JakoJako - Verve EP
Artwork Verve EP
JakoJako has been on my radar for quite some time. I first discovered her at Berghain having been totally blown away by her craft and then soon after i enjoyed her set on an early Sunday morning at Fusion Festival 2023.
I am fascinated by artists who are as concentrated and deeply immersed in their music as JakoJako is. We I saw perform, she barely interacted with the crowd, remaining fully dedicated to her music— continuously building, refining, and reshaping her set with meticulous attention to detail.
JakoJako’s profound musical knowledge is evident in every track she produces. She acquired much of her expertise while working at “SchneidersLaden,” the renowned Berlin synthesizer store, where she quickly became recognized for her technical understanding. There, she taught herself the intricacies of modular synthesizers, creating a setup that now consists of 25 modules. This expertise eventually caught the attention of Daniel Miller, founder of Mute Records, who encouraged her to start producing her own music — marking the beginning of her career as an artist.
Looking at JakoJako’s discography, it becomes clear that she cannot be confined to a single genre. As a resident of the iconic Berghain, she has mastered the art of creating precise, pulsating techno while avoiding the predictability often associated with the genre. Her music naturally embraces repetition, yet within these structures one can constantly discover subtle shifts, intricate details, and unexpected layers that add sensitivity to her powerful rhythms and basslines.
Tracks such as “Impetus” and “Nexus” showcase this approach perfectly. “Impetus” is a peak-time techno banger, relentless in its driving force while creating a layer of tension that unfolds above a delicate and carefully crafted melody. “Nexus” maintains an intense level of suspense through soundscapes that interact in a nervous and dynamic exchange, enriched by abrasive, crackling textures.
However, JakoJako’s talent extends far beyond techno. She also explores ambient music, revealing another dimension of her artistic versatility. While her 2022 LP focused heavily on ambient compositions, she incorporates this side of her work into Verve with “Opak.” The track stands out with its feather-light, floating structure, offering a serene contrast to the intensity of the EP’s techno pieces.
Finally, “Auris” demonstrates her ability to merge the driving tension of techno with melodic elements and subtle dub influences. It serves as a perfect conclusion to Verve, presenting a well-rounded portrait of an artist who combines technical mastery, emotional depth, and a uniquely sensitive approach to electronic music.
Listen to Verve EP on Spotify:
