The Journey of Subtronics: From Local Kid to International EDM Superstar
by Robert Calandra
If you passed Jesse Kardon on the street, you probably wouldn’t look twice. This bearded 32-year-old with full tattoos and a lopsided top-knot blends seamlessly into the hipster landscape of his Philadelphia neighborhood. Yet to millions of electronic music fans worldwide, he’s far from ordinary—he’s Subtronics, one of the hottest dubstep DJs and composers in Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
A Humble Beginning
Kardon’s journey to stardom is remarkable, marked by struggles with school and addiction before he found his passion in electronic music. Today, between headlining major festivals and touring internationally, he has constructed a multi-million-dollar entertainment enterprise. Despite his success, he remains rooted in Philadelphia, producing his signature brain-melting beats from a studio in Chestnut Hill, where he’s currently in the process of installing “the best speakers in Pennsylvania.”
Rise to Fame
Kardon’s career trajectory is nothing short of impressive. He jet-sets around the globe, DJing immersive shows that captivate tens of thousands. From headlining Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) festivals to packing clubs in cities like Paris and Bangkok, his performances have made him a household name in the EDM scene. Notably, he sold out Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, a venue once graced by The Beatles and Radiohead, marking a monumental achievement in his career.
Streaming Success
In a genre often seen as niche, Kardon has achieved staggering success, with staggering stats to back it up. His song “Griztronics” has been downloaded, streamed, or used in videos a mind-blowing 90 billion times. Such figures signal not only popularity but also a significant shift in how electronic music is perceived.
Kardon remains unassuming about his success. He shares a quiet life with his wife Sonya Broner (who performs under the name Level Up) and their Keyshond, Ellie, in a sun-drenched home in Chestnut Hill, where simplicity reigns and creativity flourishes.
“My favorite thing in the world that I want to do for the rest of my life is turning knobs and hearing cool noises,” he expresses. This love for sound artistry drives him to create immersive songs that sweep listeners away, giving them that “wow” feeling.
The Call of Music
Kardon’s passion for music began in Lower Merion, where he grew up in a musical household—his father was the road manager for Philadelphia-based band The Hooters. The influence of classic rock fostered an early love for drums, which he began playing at the age of five. To this day, Pink Floyd’s “The Great Gig in the Sky” remains a favorite, illustrating the formative impact of his musical upbringing.
“In middle school, while my classmates were listening to pop, I found solace in Radiohead and alternative rock,” he recalls, embracing a taste that set him apart. His eclectic interests eventually led him to discover a group of friends with like-minded musical affinities, forming a tight-knit community that celebrated unique sounds.
Academic Challenges and Discoveries
However, school didn’t come easily. Kardon struggled academically, especially in subjects like English and Math, while finding genuine interest only in science, fascinated by topics like string theory. His high school experience was tumultuous; caught smoking marijuana, he entered a therapy group and was later diagnosed with severe ADHD. Eventually, he transferred to Crefeld School, which provided him a more nurturing and supportive educational environment.
It was at age 16 that he first encountered dubstep during an internship at a recording studio. The experimental sounds he discovered captivated him, sparking a desire to create music rather than merely perform it. Although his journey was fraught with challenges including rehab stints, he remained committed to his passion.
A Turning Point
Kardon found a breakthrough in his career during a pivotal moment—in 2017, he dropped out of Temple University to pursue music full-time. This decision marked a significant turning point; his dedication to creating art saw him releasing music on smaller labels and eventually landing opening slots at shows and festivals like Camp Bisco.
Yet the path was not without pitfalls, including being scammed by a fake manager. A twist of fate turned beneficial when he contacted Eric Silver, a reputable agent, who subsequently took over his management. This connection led to a rapid rise in popularity, propelling his career forward like never before.
Scaling New Heights
Today, Subtronics has expanded into three distinct companies—touring, music, and merchandise—employing over 50 individuals. Kardon attributes his success to his talented team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in creating something greater than individual contributions.
While the technical aspects of his performances involve synchronizing music with an elaborate array of visuals and pyrotechnics, it’s the music that grounds everything. Kardon meticulously writes, arranges, mixes, and masters all of his tracks, often engaging in all-night creative sessions with his team to develop a cohesive vision for their shows.
The Science of Sound
In his studio, Kardon embodies the spirit of a creative entrepreneur. With his hands hovering over his elaborate soundboard, he explores new sonic landscapes, merging chaos with sophistication. His earlier works were characterized by a more experimental sound, but he has matured as an artist, focusing on creating safer, more inclusive performances for his fans.
What resonates most with Kardon is the emotional connection his music establishes. He often recalls how fans share stories of overcoming depression or anxiety through his soundscapes, an unexpected yet profoundly rewarding aspect of his journey.
Through all the highs and lows, Kardon remains committed to his initial love—turning knobs, crafting sounds, and shaping experiences that elevate listeners to new heights. His story is not just one of personal triumph; it’s a testament to the power of music and community in transforming lives.
