Techno-trance exponent JackRock is a longtime legend in the scene, famed for igniting stages across 30+ countries and amassing millions of streams. He returns to Charlotte de Witte’s RPM by KNTXT with his solo debut on the label, five-track EP ‘Just A Feeling’, out now. The EP follows previous collaborations with Balthazar, club favourite ‘Soulcatcher’, & ‘In The Dark’ (#4 best-selling Trance release of 2024, #11 of Beatport’s entire BeatStats archive). We caught up with him around the release to delve deeper into his production process and his relationship with KNTXT…
You’ve just released your RPM by KNTXT solo EP ‘Just a Feeling’, a five tracker inspired by your own emotions and stories. What was the process, did you create the EP over a short space of concentrated time in the studio, or was it a longer process over a year or so?
It took maybe 8 months to shape the EP completely. The thing is, I don’t focus on one track from start to finish. Usually I work on about 10 tracks simultaneously, jumping between them depending on which one excites me at the moment. That way, I keep my mind fresh all the time and come up with new ideas to add to each track.
In my experience, when you focus on one track and the main idea is ready, you usually rush to finish it in a more cliché way. But if you give it time, you can always add some extra magic later. And yet, completely the opposite of what I just said, the track “Just A Feeling” I made in one day. There are some tracks that just happen – it feels like they lead the way and make themselves.
Whilst your solo label debut, this is your third release on RPM. How did you connect with Charlotte de Witte initially, and how has that relationship developed over the years with the new releases?
With Enrico, we’ve known each other for ages, and whenever I finish some new music, I send it to him to see if something fits his vibe to spin. So “In The Dark” was one of those tracks. Charlotte heard it from him and got in touch. It feels like we resonate on the same frequency, intertwining techno and trance with that initial vibe from the time when that emotional sound was born. Charlotte is an absolute sweetheart. She’s truly one of the most amazing personalities the scene has introduced me to, and she inspired me to embrace and dive deeper into my sound.
You’ve amassed millions of streams of your tracks and played a range of iconic clubs and huge stages. What have been a couple of extra special moments in your career that stand out?
After three decades of clubs and stages, what becomes truly special lies elsewhere – exploring the places and cultures around those clubs, meeting people on different continents who have their own memories and moments with your music as the soundtrack. I always make sure to take some extra time to feel and explore what’s around me.
You’re celebrated for blurring genres in your releases and sets, with techno being a major part of your identity, but trance always being at the heart of your music. What is it about both of these genres that speak to you the most?
Techno at its core is a dark, driving, raw and energetic force, while trance lifts you up – its melodies bring goosebumps and ecstasy. Why limit yourself? Why not have the best of all worlds together?
You’ve been a respected name in the scene for decades. What do you think is the secret to longevity and staying ‘relevant’ in an ever-evolving scene?
Curiosity… what new emotion can be achieved through music? A pinch of boredom, like why limiting yourself to one sound? And of course, passion, but that kind of passion that blinds you to any outcome and constantly sparks ideas and the curiosity of “What’s next?”
JackRock ‘Just a Feeling’ EP is out now on RPM by KNTXT, get it here.
