Photo by Joshua Reed
(5 min read)
In an era where genre boundaries continue to blur, Jazztronica emerges as a revolutionary fusion that bridges the gap between traditional jazz improvisation and electronic music production. Jazztronica represents more than just a combination of sounds—it's a movement that challenges conventional musical paradigms and creates new possibilities for artistic expression.
Backstory: How I Arrived
I first saw the name "Jazztronica" on a Spotify playlist where I was featured around 2021 or 2022. Though it might sound uninspired, discovering this term was an extraordinary revelation. This was my home—everything I had been working to create from the very beginning, without fully realizing it. While genre has never defined me as an artist, and I've explored countless musical territories, seeing the word jazztronica sparked something deep within me. It felt like finally finding where I belonged.
As FKAjazz, I started by exploring diverse musical genres. My first two albums "Stereotype Threat" (2017) and "Beautifully Awkward" (2019) focused on Black American Music—jazz, hip-hop, funk, and R&B. Before this, I spent eight years in electronic production with Pax Humana, my duo with Brian Lindgren. This period helped me explore new sounds beyond my background as a jazz musician composing acoustic music.
Pax Humana, Live at Slake (NYC) 2012
"Lineage" (2020) merged my jazz roots with my newfound experience in electronic and modern Black American music production. "Of Space & Earth" (2022) reflected my evolution as a DJ, which began in 2012 but truly took off when I started working with Caché Life in 2017. This naturally shifted my creative direction, leading me away from hip-hop and R&B production while maintaining my deep connection to these cultural touchstones.
Then came Jazztronica with "Fearless: An OMGjazz Ninja Saga." Yes, "Soft Serve: Saxually Active Vol.2" followed, but that was more of an archival release—a period marking the end of an era. Interestingly, both "Fearless" and my upcoming 2025 album "Prelude to Descent" originated at a crossroads in 2016. Back then, I chose to pursue "Stereotype Threat," naturally gravitating toward a community of like-minded artists such as Marcus Machado, JSWISS, BD3, and Unkle Nephew. Meanwhile, tracks like "Prelude to Descent," "Intrepid Sun" (originally "Keep this Door Open"), and "Fearless" simmered on the back burner.
Now, with "Fearless: An OMGjazz Ninja Saga" nearly a year behind me and "Prelude to Descent - TV Box Saga, Part 1" on the horizon, it feels right to fully embrace my identity as a Jazztronica artist.
What is Jazztronica?
Jazztronica is the seamless integration of jazz's improvisational spirit with electronic music's innovative production techniques. It combines the spontaneity, harmonic and rhythmic complexities of jazz with the textural richness and synthesized landscape of electronic music. Through this fusion, we create soundscapes that honor jazz's legacy while embracing modern technology's endless possibilities.
The Art of Genre Pioneering
Being a trailblazer in an underground genre presents unique challenges and responsibilities. As pioneers of Jazztronica, we navigate uncharted territory, taking calculated risks with unconventional musical combinations. With the hopes of surpassing the inevitable gatekeepers, grabbing the attention of the masses may be futile. This journey involves more than just creating music—it's about starting small and building and nurturing a vibrant community around these new sonic territories. Speaking for myself, I remain committed to authenticity while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in this emerging genre, hoping to foster a vibrant culture along the way.
OMGjazz Multimedia Release Party 2024, Photo by Noah MacNeil
Why Underground Matters
Underground genres are the laboratories where music evolves. They provide spaces for artists to experiment freely, uninhibited by commercial pressures or mainstream expectations. This creative freedom allows for genuine innovation and the development of authentic artistic voices.
As Jazztronica continues to gain recognition, our mission remains clear: to push the boundaries of what's possible when tradition meets innovation, creating music that speaks to both the past, present and future of sound.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore and expand the horizons of this exciting genre. The journey of Jazztronica is just beginning, and we're honored to be at the forefront of this musical revolution.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Jazztronica and my musical journey. Listen to our latest single "Eclipse the Moon" now on Spotify or Bandcamp and join us in shaping the future of music. Your support means everything to us as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in contemporary jazz and electronic fusion.