EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Jesse Maas, a rising star in the world of electronic mu- sic, has steadily carved out his niche in the vibrant house music scene. With his roots in the Netherlands, Jesse has quickly garnered attention for his ability to merge diverse subgenres, delivering sets that are both dynamic and versatile. Known for his consistent ou- tput, Maas has worked with labels like Shall Not Fade, LOCUS, Yoyaku and Solid Grooves, constantly refining his craft while fostering collaborations that bring out his playful yet polished sound. His blend of deep, groo- vy house with high-energy tracks has made him a sta- ple at clubs and festivals alike, with performances that never fail to create a lasting impact on the dancefloor.
Beyond his DJ sets and relentless production output, Jesse is an artist who thrives on collaboration. He be- lieves that working alongside other creatives allows him to tap into new energies, pushing the boundaries of his sound. Whether in the studio or performing B2B sets, Jesse’s approach is all about exchanging ideas, capturing moments of spontaneity, and turning them into something special. This openness to experimen- tation has not only enriched his own music but also cemented him as a mentor and advocate for emer- ging talent in the scene. In a world where house music is constantly evolving, Jesse Maas is both a student and a future mentor, continually pushing forward while staying true to his roots.
“Recently, I released an EP with Litmus on Shall Not Fade, which was an especially inspiring collaboration for me. The EP consists of four original tracks, each with its own story. What made this collaboration uni- que is that we worked entirely with machines, like drum machines, synthesizers, and our own recorded vocals. It felt like the music came together effortlessly, in a pure, organic flow. Working with machines sparked my crea- tivity on a completely different level. The process felt like a constant jam session, where we exchanged ideas. There was a lot of laughter in the studio. The playful atmosphere removed any pressure, allowing us to ex- periment freely and without hesitation. The collabora- tion mainly evoked feelings of freedom and joy, which deeply enriched my creative process. It was a reminder of how important it is to have fun in what you do, and how that directly influences the music you create.”
This creative freedom translates perfectly to Jesse’s B2B sets, where he thrives on the unexpected and the excitement of improvisation. For Jesse, playing along- side another DJ is all about synergy and spontanei- ty, allowing the moment and the crowd to dictate the journey.
“One of the most thrilling aspects of playing a B2B set is the unpredictability of what your partner will bring to the table. You never know what tracks they’ve selected, and when they drop something that works perfectly on the dancefloor, it gives me a real energy boost. It pus- hes me to dig for the perfect track to complement or elevate the vibe. It’s almost like a game—one person might drop a banger, and the other responds with a deeper, more nuanced tune, and through that interplay, a story starts to unfold”.
Playing a B2B, rather than a competition means total collaboration for Jesse
“The magic of a B2B set isn’t about competing to see who can play the hardest track; it’s about the energy exchange between you, your partner, and the crowd. We challenge each other in a playful way, creating a dynamic flow where we respond to the moment and the audience’s reaction. This balance of synergy and improvisation is what makes each B2B set feel unique and exciting.”
Jesse’s collaborative spirit has led to unexpected mo- ments of creative growth. Working with fellow artists has opened up new pathways for him, sparking ideas and influencing his production style in ways he never anticipated. His interaction with machines like the MC-505 has been a game-changer in his creative pro- cess.
“One moment that really stands out is my first expe- rience with the MC-505. I was collaborating with Lit- mus who was jamming on the machine, and to me, it looked complex, so many knobs and faders. But the sounds coming out of it were insane. I immediately asked, ‘Yo, teach me how to use this beast.’ From that moment on, my workflow completely changed. I star- ted making music I never could have created with just using Ableton. That experience opened up a whole new world for me, and I became curious about what other machines were out there. There are so many incredi- ble tools that can help you create unique sounds. For example, my entire EP for Enzo Siragusa’s label LOCUS was made using hardware. Every sound came from a machine, which gave the tracks a raw sound I wouldn’t have achieved otherwise.”
For Jesse, the joy of making music extends beyond personal achievement. He is deeply passionate about helping others, sharing with emerging producers, and spreading what he knows with humility and kindness .
“Mentoring and helping upcoming producers is some- thing I want to become more passionate about. I’ve always been someone who likes to share knowledge and experiences, and if I can help someone who’s truly dedicated and shows they want it, I’m down. I have helped emerging artists to pitch their music to labels, mentioning their names to promoters, and getting them on a line-up. I’ve given feedback on their tracks, shared advice, and spent time in the studio with them. Seeing others succeed in their journey gives me a real energy boost. Sharing = Caring.”
Balancing his diverse influences within house music is another area where Jesse thrives. He embraces the freedom to explore different sounds, seamlessly blen- ding subgenres in both his productions and live sets.
“It really depends on where I’m playing, but one memory that stands out is a show in Zurich at a club called Frie- da’s Buxe. It’s a ‘no phones, just vibes’ kind of place, and
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