The Many Musical Eras of Derek Jasnoch
Derek Jasnoch is a composer based in the portal known as New Mexico, the nexus of multiple cultures and multiple dimensions. His music is influenced heavily by his interest in ancient cultures and their mythos. It has been described as dark and brooding, to large and majestic, to sweet and innocent, though never ‘quite normal’. Many film advertising campaigns as well as TV shows and promos use Jasnoch’s music as they strive for something different in their soundscape.
LBB> When you’re working on a new brief or project, what’s your typical starting point? How do you break it down and how do you like to generate your ideas or response?
Derek> I have been composing music and sound design for many years but feel it is only in the last few years that I have really found my voice. I think this process of finding my voice is common across most, if not all, creative endeavors. Your voice is what makes you unique. The creative arts is a very crowded field so it is important to stand out with something no one else offers.
In my case, I mostly compose albums of music and sound design that will be used in TV, movie trailers, advertising and video games. My goal is to create something not available elsewhere. My latest album ‘True Force Magick’ combines elements from ancient pagan music with modern electronica and sound design. I have used instruments such as a tagelharpa, frame drums, added some found percussion like logs, bones and rocks and combined all this with synths and vocals.
LBB> Music and sound are in some ways the most collaborative and interactive forms of creativity - what are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer to work solo or with a gang - and what are some of your most memorable professional collaborations?
Derek> I mostly work solo but have co-composed with Juliet Lyons, who is an extremely talented composer and vocalist. I love working with her since she adds a whole new dynamic to pieces that I would have never have got by myself. The track ‘Turn it all to Dust’ from the latest album is an example of this. It starts fairly peacefully then builds into a wild, fierce crescendo. Her voice stirs the longing and mystery we all have inside. I think all art should stir the soul or else why bother?
LBB> What’s the most satisfying part of your job and why?
Derek> I am so grateful to be in a position of sitting in my home studio creating music that people have an interest in. In my younger years, I have been on grueling tours with bands and been in rushed recording sessions to get the albums out and not go over budget. Today’s technology gives me infinite numbers of tracks to record on, using effects and instruments that I would only dream of back then. Now it is all here at my fingertips. The only limit is my imagination.
LBB> How do you see the future of sound design?
Derek> On the topic of technology, I am a big fan of learning and using the latest tech. AI is of course something very much on our minds. Will it take away our jobs? Probably some, but it will create other opportunities too. One thing to remember is that AI can only produce by imitation. Purely AI products quickly become hollow and stale. It will be a novelty for now, but just think of the AI art or AI videos we see on YouTube and so on. It doesn’t take long to tire of them. On the other hand, AI offers us tremendous possibilities in sound design and processing. The easy production of audio stems would be a godsend for me and many others in my profession I’m sure. No more long nights muting and soloing tracks for stems. AI also has the potential to move sound design in new directions that we would not have thought of.
LBB> Who are your musical or audio heroes and why?
Derek> I have many musical heroes and influences. The biggest has to be David Bowie. I’m old enough to remember seeing him on a British TV show called Top of the Pops. He performed Starman. It literally changed my life. There he was on TV being his outrageous self. It sent a strong message to this then very young, insecure outcast. Follow your path. You can be you. If “they” don’t like it, **** them. I have loved all his work ever since.
My other musical heroes would be The Prodigy. Another ground-breaking band who went their own way. Also Dead Can Dance for their unusual yet accessible music. Motorhead for their “balls to the wall” approach. Lastly Eivør from the Faroe Islands for her amazing voice.
LBB> On a typical day, what does your ‘listening diet’ look like?
Derek> I like to listen to a variety of music when relaxing or doing other things. At the moment I’m going through a psybient phase. Artists such as Shpongle, Ozric Tentacles and Ott I like a lot. I also like rock from the early 2000s, especially System of a Down.
LBB> Outside of the music and sound world, what sort of art or topics really excite you - and do you ever relate that back to music?
Derek> Outside of music, my interests include going out into the desert, the mountains, or by the river and sitting still, just listening to the wind, water and wildlife. Being located in New Mexico gives a lot of opportunity to be immersed in nature. I am also very interested in history and love reading history books, particularly European history.
LBB> As we age, our ears change physically and our tastes evolve too, and life changes mean we don’t get to engage in our passions in the same intensity as in our youth - how has your relationship with sound and music changed over the years?
Derek> As a musician I went through various musical eras. I loved synth pop. The Human League, Soft Cell, Depeche Mode were on heavy rotation on my turntable. That’s when I got into song writing. I played in and formed various synth bands. A lot of fun. I then auditioned for a heavy rock band, totally out of character but they had a recording contract and a tour lined up so I thought why not. My friend was a big fan of theirs and lent me their latest release. I spent a few days before the audition playing their songs and coming up with keyboard parts. I auditioned and then ended up being with the infamous NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) band Mournblade for four years. Interesting times.
After I left I got into soundtrack composing and eventually into production music. My burgeoning interest in ancient music got me listening to bands like Wahrdruna, Heilung and Danheim. I love that stuff. Today a lot of these influences, from glam, to synth pop, to heavy rock to Viking and Celtic can be heard in my music. Listening to the tracks on my latest ‘True Force Magick,’ many of those influences can be picked out.
For the future I want to carry on exploring new directions in music and sound. One of the great things about being a musician is that you never stop learning new things.
