Even though both artists didn’t see each other a lot during the creation of their collaborative project, their bond was strong. JASSS explains the back-and-forth way of working: ‘We had our separate spaces where we defined our approaches, and I also dumped a lot of what was going through my mind on him to work with.’ The pandemic was still very much an issue at the time, and JASSS recalls it as ‘very emotionally charged.' Especially for two highly sensitive people, as she describes the pair, the process itself sometimes reveals how and what you actually feel. ‘We didn’t need to explain anything to each other, we just instantly knew and became friends. I tend to be very parsed, and he’s better at grasping thoughts and putting ideas into shapes.’

The first live performance of ‘AWOS’ was almost like a final rehearsal but on stage already, because the pair had never met each other in real life before. They also saw the custom-made LED screen for the first time, adding another kind of depth to JASSS’ music. ‘Visual art adds another layer of fantasy and makes the intention of the music sharper. The world around the music gets built profoundly and roundly, adding a layer of conversation to the work.’ Much like Adam Curtis’ work ‘TraumaZone’, from which the duo took inspiration, this show is meant to inspire abstractly, where spectators don’t know what it is, but they acquire something new. The project is thought-provoking but doesn’t push anyone in any direction.

JASSS’ almost nihilist or neutral way of thinking and working stems from a nearly ‘creeping feeling of existing in real-time,’ which is complex enough, according to her. It can feel quite overwhelming to exist in a world where a lot is happening, and everyone just keeps on existing, especially when trying to bring yourself to creative output. ‘I feel like we’re going through a very universal moment and can be portrayed as isolated, and where things like entertainment can vaporize quickly if you try to chase them. When you retreat a little bit, regroup, and remember where you come from, you can cleanse yourself and find back inspiration.’

ADE Lab aims to educate the next generation of performing artists, producers, and professionals; JASSS also touches on some advice for young people who are finding their way into music. ‘Ben Kreukniet and I almost grew a third entity out of two people with this project by capturing the moment we lived in. Something people could take inspiration from is finding someone to work with who actually lifts you up. Forcing projects will not work; finding space to create something organically will lead you to whatever you see as successful. That all starts with finding the ability to be inspired and continue working on it.’

Be in it for the arts

To sometimes go back to what the Spanish-born producer loves most, she takes a break from music in nature, and then works with her hands, for example when she did a residency for Elektronmusikstudion EMS in Stockholm. ‘Their studio is very well equipped, refreshing, and also kind of sterile. It’s very silent, like a bit of a retreat. You feel your existence a lot in there, and it gives you a bit of a blank slate.’ She found the academic energy of the studio calming, and lit the ignition to new-found inspiration there.

‘I’ve never met anybody during my time there who wasn’t in it for the arts. They’re so interested in sound, and the conversations in different scenarios than what you’re used to made me feel the love and passion for music that I have so much more, again. From existing to creating things that see new life.’

Learn from the best at ADE Lab.