Jares on Trusting Instinct and Breaking Patterns on “The Day Has Come”

How did you first get into music production, and what drew you to the melodic and progressive side of electronic music?

I actually came into music as a dancer and a raver long before I ever touched production. Spending years on dance floors, I was fascinated by how repetitive beats, often with very few vocals, could completely shift my energy, mood, and state of mind. That physical and emotional impact stayed with me! Over time, I wanted to understand how it worked and eventually create that feeling myself. Melodic and progressive music felt like the right space to explore that depth while keeping a strong connection to the dancefloor.

Your music blends orchestral, cinematic, and club-ready elements. How would you describe your sound today?

I’d describe it as emotional but controlled. There’s a cinematic sensibility, but it’s always anchored in groove. I like tension, contrast, and subtle evolution, music that can work on a big system but still reveals more when you listen closely.

You’ve performed at iconic venues like Stereo Afterhours and festivals like Piknic Electronik. How do those experiences shape your perspective as a producer?

They really shape how I think about time and flow in a DJ set! Long-form environments like Stereo teach patience, restraint and collective energy exchange, while festivals demand very quick decision-making with very limited time and a very diverse crowd. Experiencing both has pushed me to think differently about music and DJ sets in general.

What drives you creatively outside of the studio? Any sources of inspiration that regularly feed into your work?

I’ve learned that creativity comes to me in intense bursts rather than a steady flow! There are periods where ideas come nonstop for days, and then quieter phases where nothing feels urgent. When I try to force it, especially under pressure, I usually end up in a negative cycle where the music feels disconnected and producing literally feels toxic to me. Accepting that rhythm has helped a lot. I also enjoy taking long walks while listening to all sort of music, it allows me to take a distance from my own productions and come back with fresh ideas!

What’s something you’ve learned recently that’s changed the way you approach music?

A big one for me is what I just shared regarding my creativity rhythm! I’ve recently learned to respect my own creative rhythm. I don’t create well under pressure, and trying to force ideas usually disconnects me from what I’m trying to express. Another one is that I don't want to put my music style in a box.. i've been exploring producing down tempo and it feels great :)

“The Day Has Come” was born on a train ride after an inspiring event. Can you take us into that moment — what was going through your head, and how did it shape the track?

I had just come from an event in Toronto that really energized me, and on the train I started replaying ideas in my head and letting the energy settle. I didn't overthink it but I knew I felt inspired and decided to start new project inspired by lastnight!

The EP is described as marking a shift toward a more instinctive and dynamic workflow. What does that mean for you creatively — and how has your process changed?

It means trusting my first impulses more and letting ideas exist before overthinking them. Instead of trying to perfect every sound from the start, I work on capturing energy when it hits and refining later. The music feels more alive because of it.

“Ivory” and “Burning Sun” expand the EP’s emotional range. How did these tracks come together and how do they connect to the title piece?

“Ivory” is darker and more tension-driven. I wanted it to feel timeless, inspired by older melodic techno, but with a modern groove and pacing. “Burning Sun” is very different; it’s all about groove and organic textures, and it was actually written much earlier. I purposefully wanted to release 3 tracks that are different, as it's part of me wanting to get out of a genre "box".

Do you think there’s something uniquely “Montreal” in your sound or approach?

Absolutely. Montreal’s diversity is a huge influence, you can go out any weekend and experience completely different worlds of electronic music. That environment feeds curiosity. At the same time, Montreal is a stronghold for Progressive House in North America, so even when I’m not consciously aiming for it, that sense of progression and evolution naturally finds its way into my music.

What’s next for you — musically, personally, or creatively?

A big milestone is playing Igloofest on January 31st; it's the coldest outdoor music festival in the world. Beyond that, I’m focusing on improving my skills. I’ve started instructor-led piano lessons, which has been a personal goal for a long time. It really want to deepen my musical foundation!