Inside the Studio: Jaeza Breaks Down the Making of ‘Keep On’
With their latest release, ‘Keep On,’ the production duo, Jaeza put forward a fresh take on their evolving sound, blending infectious grooves with soulful House influences. As a duo driven by experimentation and dynamic creativity, John and Josh have refined a unique production approach, placing their signature sound on display as they deliver fine-tuned productions detailed with powerful rhythms and textures. With ‘Keep On,’ they crafted something that feels both fresh and uniquely their own, cementing themselves on an exciting path as they continue to pave their journey.
In this behind-the-scenes look, one half of Jaeza, Josh, joins us to break down the making of ‘Keep On,’ sharing insights into their workflow, creative challenges, and what’s next for them.
Hi guys! How are you both?
We’re great, thanks! Excited about all the new music.
To start, how did the initial concept for ‘Keep On’ evolve from start to finish? Were there any major changes along the way?
Really, it started with a couple drum loops and some chord stabs, and it slowly took shape from there. We had a firm grasp of ‘the vibe’ from the beginning. But we definitely pivoted a few times over the bassline. Knowing where you want to go is one thing, but knowing how to get there is another.
Did you go into the studio with a clear vision for the track, or did it take shape organically as you worked on it?
Not at all, I’d say it developed organically. In fact, there was a fair amount of circling back and writing and then rewriting, but if there’s only thing we’ve learned it’s that you got to keep on and eventually you’ll get somewhere you like.
How did you approach crafting the groove and rhythm for ‘Keep On’? What elements were key to getting that infectious energy?
We started with the bass line on this one, and really it’s two bass lines that we laboriously spliced together to create a lot of the movement and groove for the track. From there we added in some choice syncopated rhythms to give it a little more swing and after that, the rest flowed pretty easily.
Can you break down some of the production techniques or sound design tricks that really bring ‘Keep On’ to life?
Our secret sauce? No secrets here, just a lot of trial and error. I’m speaking specifically about splicing those two bass lines together. Doing something like that threatens to introduce a lot of potential phase issues which can very quickly make the mix pretty muddy. I wish we had some cool trick but really you got to trust your ear and take a break every so often, so you don’t go crazy.
Are there any signature Jaeza elements in the track that fans should listen out for?
This one’s pretty different. I think this will be the track that, looking back—maybe 10 songs down the line—if you ask us if there are any signature Jaeza elements, we’ll definitely be pointing back to ‘Keep On.’
How did you divide the work between you as a duo while producing ‘Keep On’?
John handled a lot of the early work, coming up with a ton of groovy ideas and developing the core of the track. Then I stepped into reign it in a little bit, adding structure, and connecting those ideas.
Was there a particular moment in the studio when you knew the track was finished? Or do you struggle with knowing when to stop tweaking?
Once we whittled the track down to a good length where the song felt full but also flowed quickly and with purpose—we were pretty happy with calling it done.
How would you say ‘Keep On’ fits into your overall sound and direction as Jaeza?
We’d say that ‘Keep On’ points to the direction our sound is taking. It definitely serves as a reminder to keep our eyes and ears onward and not worry too much about the sounds of the past.
What do you hope listeners take away from the track?
We want people to feel like it’s ok to be in the moment. Just vibe—groove even.
Finally, now that ‘Keep On’ is out, what’s next for you? Are there more releases or projects in the works?
The next release will be out soon—the tentative date is April 4th for ‘Never Let Me Go’ which has a similarly groovy, soulful House vibe.
As Jaeza continues to carve out their space in the Electronic Music scene, ‘Keep On’ stands as a distinct display of their ever-evolving approach to production. From refining bass grooves to capturing the right energy, the track reflects their commitment to pushing their sound forward, constantly evolving while staying true to their creative vision. With more music already on the horizon, it is clear that Jaeza is only just getting started, so be sure to keep an eye on them as they continue to explore new sonic territories and share their journey with listeners.
Listen and Buy ‘Keep On’ Now:
https://www.beatport.com/release/keep-on/4929707
Jaeza Online
https://www.instagram.com/jaeza.music/