The Ones to Watch
An Interview with JNJS
You have very different musical backgrounds. Is that contrast what makes your music special?
Jacobo: Definitely. Having different roots allows us to reach different places. That contrast is key when creating. One of us focuses on harmonies, the other on samples—it all comes from what we grew up listening to. It’s a beautiful process.
(I personally think that ‘minimal house’ doesn’t do justice to your sound.)
Jairo: It’s hard to pinpoint a specific style. When people ask, I just say it’s electronic music. We love to blend styles depending on the mood and inspiration at the time of composing.
Jacobo: If we had to categorise it, we’d say house, and many of its branches, especially tech house—particularly the UK 2000s sound.
How is Velvet going? What’s next for the label?
Jacobo: We’re thrilled with the support and impact Velvet has had, both from artists and listeners worldwide.
Jairo: Our goal is to continue collaborating with emerging talents as well as established artists to keep releasing high-quality music. We’re also planning to host showcases in different parts of the world to expand our reach.
What’s ahead for you this year?
Jairo: 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of work and excitement. It’s going to be a big one for our careers.
Jacobo: Some things are still under wraps, but we can confirm performances at major festivals like Días De Campo, Sunny Side, Unum, and Sun & Snow. We’ll be touring across Europe and beyond while keeping up with some of our favourite residencies.
How do you unwind?
Jairo: I like to skateboard, fish, hike, read—anything that takes me outside of music for a while.
Jacobo: Anything but listening to music—otherwise, I’ll start analysing it! Haha.
Where would you be, and with whom, if the world was ending?
Jairo: That’s a tough one! Haha.
Jacobo: With my family and loved ones, for sure.
Favorite club in Ibiza?
Both: DC10.
An Interview with JNJS
JNJS: Music duo Jay Nortown and Jacobo Saavedra
30/1/25
By Sophie Morrow
When Jay Nortown and Jacobo Saavedra crossed paths at Pikes, they clicked—fast. Now, as JNJS, they’re crafting a sound that pulls from two different worlds and blends in the deeper corners of club culture. I’ve been hooked on their music for a while now —it’s perfect for jogging, dancing, partying or just plain house-music appreciating. With their label Velvet making waves and a festival-packed 2025 ahead, I’m just glad I caught them when I did.
How did you end up in Ibiza?
Jairo: Some friends encouraged me to visit in 2012. It was an unforgettable experience, and I felt a deep connection with the island. Soon after, I decided to move here.
Jacobo: I came to Ibiza after finishing my studies, unsure of what to do next. Like Jairo, once I arrived, I couldn’t leave. The island just pulls you in!
What were your musical influences growing up?
Jacobo: I come from a family of musicians—my father plays multiple instruments, my sister is a professional dancer, and I studied at the conservatory. My early influences were classical and pop rock from my family. Later, I fell in love with jazz, funk, and soul while studying. I was always drawn to electronic music, especially rock groups that incorporated synthesisers like Depeche Mode. When I started going out to clubs, I fully immersed myself in electronic music and began exploring its depths.
Jairo: My musical journey began with hip-hop during my teenage years, listening to groups like Wu-Tang Clan, G-Unit, and Mobb Deep—both American and Spanish artists. Growing up in Asturias, where the club scene was thriving, I was exposed to a broad spectrum of electronic music. My early influences included techno legends like Oscar Mulero, Jeff Mills, Ben Sims, and Richie Hawtin, as well as Detroit techno pioneers like Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, and Carl Craig. At 18, I expanded my tastes to house, tech house, electro, and minimal, discovering countless artists and labels that shaped my sound.
By Sophie Morrow
You have very different musical backgrounds. Is that contrast what makes your music special?
Jacobo: Definitely. Having different roots allows us to reach different places. That contrast is key when creating. One of us focuses on harmonies, the other on samples—it all comes from what we grew up listening to. It’s a beautiful process.
(I personally think that ‘minimal house’ doesn’t do justice to your sound.)
Jairo: It’s hard to pinpoint a specific style. When people ask, I just say it’s electronic music. We love to blend styles depending on the mood and inspiration at the time of composing.
Jacobo: If we had to categorise it, we’d say house, and many of its branches, especially tech house—particularly the UK 2000s sound.
How is Velvet going? What’s next for the label?
Jacobo: We’re thrilled with the support and impact Velvet has had, both from artists and listeners worldwide.
Jairo: Our goal is to continue collaborating with emerging talents as well as established artists to keep releasing high-quality music. We’re also planning to host showcases in different parts of the world to expand our reach.
What’s ahead for you this year?
Jairo: 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of work and excitement. It’s going to be a big one for our careers.
Jacobo: Some things are still under wraps, but we can confirm performances at major festivals like Días De Campo, Sunny Side, Unum, and Sun & Snow. We’ll be touring across Europe and beyond while keeping up with some of our favourite residencies.
How do you unwind?
Jairo: I like to skateboard, fish, hike, read—anything that takes me outside of music for a while.
Jacobo: Anything but listening to music—otherwise, I’ll start analysing it! Haha.
Where would you be, and with whom, if the world was ending?
Jairo: That’s a tough one! Haha.
Jacobo: With my family and loved ones, for sure.
Favorite club in Ibiza?
Both: DC10.