At the Nexus Lounge, DJ and producer Jean Marie—born Jean Marie Carrabba—sat down with Aron from Nexus Radio for a reflective and inspiring conversation about a career that has spanned more than 25 years. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply passionate, Jean Marie shared how music has remained the constant thread through decades of change in the electronic landscape.
Welcoming his family and close friends into the experience, Jean Marie spoke about the joy of reconnecting with longtime collaborators while forging new relationships. For him, these moments are less about business and more about shared energy—artists coming together for the love of music, community, and creativity.
Looking back on his silver anniversary in the industry, Jean Marie reflected on how dramatically things have evolved. He began in an era before streaming platforms, social media, and smartphones—when vinyl and CDs ruled the booth. While he admitted that rebuilding the same path today would be nearly impossible, he credits adaptability and genuine passion for carrying him forward through every shift the industry has seen.
Despite his storied past, Jean Marie’s focus is firmly on the future. He revealed that he’s currently writing a book about his journey while continuing to work on new music. The drive that fueled his early years remains intact, and he’s eager to share lessons learned with the next generation of artists.
During a playful rapid-fire segment, Jean Marie revealed his love for big-stage performances, explaining that the energy of a massive crowd—when the music and moment align—is unmatched. Outside of music, he draws inspiration from epic films like Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, citing the emotional power of cinematic composers such as Hans Zimmer as a major influence on his creative imagination.
When offering advice to emerging musicians, Jean Marie was clear and encouraging: don’t fear your inspirations. Honor them, learn from them, but always transform them into something personal. Originality, he emphasized, doesn’t mean ignoring influence—it means evolving it.
Looking ahead, Jean Marie teased an ambitious new project inspired by global community and nature itself—music created with organic elements like plants, blended with synths and vocals. It’s a concept that perfectly reflects his outlook: rooted in emotion, curiosity, and innovation.
Through decades of change, Jean Marie remains driven by the same force that started it all—an unshakable love for music. From global stages to deeply personal projects, his story is one of resilience, evolution, and artistry. Listen to the full interview below.
Follow JEAN MARIE
