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Jonas Saalbach: "I find that having some distance helps reset my mind"

Redaction
Mar 18
3 min read

Updated: Apr 3

Jonas Saalbach is a dynamic electronic dance music artist known for his uplifting and emotional sound. With a career spanning nearly a decade, he has performed at iconic venues and festivals worldwide, including Burning Man and Fusion Festivals. His productions, released on his label Radikon and various others, blend sophisticated melodies with distinctive sounds, creating timeless dancefloor anthems. In 2018, he co-founded Radikon, which has since become a key player in the melodic house and techno scene. As a DJ, live performer, and label owner, Jonas continues to shape the future of electronic music.

In 2018, you co-founded the Radikon label. What motivated you to start this project, and how do you see the label evolving in the coming years?

The main idea behind starting Radikon with David Guzy was to create a platform for ourselves and our close producer friends to release music. In the beginning, we kept it within a smaller circle, working with artists like Yubik, Arude, and Dahu. Over time, we opened up to more artists, but those familiar faces are still part of the journey. I think over the years we have created our own sound - deep club music that can be vibey and melodic or sometimes a bit more edgy. We’re always on the lookout for music with a unique character that stands out in its way. Releasing music just cause its trendy does not make sense if you are looking for something unique.

You recently collaborated with TH;EN on the EP "Around Us", released on NOW. How did this collaboration come about, and what makes this project unique?

Enzo (TH;EN) and I connected a while back and realized we’re from the same area in Germany. It was pretty natural for us to connect. He’s such a great guy and an insanely talented producer. His sound is usually a bit harder, so it’s pretty special to see this softer side of him in this EP. We had a great time putting these two tracks together. Pure positive vibes all around!

You've performed in extraordinary locations, such as the Norwegian fjords for Cercle. How do these special environments influence your performances and your connection with the audience?

Playing a stream without a live audience is a different experience compared to a club or festival. When there’s a crowd, I feed off their energy, go with the flow, and make spontaneous decisions about what music fits the moment. With a stream like the Cercle set, it’s more about showcasing my new releases or tracks from my label. What inspires me the most isn’t just playing in these unique locations, but watching it back later. When the visuals and the music come together, it can be really beautiful. For anyone who's interested, I also do my own streams on my YouTube channel where I showcase my music. Feel free to check them out.

As a prolific producer, you’ve released numerous EPs and albums. How do you keep your creativity fresh, and what challenges do you face in balancing studio work with live performances?

I keep my creativity fresh by taking short breaks from the studio, stepping away for a week or so and then diving back in with intense studio sessions. I find that having some distance helps reset my mind, and when I return, I can get into a productive flow again. I also love working on music while traveling to gigs, just using my headphones. There’s not much else to do on the road, so it actually helps me focus. The biggest challenge is when I struggle to get into the flow because of constant interruptions from touring or personal stuff. That’s why it’s so important to set aside time slots to create music without distractions.