Interviews

Letting Go with ‘Time’: JNSN on Music as Emotional Release

With his new single “Time,” JNSN channels raw energy into a track that feels both emotional and cathartic, built

Letting Go with ‘Time’: JNSN on Music as Emotional Release

With his new single “Time,” JNSN channels raw energy into a track that feels both emotional and cathartic, built on tension, release, and an unshakable drive. Known for blending powerful melodies with dancefloor intensity, he opens up here about the role silence plays in his music, finding inspiration in unexpected places, and why balance – between touring and the studio, pressure and play – is at the core of his creative process.

If you had to describe ‘Time’ in three words to someone who hasn’t heard it yet, which words would you choose? 

Emotional, Driven, Energetic

What role does silence or space play in your productions – do you think about the “gaps” as much as the sounds themselves? 

I think space is just as important as the sounds themselves. Those moments of silence or restraint create tension and anticipation, which really draw listeners in. Without that contrast, the impact of the drop – or even a simple melodic shift – wouldn’t hit nearly as hard. For me, the gaps aren’t empty at all; they’re what give the music its shape and emotional pull.

When you’re not in the studio, what kinds of music do you listen to that might surprise your fans? 

I’m actually really into Indie and Alternative music – bands like TWIN XL, Nothing But Thieves and a bunch of others in that space. It might surprise some people since my own productions lean more toward dance and electronic, but I get a lot of inspiration from their songwriting. The lyrics in particular, often spark ideas for melodies or moods that I bring back into my own music.

Do you have a ritual or routine before starting a new track – or do ideas usually come to you unexpectedly? 

It’s definitely a mix of both. I’ve noticed that when I sit down with the intention of planning a track, I don’t usually get very far. Most of my best ideas come when I’m just experimenting – messing around with sounds until something clicks. That’s usually when I stumble across an idea that feels worth building into a full track.

Collaboration is such a big part of electronic music culture. Is there an artist you’d love to work with in the future, either inside or outside dance music? 

I would love to work with Innellea – he’s one of my biggest idols, and I’ve always admired the creativity and emotion in his music. A collaboration like that would definitely be a dream come true for me.

 ‘Time’ has been described as cathartic. What does catharsis mean to you personally, both as a listener and as a producer? 

To me, catharsis is about emotional release. As a listener, I think of it as that moment when music cuts through whatever you’re carrying and helps you let go – whether that’s sadness, stress, or even joy that needs a way out. As a producer, I really want to create music that brings that same release for others. If a track I make can tap into someone’s emotions and leave them feeling lighter or more connected, then it’s done its job. Having a song like Time fall into that space – where people can experience that kind of release – is a really special feeling for me.

Every producer has a moment of self-doubt in the creative process. How do you usually push through those blocks? 

I can’t stress this enough – taking breaks is huge. If I hit a wall, I’ll step away, go for a walk, clear my head and come back when I’m ready. Music has always been fun for me, but there are definitely moments of frustration. The best way I’ve found to keep a healthy relationship with the creative process is to remind myself that it’s supposed to be fun. The ideas will still be there when you return, so it’s better to relax, reset, and approach it with fresh energy.

Touring and producing demand different mindsets. How do you balance life on the road with staying grounded creatively? 

I try to base my music on real life experiences, because I think that’s the best way to create something people can truly connect with. Touring actually helps with that – traveling, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures and emotions all give me fresh perspectives to bring back into the studio. So even though the road and the studio are very different environments, they actually feed into each other and keep me inspired.

Beyond music, is there an art form, practice, or interest that influences your sound in ways listeners might not realize?

Beyond music, I put a lot of focus on mental health and keeping my mind in a good place. Things like exercise and just making time to step away from screens really influence my sound more than people might realize. When my head is clear, I feel more creative and open to new ideas and that energy always finds its way into the music. For me, taking care of my mental health is just as important as the studio work – it’s what keeps the ideas flowing.

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Jasmine