Take in Felix Jaehn's heartfelt reflections on life as an international touring artist

German producer Felix Jaehn stands out when it comes to building bridges between artists, genres and fans. Part of his career was built on bringing new life to classic pop and soul tracks, famously including Chaka Khan’s ‘Ain’t Nobody’.

Felix continued to serve ravers and casual music fans alike throughout his career, as he collaborated with mainstream and urban artists including Jamaican singer Omi and U.S. rapper Gucci Mane.

Sit back a moment while you take in Felix’ heartfelt reflections on life as an international touring artist.

You travelled the world as a touring artist when most people start figuring out what it's like to go out and rave. What has that been like for you?

“It has definitely been challenging in a way. When I was 18 years old, I lived in London and I went to lots of clubs and got inspired. Just a year later was suddenly travelling the world to play shows and doing everything that comes with that."

"A few years ago, I started going out a lot more, just to get inspired and listen to what other DJs are doing, especially in the underground. It's always been very important for me to also be on the dance floor and feel the crowd, to be the crowd, to understand how the dynamic works and to learn to play the right record at the right time as a DJ.”

 How do you balance your private life now with life as a touring artist? 

“During my busy years I played up to one hundred shows each year. I really don't want to go back to that intense touring schedule because it's been way too much for me. I found the right balance for myself by playing less shows."

"This year I'm looking at roughly fifteen gigs, so I am only focusing on the big shows like Tomorrowland, which is probably the most exciting one. Of course I’ll play some big shows in my home country of Germany, too. And then I also want to do some shows for the queer community.”

Being a touring artist, is it easier to be single or to be in a relationship and why? 

“To say whatever is easier is hard. I'm definitely a person looking for deep meaningful relationships and romantic love. I'm also poly I never really stay in one place. So, I guess in my relationships, it's just important to communicate very openly and up front. To be honest, I think this is important in any type of relationship, just to level out expectations.”

Club music and pop music blend perfectly in your work. What do you love so much about the combination? 

“I'm a pop bitch. I've always loved pop music. I like singing along. I like melodies. I like chords. I like the emotions that pop music triggers in me and I like screaming them out and sharing them with the crowd. Plus, I love dance music. I listen to lots of instrumental music and I love to completely nerd out, listening to synthesizers and drums and letting them tell the story. It turns out that I love this combination so much that I'm just living it. I love it.”

What can people expect from you music-wise in 2024? 

“I'm working on some more fast records, in that trancey hardtechno kind of style. I found my own melodic pop approach to this sound, calling it happy rave. The track ‘Weekends’ which I did with Jonas Blue is an example of it."

"There's a new one dropping very soon with Don Diablo which I’m super excited about, too. Then I'm also working on some straight-up pop songs around 126 to 128 BPM. Lastly, I’m rediscovering the 2012 to 2015 melodic deep house vibes. I feel like it's time to bring them back.”