spaces where you might feel underrepresented or overlooked?
JUICY JARDS: I stay rooted in my identity and let my craft speak loudly. I also seek out communities that uplift each other, and I bring that energy with me wherever I play. I always make sure I’m unique and stay true to myself as a artist, I want to always remain juicy.
If you could create your dream lineup for an event, who would be on it?
JUICY JARDS: Lexiii, Reenie, Chibby Oluwa, Gloria Rose and Cheza Lucina.
What’s a festival, venue, or city you dream of performing at, and why?
JUICY JARDS: My dream festival would be Glastonbury and Boomtown - these festivals really do cater for the style I DJ and can really draw in a crowd.
Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?
JUICY JARDS: I’m passionate about socialising and having fun with my friends - I also participate in cyber security as a career and enjoy being part of that community.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
