Jauz shares full tracklist for forthcoming debut album, ‘The Wise and The Wicked’

When Jauz splashed onto the dance music scene with “Feel The Volume,” he took on the industry more like a shark’s sneak attack. His newly concieved sound would revolutionize a genre, blending hard hitting, synth laden bass and deep, pulsating house. That was in 2014 and since then the LA-based, Icon Collective graduate has carved a permanent niche for himself in dance music, with the support of his devoted Shark Squad fans.

Now, after four years, Jauz is primed to release his highly-anticipated debut album, The Wise and The Wicked. While fans must wait until August 31 for the release, Jauz has revealed one final (and alluring) piece of the puzzle. He’s unveiled the LP’s full track list, packed with 23 original tracks, along with some biting collaborations, along with the whole concept behind the album.

To say the concept goes deep is an understatement. Split into a prologue and four chapters, The Wise and The Wicked is wildly imaginative, culturally relevant to the times, and diverse in terms of it’s music, while venturing far beyond the confines of dance music. Indeed, Jauz wishes to tell a story:

“When I’m writing music, half of my brain wants to write fun, crazy bangers for parties, clubs, [festivals], etc. This is represented by ‘The Wicked.’ The other half of the time, I want to write emotional, intelligent, experimental music that feeds the ‘inner-artist’ in myself, which is represented by ‘The Wise.’ The middle ground, which is where I strive to really be, is a blend of the melodic, emotional parts of my music paired with high energy drops and climaxes. This is represented by ‘The United.’”

The entire album concept is set in a dytopian distant future, resulting from increasing threats to society brought on by class inequality, financial castes, and the growing wage gap. Jauz has created a whole storyline behind the album, with each track revealing a new piece of the the story. In this dystopia, two separate alliances form, each bent on using their own methods to empower the masses.

The Wise inspire the masses by using intelligence and knowledge. They believe that only the truly adept should survive. Collaborative tracks in this chapter include “Diamonds” with Kiiara, “Frequency” with Adventure Club, and “Soldier” with Krewella. The Wicked believe in full anarchism, using anger and aggression to grow their ranks. Tracks on this chapter include the previously released “Acid or Techno” and the SNAILS-assisted, “Motherfuckers.” Their rivalry comes to an end when a third party enters, The United, who are fueled by passion to create a better world. As outcasts of both parties, they have seen the errs of both sides while combining each side’s strengths. 

To fully imagine the storyline, one must hear the music. For now, the tracklist will have to suffice.