JES: “I Was Following Where Music Wanted to Take Me”

For many dance music fans, the journey starts with a voice, and for more than two decades, JES has been one of the voices soundtracking that journey, creating songs that stay with listeners long after the lights come up and the music fades. While styles and trends have come and gone, her ability to capture emotion in a way that feels genuine and relatable has never wavered. Throughout it all, she has become a trusted voice for listeners seeking something deeper than just a dancefloor moment.

That same spirit runs through ‘Dreamer’, her latest album. Blending cinematic production with deeply personal songwriting, it explores themes of freedom, resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to follow your own path. It's an album that feels both reflective and forward-looking, capturing an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to the qualities that made fans connect with her music in the first place.

With a new single from ‘Dreamer’ just released, we wanted a little sneak peek into the album, so we caught up with JES for a quick chat.

Q: You describe dreams as a place free from judgment and expectations. Was there a moment while making this album when you felt you had completely let go of who people expected JES to be?

A: I wanted to make something that meant something, and I definitely went with the flow. I revisited songs many times throughout the process, but always for myself and my own barometer of what felt right. I was following where the music wanted to take me.

I don’t think there was a specific moment when I thought, “This is very different from what people are used to from me,” but that awareness definitely crossed my mind from time to time.

It had been a while since I’d created a full body of work all at once, so the challenge was definitely there. What felt important was letting the songs be born and become what they needed to become, rather than deciding in advance what I wanted them to be. In many ways, Dreamer became a snapshot of a particular moment in my life. I was simply painting a picture and trusting that it represented who I needed to be for this record.

Q: The album is called Dreamer, but dreams can be beautiful, inspiring, strange, or even a little unsettling. Which song on ‘Dreamer’ feels like stepping far outside the comfort zone?

A: I think it would be a song called "Talk About the Weather."

It’s a very exposed song. There’s not much in the way of beats or production tricks. It’s really just my voice, my thoughts, and the questions I’m asking myself.

The album has a strong sense of wonder. As time passes, I find it harder and harder to believe that life is a simple, straightforward thing, and I certainly feel the mystery of it all.

"Talk About the Weather" is sparse, vulnerable, and emotionally raw. The beat is literally a heartbeat. The heartbeat that connects us all. It was something I hadn’t done before, and it allowed me to explore a very different space, both emotionally and musically.

Q: Every dream has a moment that stays with you after you wake up. Is there a song (or songs) on the album that you think fans will still be thinking about long after the music ends?

A: Well, I hope quite a few of them spark some thought!

I definitely think in terms of feelings and melody, and "Feel Like Sunday" will probably stay in your head whether you like it or not. It’s one of the lighter songs on the album and has a real sense of joy to it.

"I Need Love" is an infectious song with a surprising rhythm that delves into longing and desire.

"Finding Utopia" is one of my personal favorites. It’s about those moments in life when you have to take a leap of faith,get out of your own way, and trust yourself enough to move forward.

"Be Good To Yourself" is deeply personal. It’s a love letter to myself, but also to anyone who constantly questions themselves or feels like they’re never doing enough. It’s a reminder that you’re stronger than you think, and that the relationship you have with yourself matters. At the end of the day, you’re the one person who will be with you through everything.

Every song on the album has something to say. They’re all very personal, but I think I share a lot with my listeners. In many ways, I speak to them just as much as to myself. I hope they hear that, because I’m rooting for us all.

Q: If listeners could only take one message away from ‘Dreamer’, what would you hope would follow them into their own dreams?


A: I hope they never stop dreaming.

Dreams give us hope. They motivate us, inspire us, and remind us that life can always be bigger than our current circumstances.

I have known people who have given up on their dreams, and it always makes me sad. Even when one dream ends, another one is waiting for you. Life changes. We change. The dream evolves, too.

No matter what challenges you’re facing, I think it’s important to stay open to possibilities. Stay curious. Keep asking questions. Keep learning.

More than anything, I hope ‘Dreamer’ encourages people to participate fully in their own lives. Don’t watch life from the sidelines. The world is far bigger, stranger, and more beautiful than we often give it credit for. Embrace the bigger picture, keep exploring, and stay alive to the possibilities around you.

And whatever happens, don’t ever give up.

Get it on Beatport