Electronic music producers Jacques Greene and Nosaj Thing have embraced a new collaborative approach that allows them to create music without verbal communication. The duo, known for their individual careers and friendship, formed the band Verses GT and utilized Ableton Link to synchronize their work seamlessly, enhancing their creative process.
Greene, whose real name is Phil Aubin-Dionne, expressed his initial excitement for electronic music as a means to escape the dynamics of traditional band setups. “I got so excited about electronic music as a way to not be in a band,” he shared, reflecting on his past experiences playing in rock bands during high school. As they began working together, Greene and Chung, born Jason Chung, focused on fostering individuality while simultaneously collaborating towards a common musical goal.
The pair’s latest project, Verses GT, is a celebration of their long-standing friendship and mutual respect as artists. Their collaboration was not born from a structured plan but evolved organically over time. “We so slowly started working together, but at first, there wasn’t a plan,” Greene admitted. This gradual development led to a deep understanding of a workflow that suited both musicians.
Leveraging Technology for Creative Freedom
The innovative use of Ableton Link has transformed their collaborative efforts. Each artist operates their own computer running Ableton Live, allowing them to maintain their individual creative processes while working in harmony. Greene noted, “Having the two laptops running Live at once, in sync, meant that we could build a whole song without speaking.” This method promotes spontaneity, enabling them to respond to each other’s ideas in real-time.
Their collaborative sessions took place across various cities, including London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, and Montreal, illustrating a truly global music-making journey. Greene emphasized the importance of in-person collaboration, stating, “This record is about our relationship with the internet and friendship.” The duo made a conscious effort to start their creative ideas together, often sharing meals and conversations that inspired their music.
Chung highlighted the joy of mixing their individual skills without being confined to specific roles, resulting in a fluid creative process. “I always feel like writing a good song with vocals is like solving a 1,000-piece puzzle,” he explained. Their approach allows them to merge their unique musical styles while also exploring new sonic territories.
Crafting a Distinct Sound
The duo found a signature sound by leaning on specific hardware synthesizers, such as the Prophet 5, Prophet 6, and the Erica Synths PĒRKONS HD-01. Greene described the PĒRKONS as a “really unruly drum machine,” which they embraced for its unique sonic qualities. By allowing some of the natural noise from the equipment to remain in their music, they created a distinctive texture that defines their work.
As they collaborated on tracks, such as the breakbeat “Unknown” and the ambient closer “Vision + Television,” their individual contributions became woven into a cohesive whole. Greene noted, “Once a song and the structure come into place, everything has to work together.” This mindset enabled them to retain the essence of their individual styles while producing a unified album.
In a world where digital communication has often replaced face-to-face interaction, Greene and Chung’s approach underscores the importance of personal connection in the creative process. Their partnership serves as a testament to how friendship and technology can converge to produce innovative and engaging music.
In summary, the evolution of Verses GT showcases how collaboration can flourish through trust, understanding, and the right tools. By embracing both their individuality and their friendship, Greene and Chung have crafted an album that reflects their unique artistic vision and the power of collaboration in the modern music landscape.
