Since his debut with “Burma” back in 2014, Jason Ross quickly made a name for himself in the eyes of the electronic dance music industry and in the hearts of trance fans worldwide. As one of Anjunabeat’s top artists, his ability to make flawless, emotionally-driven tracks that instantaneously moves crowds by the thousands rivals the biggest player’s in his genre. In 2017, Jason Ross played a unforgettable B2B set with Seven Lions at ABGT250 at The Gorge Amphitheatre. Now, the LA-based producer is back making big moves this year. Following his single “Through It All” featuring Fiora, he recently teamed up with Seven Lions once again to release their latest hit Ocean. Up next, he’ll be hitting the festival circuit this summer, joining Seven Lions on tour, and making more new music for his fans. Ahead of his EDC Las Vegas debut, we got the chance to chat with Jason about all of his new music, new sounds, preparing for EDC, and more.
Let’s get right into it. We love your latest solo track “Through It All” – it’s giving us some serious throwback feels that we haven’t heard in a while (and have been in dire need of). How did this track come about and what was it like working with Fiora?
JR: Thanks so much! This track has been with me for a couple years now and has gone through many changes. It started with this beautiful melody and I knew it was something special. Over time I built it into a hands-up-instrumental type of song, but one thing I felt was missing were some vocals to complement it. There was this space in the breakdown that needed something. Around the time of ABGT250 I was introduced to Fiora – I sent her a few tracks and she connected with this one the most. We hopped in the studio and just looped the track over and over again and she started writing; it was such a cool experience seeing it all come together. For the longest time the track felt incomplete, but having Fiora on it gave me the confidence to finally let it free.
We’re also loving your brand-new release, Ocean, with Seven Lions on his Ophelia label. Everything from the melodies and energy of both tracks are very unique from what we’ve heard from you until now. What can you tell us about how you two linked up on this project and the making of it?
JR: “Ocean” is one of those types of tracks I’ve always wanted to make, but never had the confidence of trying to make on my own. Jeff has really been there to show me that you can do and make whatever you want; there should be no boundaries or limits to your art. I had this idea that I sent to him and it was in the trance tempo range. He said, “I love this, but why don’t we slow this down?” At first, I didn’t understand, until I saw what he did with it and it was one of those ‘aha!’ moments. I think it still has that trance vibe but in a different, slowed down, tempo, which is something I’ve personally never seen trance fans so accepting of. To see “Ocean” reach such a wide audience outside of the genre is super cool as well!
Are there other artists similar to Seven Lions or ones of different genres outside of trance that you’re hoping to work with in the future?
JR: I get inspired by so many different genres. Everything from techno, future bass to psy-trance. I’ve really been getting into Omiki lately; that psy bassline style is just so intense and captivating. I also love what Illenium is doing right now.
We are beyond excited to see you play at EDC Las Vegas for the first time ever. How do you plan to prepare for such a massive event like this?
JR: For these bigger shows, so much preparation goes into play. I’m finishing up lots of music that I plan to premiere there, so working that into the set will be a priority. Making it a clear story is something I always strive to do and that’s always the biggest (and most rewarding) challenge.
Can you give us some insight on what to expect during your set at EDC Las Vegas?
JR: New music, new collaborations, a totally new story.
Beyond this, we know you have a lot of exciting performances coming up like Digital Dreams, Electric Zoo and Seven Lions’ Red Rocks show. What other events or milestones are you focused on this year?
JR: Really just focused on making these shows unique, and showcasing who I am. On the production side, I’ve been busy on so much new music that I’m excited to finally share.
Connect with Jason Ross:
https://www.facebook.com/JasonRossOfficial
https://twitter.com/JasonRossOfc
https://soundcloud.com/jasonrossofficial
https://www.instagram.com/JasonRossOfficial
Photo Credit: Shevin D Photo