Coffee Break with Jesabel
The U.K. based multi-talented DJ, vocalist and producer from down under has made the move across the globe to place herself at the centre of it all. Pivoting into the melodic techno, progressive space her artistry has found its current form and is ready to be heard. Emerging from Sydney, Australia, Jesabel has established herself as one of the nation's most sought after performers. We had the chance to have a little chat with her to hear more about her music.
nice to meet you Jesabel! First of all, we were wondering when was your first introduction to dance music?
Thanks heaps for having me! My first introduction to dance music would have been when I was 18/19 years old. My boyfriend at the time was entering a DJ competition in Australia called Your Shot - him pulling together his set would have been some of the first proper dance records I’d ever heard. That entire experience of set prep into the actual competition is 100% what led to me entering Your Shot the year after. Where it all began!
At what point did you decide to become a DJ and producer?
I was at a party at 19 fixated on the DJ! He eventually asked if I was keen to learn and I ended up having weekly lessons on a Wednesday morning in my local pub. That pub ended up being my first gig on a Friday night. It all started from there! Production was something I dabbled in and out of when living in Aus but never felt it was a place I could really niche down and focus on the style of music I really loved - prog / melodic house & techno. Hence my move to London!
Hailing from Australia, you are now based in London. How would you describe the music scene in Australia VS London, and what impact would you say it had on shaping your sound?
The scenes are soooo different in my opinion. Both homes to some unreal talent though. Australia’s music scene is a lot smaller and given that, it comes with less opportunity. I was always so passionate about performing and that generally meant playing an easily accessible and commercially skewed set. Whilst that scratched an itch for a long time, I felt like I couldn’t explore and write the music that I wanted to so as not to isolate the audience I had grown. I ended up being in sessions writing music that I didn’t feel passionate about and ultimately never saw the light of day.
Until 2 years ago. London reshaped the way I think and see my future in the dance music space. My focus has mostly been on writing the music that sets my soul on fire. I’m absolutely loving it and slowly but surely, the performance side is growing as well. London / Europe allows you to feel like there is endless opportunity. Everyone that I meet is willing to lend a helping hand and support. I’m utterly obsessed!
Did you have any music background (playing instruments) before starting to produce dance music?
I was always very musical growing up. I learned instruments like piano, violin, flute but my focus was always on singing. I was in singing coaching from the age of 6. I was a choir girl which progressed into musicals. Theoretically I never really retained all that much sadly BUT the experience taught me how to use my ears. Now I do everything by ear and I think this is an important skill when it comes to both production and djing.
What is your favorite plugin at the moment? Are you more into analog or digital?
I’ve had more experience with digital over analog. I’d love to delve into the analog world a little more. My favorite has got to be u-he Diva. In my opinion it does the best at replicating rich, warm analog sounds. Rhythmizer is also fun - can be a good song starter! It’s a random sequencer essentially.
How would you describe your sound in 3 words?
Groovy, emotional, impactful!
You just released your second single "Control" on Zerothree Music. Could you tell us about the story behind this track?
This record is a fit for purpose club record and that was always the intention. I wrote it in Manchester with a legend of a guy, Jon. My intention was to find a catchy, repetitive lead melody that was really nostalgic. I’m so inspired by what I know to be prog house - think Eric Prydz, Kaskade etc. I think ‘Control’ has taught me I can keep it simple.
What gear or digital tools did you use to create the different elements in the track?
In terms of plug ins sound design wise the usual suspects - Diva, serum. Hardware (/software?) wise the Native Instruments Maschine MK3 - not necessary but also quite nice to be a little more tactile. Again, this project really just showed you don’t need a lot. Simple can be effective and you don’t always need a studio with all the bells and whistles to get a strong outcome. In the session we had access to stacks of analog hardware - creativity comes from the person.
Are you working on exciting projects for 2024?
Yeah I am! Working on a few tracks with both Zerothree and Enhanced for 2024. Really excited about what is to come there. Both teams are incredible - I feel so lucky to be working with them. Also just connected with someone on a potential collab which is really exciting! My first one :) Watch this space!
What are the clubs or festivals where you would love to play this year?
Honestly, wherever the opportunities present themselves I’m keen to share my music and sound with new audiences. I’m lucky to be aligning with Parable and Konflict in London this year and playing some amazing parties and venues with them supporting some unreal line ups! Studio 338 and E1 coming up in June. Let’s get it!
Last but not least: coffee or tea?
I don’t drink coffee - I know…crazy. Tea for me and generally decaf. Yeah I’m a weirdo! haha
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