Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Abel Jazz
I am Abel Jazz, a music producer, composer, and artist based in Spain with over 25 years of professional experience. My project is built on a “hybrid” philosophy: I am the producer who understands the technical side of a hit, but also the artist who knows the fear and thrill of being in front of the microphone. I run my own studio where I help independent artists achieve a major-label sound without losing their essence.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory is the sound of my father’s creativity. He was an independent artist himself and published two albums. Watching him navigate the world of music from a home-grown perspective planted a seed in me. Also, I vividly remember the first time I heard Michael Jackson’s Thriller. That album wasn’t just music; it was a masterclass in production that changed my world forever.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It began as a legacy. Seeing my father create his own path as an independent musician made me realize that music was a craft you could dedicate your life to. I started as a keyboardist, but soon I became obsessed with the “why” behind the sound. I wanted to know how to build those sonic cathedrals I heard on my favorite records.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
After two decades producing for big names and international projects, I felt the need to return to the “arena.” My current project, which I share on my YouTube channel and podcast “La Vida es Música” (Life is Music), is about transparency. I’m currently producing new independent talents—finding “diamonds in the rough”—and documenting the entire process to show that high-end production is about vision and craft, not just expensive gear.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s a bridge between worlds. I would describe it as a sophisticated Pop sound with deep roots in Soul and Funk. It’s cinematic, polished, and “expensive” to the ear, but always keeping the raw emotion of the artist at the center. I like to call it “music with a pulse.”
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? That “The Truth” sounds better than “Perfection.” Early in my career, I was obsessed
with everything being mathematically perfect. Now, after 25 years, I’ve learned that a slight imperfection in a vocal or a piano take is often where the soul lives. My job as a producer is to protect that soul, not to edit it away.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? My brain is my main tool, but Steinberg’s Cubase is the heart of my studio; it’s where my
ideas take shape. I am also a proud Waves Audio endorser, and their plugins are essential for me to achieve that elite, competitive sound that independent artists need today to stand out.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’m currently fascinated by Natalie Layne. Even though I’m not a religious person, her musicality, her groove, and the way she produces her sound are absolutely world-class. It’s a great example of how great music transcends any label.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? Being on “both sides of the glass” has defined me. Having been a session musician, a
touring keyboardist, and a solo artist allows me to speak the same language as the people I produce. I don’t just give orders from the mixing desk; I’ve been in their shoes, I’ve felt the frustration of a bad take, and I know how to guide them to their best version.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? I want them to feel that someone took the time to care about the details. In a world of
“fast-food music,” I want my work to feel like a home-cooked meal—rich, intentional, and real. I want people to feel inspired to be brave and authentic.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That the word “NO” is non-negotiable. In this industry, you will hear “no” 90% of the time. Music taught me that a “no” doesn’t mean you lack talent; it often just means you haven’t found the right room yet. If you can’t handle the “no,” you’ll never get to the “yes” that changes your life.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’ve performed in many places, but my heart is in the theater. I developed a musical monologue show that ran for 5 years in Madrid and Barcelona. My dream would be to take that hybrid of storytelling, humor, and live piano to a legendary venue like the Royal Albert Hall in London. The history of that place is pure magic.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? Without a doubt: Prince. He was the ultimate “Entrenador-Jugador.” He was a master of
every instrument, a visionary producer, and a fearless artist. He understood that music is a 24/7 lifestyle, not just a job. Prince is my God.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links) You can find everything at abeljazz.com. I’m very active on Instagram @abeljazz and on
my YouTube channel, where I share the reality of the music industry every week.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream is to establish AJ Studio as a beacon for high-quality independent music in Europe. I want to continue bridging the gap between “indie” and “top-tier production,” helping a new generation of artists find their true voice.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? I hope they discover that behind the 25 years of experience, there is still a fan who gets
goosebumps every time he hears a great melody. I’m not just a guy with a studio; I’m a guy who believes that music is the most powerful thing we have.
