From the courtroom to the club, Jill Stanley is proof that artistry knows no bounds. A rising name in the House music scene, the LA-based DJ, producer, seasoned trial lawyer, and law professor is making waves once again — this time with her debut on Space Yacht Records. Her latest release, Feel It, sees her team up with none other than dance music legend Roland Clark, blending her deep, rhythmic sound with Clark’s iconic spoken-word vocals.
Following standout tracks like Love To You Baby and Come Closer, Jill continues to craft music built on connection, rhythm, and raw emotion. As Space Yacht Records adds her to its ever-growing roster of innovators, we caught up with Jill to talk about Feel It, her unique journey into music, and what’s next for one of House music’s most exciting new forces.
Introduce Yourself
Hi! I’m Jill Stanley—DJ, music producer, trial lawyer, law professor, and former legal commentator. Yes, I’ve lived a few lives! No doubt my path to music has been unconventional but I wouldn’t have it any other way. And while it may seem that law and music are worlds apart, the skills I’ve honed—like reading a room, connecting with an audience, and telling a compelling story—translate seamlessly from the courtroom and classroom to the club and studio. Years of life experience has also given me a level of confidence that I think is harder to muster when you’re young and just starting out in a creative field. Also, having 3 music-loving sons in their 20s means I can often pack a club!
Were you connected with music from a young age, or was there someone who inspired you?
I wasn’t connected to music in any deep or formal way growing up. I didn’t play instruments or spin in my bedroom–sure I’d sneak out to NYC clubs every now and then but I never imagined I’d be making or performing it. And my inspiration wasn’t through any one artist but more of a moment–the moment I fell in love with house music. That’s what pulled me in, and once I felt it, I didn’t let go.
What first kickstarted your musical career?
Ahh… I’ll make a long story short. My music career wasn’t a plan, at all. I was going through the unraveling of a long term marriage — a time full of uncertainty and heartbreak. One day, I was in the car with my oldest son, and he was playing a mix that completely stopped me: it lifted my mood, lightened the heaviness I was feeling. Every track resonated with me. “I love this!” I said to each song. Ultimately he replied, “Mom… you’re really into house music.” Believe it or not, I had no idea what house music even was–I was a “top 40s” person. But in that moment, I knew it meant something and that it would become an integral part of my life. Coincidentally, later that same day, a friend showed me a video of people dancing at a silent disco, the camera kept panning back to the DJ. And I loved it–the joy in the room. “I could do that,” I thought. I still don’t know where that self-belief came from, but I trusted it. The next day, I signed up for lessons at Scratch DJ Academy in LA… and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tell us more about your sound and how it has evolved.
When I first started, my sound was definitely safer. I was finding my footing, exploring what felt good behind the decks and what the crowd seemed to like and what also felt good to me. But with time, my sets and the music I was making got bolder. I think as my life sorted itself out more and I got back to who I was, I started leaning into heavier basslines, more high-energy, club-focused tracks.
Now, my sound is unapologetically harder and clubbier — it’s built for dance floors that go late and loud. But I’m always evolving. I love blending emotion with edge, beauty with grit. And the truth is, I never want to stay in one lane —it’s not my nature in any part of my life. I stay open to what moves me, and I let the music, and life, lead.
What words would you share to encourage other artists and producers?
Hang in there. Keep showing up — especially on the days it feels like no one is listening. The truth is, creating music is beautiful, but also messes with your head. In my legal career, I never questioned my why, in music, I find that I do. I know I’m not alone in that. My music friends and I speak about it a lot.
So here’s what I do know: it’s normal to doubt. It’s human. But don’t let those voices get louder than your passion. Quiet them when you can, push through when you must, and protect your mental health always. Your art matters. Your sound matters. And if you keep showing up — honestly, openly, and with love for what you do — you’ll find your way. Trust that.
How do you approach building industry relationships through networking, consistency, and character?
Let’s start with obvious facts: I’m older than most people in the room and I’m often very different from them. I’ve had whole other people-facing, high-pressure careers which have helped me navigate the music industry. I tap into all that life experience and that means I can bring emotional intelligence, professionalism, and the ability to build real relationships — not just surface-level connections.
And here’s something important: I’ve never felt one speck of ageism in the music industry. Not once. If anything, people respect my perspective and energy. The music world, especially the underground and club scene, values passion, individuality, and work ethic — and that transcends anything. Honestly, most times I feel like I fit right in even though I know on the outside I stand out. I’m proud of that, actually. I love that the music industry thrives on diversity — in background, identity, and experience. I show up as myself, consistently, with respect for the culture and the people who make it happen. To me, building relationships is about integrity, follow-through, and leading with character. When you do that,and you show up authentically and consistently, the right doors generally open.
Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank for helping you evolve, and why?
So many artists and producers have helped me evolve but I can’t say there is any one specific person.
What’s your all-time favourite Ibiza anthem?
Oh wow, do I only get one choice? I think I would say Cola, Camelphat & Elderbrook.
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
I absolutely love my Pioneer RMX1000.
Name an outlandish rider request.
I wish I was at the stage of my career where rider requests were the norm rather than the exception. Truth is, I’m pretty low maintenance. Some water and a shot of tequila and I’m good.
Favourite Ibiza clubbing memory: who or what did it involve?
Pikes… on the advice of counsel (myself!), unfortunately, I cannot publicly share that information.
What’s your dream Ibiza venue or event to play?
Pacha, no question.
Music is…
For me, and I think many people, music is a way to escape and a way to connect. It lets us get out of our heads, out of our daily stress, and into something bigger. The beauty of music is that you can be in a room full of strangers, and a beat will drop and suddenly you’re not strangers anymore. You’re moving together, feeling the same things: joy, release, freedom. It’s funny I don’t like to eat alone at a restaurant and I don’t like to travel alone (unless it’s for work), but I can go to a club alone and feel perfectly at ease, part of something. I believe music can help remind us that we are not alone, and in today’s times, I think that’s something many of us need.
One song you really couldn’t live without?
I think I would have to say, I Feel Love by Donna Summer.
What do you think makes the Ibiza music scene so special?
The Ibiza music scene is special because it’s more than just parties—it’s a feeling, an energy—and people come from all over the world to experience it. From beachside sunsets to sunrise sets to 3 AM dancefloor raves, there’s something for everyone. Ibiza, more than anywhere, brings together the world’s best DJs and the most open, music-loving crowd. There is so much to do in Ibiza but the Island feels as if it breathes music—it’s in the air, the rhythm, the people. That’s what makes it iconic.
How do you think Ibiza has influenced your sound or style?
There’s a sense of freedom on the island—you feel like you can take chances, stretch a little further. And there’s so much love in the scene there; you get the feeling that people want you to succeed, to see you push the boundaries, to go deeper and they’re there to enjoy the journey with you. So I would say all of that “holding space” if you will (sorry, I know that’s very LA!) made me braver as an artist.
What are some of your favourite things to do in Ibiza when you’re not performing?
Long lunches under the trees at La Paloma, taking wrong turns at the roundabouts in a tiny rental car, discovering hidden gem beaches off the beaten path, and jumping off a boat into the Med. Have to say just listing those makes me miss the White Island!!!
Name drop your favourite tunes, artists, or DJs (past or present).
Adam Beyer, Nicole Moudaber, and Blondish have been constant sources of inspiration for me.
What was your first music opportunity, and how did it fuel your fire?
My first gig? A day party at a kombucha bar, on a Sunday—only in LA! Granted it was “hard” kombucha but still, kombucha was all they served! I promoted it like I was headlining at Hï Ibiza. The place was packed, people were dancing, and I even saw people Shazaming my tracks. Seeing the crowd connect with the music and experiencing my sense of connection with the crowd made me realize: this is what I’m meant to do, I want to keep feeling this feeling.
Tell us more about your plans for the future.
I have been refining my sound, harder, faster, little edgier and still super dancy. My heart is in the club and that’s the music I love to make and to play. I would love to do that for a whole season in Ibiza!
Any worldly advice you’d like to share?
Life is short. Go for it. People who know me, know I live by this–I believe we are here one time as this person so why not try everything that calls to you? Of course, there will be failures and pain but there will also be beautiful moments, growth, feelings you never thought you’d ever experience, connections you never imagined. To me, it’s better to try and stumble than to look back at life with regret, wondering “what if.” So I say: embrace the journey—every twist, turn, and triumph.
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