THE Level7 SERIES
If you love techno that’s really focused on the tech, then it’s time to pull out your phone, pop in those earbuds and get listening to FJ9.
A developing artist who knows his genre inside and out, FJ9 has dabbled in everything from neoclassical to house, combining elements at will to create a sound that, at its core, is driven by a solid understanding of the underlying hardware.
His identity as an artist is rooted in his use of luscious and vibrant sounds, all fueled by the bleeding edge of modern sonic advancements.
Of course, it’s no surprise to see a Chicago DJ make boundary pushing music. Chicago has always been the true home of house and even today many of the genre’s legends get their start here. Having already performed at some of the city’s most iconic spots such as Prysm and Spybar, he’s picked up quite a reputation among grassroots fans but now he’s expanding to a more international audience.
Air, his recent EP, reflects a real desire to push his music to new creative heights. In particular the title track has just the kind of urban/industrial sound that feels like it could have fallen straight out of the future.
If you’re ready to hear all about the man behind the music, then be sure to check out our full, exclusive, Take5 interview. You can also check out his social media on Instagram for all the latest updates on his music, his live shows and more.
Q: Tell us about your latest project.
For my ep ‘Air’ I really wanted to capture the different factets of my sound while staying true to my overall brand! Each track really embodies a piece of how I want to represent myself as an artist! ‘Air’ captures a more refined and ethereal sound. I aimed to craft something light and flowing—something that moves effortlessly, like air itself. In contrast, ‘Event Horizon’ leans into a heavier, more industrial take on melodic techno. Inspired by the idea of crossing into the unknown, I used this track as an opportunity to push my sound design further and experiment with new production techniques. Finally, ‘Forever’ brings it all together with a rich, layered breakbeat. This track holds a deep emotional core for me—it evokes a sense of timelessness and reflects the introspective space I often find in making music. Altogether, I feel like each of these tracks offers a different perspective on the sounds and styles that define me as an artist.
Q: What’s your creative process like when producing a new track? Do you start with a melody, beat, or something else?
For my more atmospheric tracks, I tend to start with melody. Once I flush that out on the piano I begin to sound design around it and build in drums as well! On the other hand if the track is more rooted in a driving club nature I tend to start with drums and bass,ensuring the groove is dialed before starting on other pieces. I use both in the box and analog gear in my sound design process and I tend to explore different approaches regularly to keep things exciting and fresh!
Q: What’s the weirdest or most unexpected place you’ve drawn inspiration from?
Not necessarily random but as you train your ear through the years you start to notice the little inflections of sound all around you! It could be dish washer, or construction work, etc. sometimes even inspiring me to play with field recordings and using them as layers in my sound design! I really draw inspiration from everything and as an artist I think you need to be willing to try to experiment and push the way you approach sound design forward!
Q: If you had to swap lives with a cartoon character for a week, who would it be?
Wow that’s so hard, I really think any character from the Studio Ghibli movies! I have such profound memories watching movies such as spirited away, it’s almost nostalgic. I love their aesthetic and how well thought out the story lines are. Their scores are always top tier as well.
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Q: If you could travel with a celebrity, who would it be?
David Attenborough maybe, absolute class act. Feel it would be wild to bring him into the club and have him narrate something. He’s a knighted also, you know that man will be locked in wherever we go! Absolute legend.
Q: What’s the most significant lesson life has taught you so far?
Wow, not to get too deep, I feel I have been through a lot throughout my life. I think this has aided my music and production. Also why I am so grateful to have music as an outlet. For me it’s the simple things, take it one day at a time and don’t let things that are outside of your control affect you. Cherish every moment you get because you never know what will be your last!
