Emerging from Chicago’s storied underground electronic scene, FJ9 is quickly carving out a space as a forward-thinking producer and storyteller. With a sound that fuses atmospheric techno, house, and neoclassical elements, his latest Air EP showcases a masterful blend of introspection and energy—each track offering a different lens into his evolving sonic universe. In this interview, FJ9 opens up about his creative process, the influences that shape his music, and how his relationship with Purified Records has empowered him to stay authentic while continuing to innovate.
Your ‘Air’ EP features a diverse range of sounds, from the introspective title track to the high-energy ‘Event Horizon.’ What inspired the creative direction of this release?
My inspiration always comes from a desire to push my sound design and production forward while captivating a timeless essence in my melodies! Whether it’s my production or my sets, I always aim to tell a story. I truly believe the best storytellers show you things from different perspectives. With that in mind, I wanted to showcase my sound in various forms while staying true to my brand! That’s why I created three distinct tracks to showcase my artistic direction and give the world a glimpse into the story I want to tell.
Can you walk us through your production process for this EP? Were there any particular challenges or breakthroughs while crafting these tracks?
My production process always starts with experimentation. I tend to start with piano/melodies and evolve my sound design as the production comes together. I incorporate both analog and virtual tools into my production and try not to limit myself to a specific workflow. This allows me to create freely. Each of these tracks came about in slightly different ways, but I find it’s often the moments or memories throughout the creation process that resonate most with me. I am heavily inspired by my surrounding environments/experiences and I aim to incorporate these into my sound. Creating ‘Air’ just like most of my releases can be challenging because you put a piece of yourself in everything you create; however, once you capture a feeling that resonates on an eternal level, it can be extremely rewarding.
‘Forever’ incorporates breakbeat elements, adding a fresh dynamic to your sound. How did that influence come into play, and is this a direction you see yourself exploring further?
Yes, I have always been inspired by a range of producers such as: Rival Consoles, Aphex Twin, and Burial. I love the way they have incorporated unique rhythms and textures in their tracks. For my sets, I enjoy the juxtaposition that breaks can provide when crafting my story. So with ‘Forever’ I wanted to create something that diverged from the general 4×4 sound we frequently hear in dance music today, while maintaining an atmosphere that is cohesive to my brand. From a production standpoint, breaks allow for more space in between each kick. This enables me to accentuate the basslines and melodies that fall in between in a very dynamic and unique manner. With that being said, I will continue to explore breaks and other unique rhythms throughout my production as they are inherent to my influence as a producer.
You previously released ‘Echoes of the Soul’ on Purified Fragments XVIII. How has your relationship with Purified Records evolved since then?
Purified is an amazing label to work with, and I am so grateful for their support. I value their attention to detail and their ability to provide up-and-coming artists like myself with a platform to express my art. Since my initial release on Purified, I have gotten in contact with other like-minded artists from the label and have built some amazing friendships along the way. Production can be a very introspective process, so I really value those relationships I have built with the purified team and their artists. I look forward to continuing to release on their label.
What is it about Purified Records that resonates with you as an artist? How does working with them support your creative vision?
For me, the general sound Purified has completely alignes with my artistic vision. It carries a deep atmospheric and melodic essence that holds true to me as an artist and producer. This provides me with a space to create freely and openly, which is extremely refreshing. If the tracks end up aligning, they are always receptive to putting them out on the imprint. Now that we have been working together for some time, they really trust my ideas and help provide insight into how I can improve things. Visually, their branding is stunning as well!
Do you approach creating music differently when you know it’s for Purified Records, compared to other labels?
To the essence of my previous responses, I want to create music that’s authentic to me. I prefer not to tailor my sound to meet the needs of a specific label. That is why I value the relationship I have built with the Purified brand. My sound ultimately aligns with the direction they are taking sonically, enabling me to be authentic in my production.
Your music blends atmospheric techno, house, and even neoclassical influences. How did you develop this signature sound?
I have developed this sound through years of experimentation across a lot of the generes mentioned. techno, house, neoclassical, ambient all played a significant role in inspiring me at different points in my life and my sound is really my interpretation of that. Similar to learning a new language, when you do something for long enough, you begin to develop a unique way of telling your story. I am very grateful that others are so receptive to what I am creating!
Chicago has such a rich electronic music history. How has being part of its underground scene shaped your growth as an artist?
Chicago has played such an important role in shaping me as an artist. There is such a rich history of house and techno in Chicago, giving me the exposure I needed to help shape my sound. I have been grateful to play legendary establishments such as Spybar, often opening for bigger artists. This has taught me patience in the way I tell a story in my sets. I truly feel that opening is an art form in itself and has made me a much stronger DJ in general. As I have grown, I have also had the opportunity to throw some of my own parties, which I aim to expand in the future. There is so much amazing talent throughout the city, it pushes you to forge a unique sound. I would not be the artist I am today if I were not from Chicago.
Looking ahead, what’s next for FJ9? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or live performances we should be excited about?
Yes! I am working on a few more tracks that will be coming out later this year! Additionally, I will be playing a few shows in late spring / early summer to celebrate the release here in Chicago. I aim to throw some of my own parties this summer as well and expand my sets to a few cities across the US. My instagram is the best way to stay up to date on my latest releases and shows! Thanks for having me!
FJ9 – Air EP is out now on all platforms via Purified Records: https://purified.lnk.to/airep
