Zero! An odd number. Whilst there is musicality, it doesn’t really matter if we can hear it. This is pure creative potential, however it is all sitting in a corner doing nothing until someone hopefully goes and uses it. It feels like a fresh start which is exactly what Jasmith is aiming for on ‘Fader Zero’.
The Singaporean producing songwriter has put all of their focus on creating a track about overcoming obstacles and putting in the effort to return to being the best you can be. It isn’t a showy track where we run up the stairs and feel amazing, but it is more of a daily grind where you practice things until you get them right. It revolves around repetition.
Lyrically, the song talks about returning to your best. It may be quite simple but it’s nice to have a song that embraces that change is work. You don’t magically become better as the music speeds up, you just turn up.
‘Fader Zero’ has a smooth, dancey electronic pop vibe, similar to that of Hot Chip, with its clean synths, punchy rhythm and subtle melodies. The synth work really carries the track, giving it a clean feel. The production is crisp and yet still has a nice amount of life. Everything has a purpose. Like Hot Chip and other synth-driven indie dance artists, Jasmith balances repetition and progression, carefully constructing a track with its own identity and a consistent rhythm.
Electronic music has often had a sad history when it comes to trying to create a song using high quality production. You can make anything look shiny with a fresh coat of paint. However, Jasmith has given this a purpose. The shiny, clean production matches the message of the song. Rebuilding yourself requires patience, precision and perseverance. The repetition is key.
There’s a nice amount of freedom within this track. We can see Jasmith has developed as a producer and songwriter as everything fits together nicely. Nothing clashes and the synths don’t feel like they’re fighting for space. They all help the main message of the song.
Whilst there isn’t anything revolutionary within this electronic pop track, it’s a well produced release that has a genuine message. The production has clearly been done with care. Jasmith begins at zero but the intrigue lies in what happens when you press play.
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About the Author
A tenured media critic known working as a ghost writer, freelance critic for various publications around the world, the former lead writer of review blogspace Atop The Treehouse and content creator for Manila Bulletin.
