The Standard

FEBRUARY 26TH SHOW SOLD OUT!

Nicolas Jaar is probably one of the most acclaimed and innovative new artists in electronic music. A New York based musician, from Chilean and French parents, Nicolas started his career on the Wolf + Lamb label. At only 20, he has been compared to Ricardo Villalobos and Aphex Twin and had toured internationally from Fabric in London to Panorama Bar in Berlin. 

Now, in a very rare private appearance, Jaar will perform live with his band at Le Bain atop The Standard, New York on February 26th.  There are only a few tickets left, so make sure to purchase yours now.  In the meantime, Jaar let us sit down with him for a quick Q&A.  

Nicolas, we are honored to present your live show at Le Bain. What is your approach to that kind of performance? 
At Le Bain, I will play with my band for the first time - I will be using computers, microphones, and synths. The band consists of Ian on the drums, Dave on the guitar and Will on sax and keys. 

Your name is associated with innovative electronic music, even if your music sounds more organic than robotic. Which musicians have been your main inspiration? And which performers?
I really get inspired by afro-beat and portuguese music. But having spent my teenage years in NY I have listened to a lot of hip hop.

Your music is probably more about emotions, feelings, even sadness, than a direct escapist and hedonistic mean, as dance music can be. Still you seem to have a big respect for the club scene. Do you think the boundaries of the club experience can be pushed forward? In what ways?
I think there are a lot of people pushing these boundaries - the club is a place we all end up in at a certain point in our lives. It’s a crazy place. Music, like architecture, changes the way we interact. I try to be aware of that and make music that asks for honesty.

You spent your childhood in Chile and traveled a lot. As a New Yorker, do you feel at home or like a stranger? Do you consider your music to be connected to the multicultural New York music scene?
I feel at home here. And I think my music has a sort of New York complex to it - NY is full of illusions that pull you in - ask you to believe in them.. When you live here for long enough you either have to give in or resist. Hopefully what I do can balance in between. 

You said once “Everyone who goes to a club is heartbroken”.  Can you explain? 
The club is a weird space where most people want to simultaneously connect and disconnect.. We are all heartbroken of course, but I think the club is the stage where we might act out this energy of separation.