Jesse Maas

Jesse Maas, a rising star in the world of electronic music, 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 output, 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, groovy house with high-energy tracks has made him a staple 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 believes 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 experimentation has not only enriched his own music but also cemented him as a mentor and advocate for emerging 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 unique 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 creativity 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 experiment freely and without hesitation. The collaboration 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 alongside another DJ is all about synergy and spontaneity, 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 pushes 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 moments 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 process.

“One moment that really stands out is my first experience with the MC-505. I was collaborating with Litmus 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 started 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 incredible 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 something 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 blending 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 Frieda’s Buxe. It’s a ‘no phones, just vibes’ kind of place, and every DJ gets to play an extended set, which gave me the chance to dig deeper into my record collection, the freedom to play across different styles. I love to read the room and respond to what’s happening, which is why I don’t stick to just one sound. Whether it’s deeper, groovier house or more high-energy tracks, I blend these influences based on the vibe in the moment. It’s this feeling of freedom that allows me to create a journey rather than just playing one specific genre.”

To maintain his prolific output—releasing 5 to 6 EPs and singles a year—Jesse has developed a strong creative routine. This involves a careful balance of mental clarity, physical health, and maintaining a fast-paced workflow to keep his ideas flowing.

“For me, the key is having a clear mind and minimizing stress. I thrive in a positive environment where everyone is happy and motivated. When that’s the case, I can sometimes create 3 to 5 tracks in a week. To keep my mind clear, I prioritize daily exercise. I do weight training and, when the waves are good, I love to surf. Not only does this help me physically, but it also refreshes my mind and keeps my creativity flowing. Another important aspect is the need for speed in my workflow. When I’m in the zone and the music is sounding good, I keep the momentum going and move on to the next idea. I find that if I care too much about how something should sound or get caught up in perfectionism, I can lose my creative spark and inspiration. I focus on going with the flow and letting the music evolve naturally, which allows me to stay productive and generate new ideas.”

Jesse’s collaborations with labels have played a significant role in his career, and he values partnerships that feel authentic and aligned with his artistic vision.

“When it comes to working with labels, I find that these connections often develop organically. I usually think about a label when I’m creating or listening to my tracks, as each release carries its own unique story. It’s crucial for me to collaborate with a label that truly understands and supports my music without forcing me to compromise on my style. The timeline for an EP can vary greatly; sometimes it takes a while to finalize everything, while other times I’ll send over 4 to 6 tracks and receive an enthusiastic response like, ‘We have an EP!’ What I value most in these partnerships is the connection, it has to feel right for both parties. When that alignment exists, the process tends to flow much more smoothly.”

Balancing the demands of a thriving music career and a personal life is no easy feat, but Jesse’s commitment to well-being and strong relationships keeps him grounded.

“Balancing my music career with my personal life is indeed a constant challenge, but I’ve found ways to maintain that equilibrium. Exercise plays a significant role, especially fitness and surfing, which help me stay physically and mentally sharp, providing the energy I need for my creative work. I also pay attention to my nutrition, eating healthy is important, though I admit it’s not always perfect. Surrounding myself with the right people has been crucial as well. I’ve learned that relationships ebb and flow, and that’s okay. It’s part of life’s natural rhythm. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of communication. I used to be someone who kept things to myself, but since I started talking to someone regularly, I’ve gained clarity on what I truly want in both my work and personal life. I highly recommend this to everyone! Sharing thoughts and feelings is invaluable, as it creates space for growth and self-discovery.”

Jesse Maas is a true embodiment of what it means to be an artist committed to growth, creativity, and community. His approach to music is thoughtful yet spontaneous, blending technical expertise with a deep sense of playfulness that shines through in his productions and performances. As he continues to explore new sounds and collaborations, Jesse’s journey is one to watch, a reminder that the best music often comes from those willing to take risks and share their passion with others.

He is not only a brilliant DJ and producer but also a mentor and innovator in the house music scene. His willingness to embrace collaboration, experiment with hardware, and push his creative limits has earned him respect from peers and fans alike. As he looks ahead, Jesse remains grounded by his commitment to mental and physical well-being, a balance that allows him to stay sharp and continuously evolve.

For me, writing about Jesse Maas was an inspiring journey into the mind of a modern artist who seamlessly blends work and life. His honesty, passion, and dedication are infectious, and his insights into the creative process have left me with a deep appreciation for the artistry behind every track. Whether it’s jamming with machines in the studio or playing a B2B set, Jesse Maas has shown that the key to success is finding joy in the process, and that’s a lesson we can all learn from.