One of 2025’s Hottest IDs: Julian Fijma ‘Get Stupid’

Julian Fijma, good to meet you. Congratulations on the release of Get Stupid, this one has been a long time coming, how does it feel now the track is finally out there for all?

Thank you and good to meet you too. It feels exciting as ever to finally release ‘Get Stupid’ and with the hype it gathered it feels more special. A track that might have never reached the light of day has become my biggest moment to date.

Let’s go back to the origin of the record, what inspired you to take on that vocal? Were there any other producers or inspirations you had in mind when writing it?

The origin of “Get Stupid” is quite special. During a studio session for a different track I was working on, I couldn’t quite figure a part out. Out of frustration I started a new project to clear my mind. I gave myself an hour or so and afterwards I could head back to the other project inspired. I had this acapella from the rap group B.M.W. of their track ‘Get a Lil’ Stupid’ more commonly known from being sampled before by Cloonee. The acapella has such a nice texture to it, it keeps a gritty but fun hip house aesthetic without becoming cheesy. When I first heard the Cloonee record in high school it connected with me, and now in the studio it really brought me back to that time. I wrote the organ bassline with it and added the drums, and I guess from there the hit was born.

The track has been heavily supported by Chris Stussy, how’s your relationship with Chris and how’s it felt having him support the record?

I am very thankful to Chris for heavily supporting the record. He’s one of the key artists that really got me into house music and motivated me from the early days. Me and my friends used to always check out his sets in the Netherlands. From there he’s always been a big inspiration and example. For him to be such a key part in making this the global record that it is today, makes it only more special. It feels very rewarding to get that validation from artists you have been looking up to for so long. It is a full circle moment for me.

Chris has played the track pretty relentlessly this summer, is there any one video you’ve seen that’s really blown your mind?

For me the most mind-blowing video was something I experienced first-hand at a recent show of his in Dublin. I played the afters and went to his day show at D8 Dublin. He was playing a 2-hour closing set. Kerri Chandler was also on stage as he had just played the slot before Chris. Stuss played “Get Stupid” and gestured to me to join him in the moment and enjoy it next to him with Kerri on stage. The energy from the crowd was electric with everyone cheering and singing along to the bassline, it honestly gave me goosebumps. The video of me in that moment with two of my legends still makes me smile ear to ear. It was such a special moment.

It’s not just Chris that’s been playing the record, the likes of Michael Bibi, Max Dean, ALISHA, Cloonee and more… how has that felt? Having so many top tier artists support your record?

It feels very exciting and has shown me how far a track can travel on its own. Some of these artists didn’t know me before. With the track gaining so much online attention they started looking for me to get the record for their own sets. It feels very rewarding to get that validation from artists you have been looking up to.

What’s your favourite memory of playing the record out to date? Maybe a moment where the record has really blown your mind?

For me the most special moment was when I played the record at ALISHA’s label party UNLISH in the Secret Warehouse Manchester. That week I finished the record, I was feeling good about it, but I wasn’t quite sure. At first, I was so unsure I felt like deleting it but luckily my friend and tour manager Jasper encouraged me and told me to play it at UNLISH. At the time I felt that the track might have been too simple, it wasn’t like the records I made in the past. The crowd’s reaction told a whole different story though. No one had heard it before but still the reaction was insane. People loved the record from the very first time. That’s when I knew that this was different. Looking back at it, the record wasn’t too simple, sometimes less is just more.

The track has gone viral this summer, the power of the festival video! Have you seen a real uplift in your profile and following?

The virality of the record really helped me reach deeper into the markets I was already playing but also reach markets I haven’t even played yet. It really became a global hit. As a new artist this is a great way for people to get to know you. From there people possibly find your different catalogue and really get to know my style and everything I am about. I do really believe in a gradual come up though, I have been releasing steadily for a few years, and I do feel like although this might seem like an overnight thing I have worked hard to build a strong fanbase throughout the years that I am very thankful for. Now with ‘Get Stupid’ this group has become bigger than ever.

You’ve recently announced headline shows in Manchester and London… it feels like UK crowds have already adopted you?

Yes, it definitely does. The UK has always been my biggest market as I am quite inspired by the music and the energy that lives there. I guess that combined with my Dutch influences my music stands out there and really connects with the people. When I come over the energy is often off the charts. Even when I play earlier sets, they always show up and bring the energy. I find that very inspiring. Now with ‘Get Stupid’ it feels I am getting more global recognition, but I am truly thankful for my UK crowd that give some much energy at the shows. Therefore, it only felt right to do my first all night long shows in the UK.

Summer 2025 has felt like a real breakthrough moment for you? How’s the rest of the summer looking?

The summer is looking busy; I am playing more shows then ever. It’s all picking up quite quickly for me and I am ready to just enjoy it all. This is also the first year of me being a full-time artist so the timing couldn’t have been better. I am doing what I love, with the people and for the people that I love so to me it’s all looking very very good. I can’t wait for my shows in the Loft and 93 Feet East, I can’t think of a better way to close of the summer.

What’s next after ‘Get Stupid’, any more releases lined up before the end of 2025?

Yes, there’s definitely more releases planned. My collaboration with ALISHA will be coming this year. I am really excited to get that out with her. She’s been an important part of my career, and I am happy to call her my friend. To release something together now only feels right. My record Up & Down will also be coming. It’s a record people have been asking for, for a long time now. Both records are staples in my sets, and I can’t wait to finally release them.

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