We caught up with eclectic German duo Just Emma, who are masters at weaving together different worlds with their distinct take on house and deep house. In the interview we chat to them about their creative process, how they go about developing their sound, and what a typical day in the studio looks like. Read our interview with the spirited pair below!
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
The arts, and specifically music, are about creating spaces where emotion and experience collide—where the intangible becomes tangible. As a producer of electronic music, we’re drawn to the magic of those liminal moments, the hours when the world feels suspended, and the dance floor becomes a place of connection, release, and introspection.
It’s about crafting soundscapes that resonate with people on a deeper level, guiding them through the haze of night into the clarity of morning. Deep music is more than a genre; it’s a state of mind—a fluid, boundary-less exploration of rhythm, texture, and emotion. The arts give us the freedom to shape these moments, to communicate in a language beyond words, and to build memories that live in a space beyond time. That’s why the arts. That’s why music.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
It depends—sometimes you go into the studio with an idea and try to bring it to life, and other times you just jam until something emerges. We believe the magic lies in not letting the fun get lost and embracing the adventure.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
As a duo, we bring different energies to the table, which creates a unique dynamic. For Alex, DJing is like meditating—a way to retreat into a personal space where he connects deeply with the tracks he loves. It’s about channeling that inner rhythm and letting it flow outward to the crowd.
For Saskia, it’s all about connection. She thrives on the energy of the people, finding joy in immersing herself completely in the night. She loves exchanging glances, smiles, and shared moments with the audience, feeling the pulse of the room and amplifying it.
Together, this balance creates an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere. While Alex crafts the emotional narrative, Saskia brings the crowd into it, making every set a shared journey. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the shared energy, the unspoken connection, and the memories we create together.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
The studio is our playground. It’s where we let go of boundaries and dive into experimentation to shape our original sound. We love blending analog warmth with digital precision, layering unexpected textures, and playing with unconventional rhythms. Sampling is a big part of our process—finding unique sounds in everyday moments or obscure records and twisting them into something entirely our own.
We also experiment with sound design, using modular synths and effects to create new atmospheres and moods. Sometimes, we’ll distort a melody until it feels like it has a life of its own, or we’ll deconstruct a beat to rebuild it with fresh energy.
But above all, we follow the feeling. If something sparks excitement or makes us move, we lean into it. The studio isn’t just about creating—it’s about exploring, having fun, and letting the music lead us somewhere unexpected. That’s where the magic happens.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Our studio day always begins in nature. Before we press a single button, we take time to immerse ourselves in its beauty and rawness—it’s the ultimate creativity booster. A walk through the forest, the sound of the wind, or the simplicity of sunlight through the trees sets the tone and clears our minds. Nature inspires us to approach music with fresh energy and openness.
Then comes the ritual: a mate—maybe two—to kickstart the vibe. If we’re not working on finishing up specific projects, the day usually starts with a jam session. This is where the magic often happens, with no set rules or pressure. We play, experiment, and let ideas flow freely.
It’s all about creating a space where inspiration can strike naturally. Some days it’s structured, other days it’s purely spontaneous, but it’s always fueled by a mix of curiosity, fun, and a love for sound.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
We’ve always been inspired by artists like Nils Frahm, Ricardo Villalobos, Nicolas Jaar and Bedouin—they’ve had a profound impact on our sound and approach to music. But there’s also a new wave of producers that we’re really excited about right now. Artists like Cipy, Hotlap, Nandu, Deep Ändi, and Thea & Schtu are creating really fresh, innovative sounds that we connect with deeply.
These emerging artists bring such unique perspectives, blending genres and pushing boundaries in ways that feel both experimental and grounded. It’s always inspiring to see how the scene evolves, and these producers are definitely ones to watch as they continue to shape the future of electronic music.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Nature, traveling, love, and friends are the things that really get our creative juices flowing. Being in nature, away from the noise of everyday life, always sparks new ideas and perspectives. Traveling allows us to experience different cultures, sounds, and energies, all of which feed into our music. Love—whether it’s the love for what we do, for each other, or the people around us—brings a depth of emotion that fuels our creative drive. And, of course, being surrounded by friends and people who inspire us gives us that sense of connection and joy that we can pour into our work. It’s these moments, experiences, and feelings that bring our music to life.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
Our gear collection is a mix of hardware and software that supports our creative flow. One of our favorites is the Nordlead 4 by Clavia—it’s an indispensable companion in the studio, delivering rich, dynamic sounds that we can shape in endless ways. We also love working with our modular synth setup, including the Moog Subharmonicon, Behringer Neutron, and Model D. These analog pieces bring a raw, organic element to our sound.
For drum and percussion elements, the Elektron Digitakt is our go-to, along with the Novation Bass Station for deep, punchy basslines. We also use a variety of MIDI controllers to keep things tactile and intuitive. And of course, our computer and Ableton Live are the backbone of everything—Ableton’s versatility and power make it easy to produce both in the studio and while traveling. With all the constant movement, a lot of our creativity is generated “in the box,” but we always try to bring that hardware warmth into the mix when we can.
Any side projects you’re working on?
At the moment, we’re focusing on our Just Emma production, as we’re working with a lot of different artists. We’ve recently recorded several new tracks with Gokan as the vocalist, and there’s more coming soon. We’re also excited about upcoming releases with artists like Überhaupt & Außerdem and Kollektiv Sheesh. These collaborations are pushing us creatively and opening up new sonic landscapes, so we’re looking forward to sharing what’s in the works.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
We believe that as artists, we’re always evolving—constantly changing and trying new things. Every experience, every collaboration, and every challenge adds something new to our sound. The more we experiment, the more we refine our craft. It’s not just about perfecting a particular technique or style, but about embracing the journey of growth, where the things we learn and explore along the way naturally shape the music we create.
We’ve learned to trust the process, allowing our sound to develop organically with each project, incorporating new ideas and influences that reflect where we are at any given moment. This ongoing evolution is what keeps our music fresh and exciting, both for us and for the listeners.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
In 2024, you can expect two new songs from us on our new label, Trippin Tigers, as well as a remix on the Mexican label Akasha. We’re really excited to share these releases, as they reflect the fresh direction we’re taking with our music.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’ve got 10 new tracks lined up for release, and who knows—there may be even more in the works. It’s going to be an exciting year of new sounds and collaborations, and we can’t wait to share it all with you!
Famous last words?
Love, Peace and Freedom
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