A Musical Journey with Jay Carder: The Art of DJing and Beyond
Trust and Connection: The Heart of DJing
“It’s a huge privilege to be trusted with a crowd’s musical journey for the hour-plus I’m playing, and not one I take lightly,” reflects Jay Carder, an artist whose roots in music began over a decade ago in the world of radio. From the beginning, Carder has understood the significance of trust between a DJ and their audience. This foundational sentiment has guided her career, shaping how she approaches every set, underscoring the connection that music can forge among individuals. “The only thing I love more than music is talking about it,” she admits, a sentiment that encapsulates her passion for sharing her love of sounds. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: “There’s a super sweet spot where people are locked in, and you can play the weirdest, most unexpected curveball, and it’ll go off.” This unique blend of intuition and skill creates an environment where both the DJ and the crowd are fully invested in the moment, embarking on a shared musical ride.
Eclectic Soundscapes: Defying Genre
One of the defining characteristics of Carder’s artistry is her ability to evade being pigeonholed into a single genre. “I know the basics of what I like: groove, sub and clean percussion,” she explains. To describe her sound, Carder uses evocative imagery, stating it comprises “bright melodies contrasted with dark/heavy bass, with a healthy dose of glitches and ‘ear-worms’.” This diverse palette means listeners can experience pulsating bass lines replacing the expected beats of genres like dubstep or techno, masterfully interconnected for the occasion. A friend once characterized her sound as “from the forest,” encapsulating the organic, moody, and ever-evolving quality of her music. For Carder, every track played is not just a sound but an emotional experience, designed to resonate with the human experience on the dance floor.
Erbium Records: A Home for Diverse Sounds
In collaboration with Dadenii and Oliver Green, Carder co-runs Erbium Records, a label that emphasizes emotion over strict genre definitions. “From Erbium’s very inception, we never defined a genre — more a feeling/a mood,” she states. The name itself, inspired by the metallic element known for its silvery-white color and its ability to dissolve in acid, serves as a metaphor for the fluid, adaptive nature of the sounds they curate. The genre-defying approach has led to a vibrant and diverse sonic landscape on the label, ranging from ambient to jungle, all while maintaining a cohesive stylistic identity. The compilation ‘Reactions Vol. 3’, set to be released in 2025, showcases this dynamic range with contributions like Manami’s ‘Kaleido’ and the dub-influenced ‘Control’ by SPD, each track maintaining a connection to the dance floor yet reflecting a broad array of influences.
Carder’s Production Journey: Evolving Sounds
As an artist actively shaping the electronic music landscape, Carder’s own productions have ascended to notable heights, having appeared on respected labels such as Obligated and Neighbourhood. Her track ‘Eva’s Stoned’, released in 2022 under Faux Poly, marked a significant breakthrough, highlighting her evolution as a producer. In the studio, Carder has been immersing herself in new sounds and collaborations, with an exciting collection of tracks lined up for 2026. One particularly anticipated project is an EP with close friend SMIFF, and collaborations with OneOneOne, Beatrice M., and Danvers for Ghosttown Records Munich also promise varied and engaging new works. The long-awaited follow-up EP from Faux Poly is another highlight to look out for, demonstrating her commitment to evolving in the ever-changing electronic landscape.
For Fans of Jay Carder
If you find yourself drawn to artists like Darwin, Beatrice M., or Peverelist, Jay Carder’s music offers a fresh yet familiar space to explore. With her extensive background, unique sound, and commitment to her craft, she not only creates memorable musical experiences but also invites listeners to join her on an ongoing journey of discovery and connection through sound.
Jay Carder represents a new wave of DJs and producers — those who understand that the essence of music is as much about the experience and connection as it is about the sound itself. In every set and every beat, she continues to inspire and engage, breathing life into the dance floor while inviting everyone along for the ride.
