BIOGRAPHY
Jason Chaffee is a composer and singer/songwriter that currently hails from Minneapolis Minnesota.
### Jason Chaffee: Biography
**A Journey Between Notes**
Jason Chaffee loves to exist somewhere in between the note that was just played and the next note that is about to be struck. This is where inspiration lives, ringing out in the reverberation between the walls or the halls of a cathedral. Drawing from a diverse range of artists such as Peter Gabriel, David Gilmour, Colin Hay, Max Cooper, Ólafur Arnalds, and Jon Hopkins, Jason has crafted a unique sound that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Chaffee's signature is by far his vocal style, lending itself to an airy and warm emotive sound.
**A Power Pop-Rock Sensation**
With a nod to the power pop-rock genre, Jason's 2018 freshman album "Carry Me" made waves, earning a spot on the NACC Top 200 chart. The album showcased Chaffee's ability to create infectious melodies and songs that linger long after the music stops. Following an aggressive recording and touring schedule, it was time to begin work on the follow-up to "Carry Me."
**Award-Winning Songwriting**
Jason has won several awards for his songwriting, further cementing his reputation as a talented and innovative artist. His freshman album's success on the NACC Top 200 charts highlighted his ability to resonate with a wide audience.
**A Turn Towards Ambient Exploration**
However, the musical evolution took an unexpected turn when the global pandemic disrupted the world. Embracing the challenges, Chaffee found solace in exploring the realms of solo compositional work, delving into the ambient genre. Inspired by the likes of Max Cooper, Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Ulrich Schnauss, and many others, Jason discovered a new avenue for creative expression, which also served as a therapeutic guide through such a challenging life moment.
**Defying Genre Boundaries**
As a musician who is not confined to any specific genre, Chaffee writes music driven by mood, seasons, and an innate desire to evoke emotion within his listeners. His compositions range from immersive and introspective ambient soundscapes that transport you to ethereal realms to catchy and infectious melodies that get stuck in your head. Chaffee's ability to craft earworms while maintaining a distinct atmospheric quality sets him apart as a truly dynamic and innovative artist.
**Upcoming Projects**
Currently, Jason is passionately working on his upcoming debut ambient album "Molecular," slated for release in 2024. The album promises to be a sonic journey through diverse landscapes, blending elements of ambient textures, captivating melodies, and emotional soundscapes. With each composition, Chaffee invites listeners to chart their own path in his ever-evolving musical universe, leaving the definition and genre up to the ear of the beholder.
**Videography and Community Involvement**
Beyond his music career, Jason also engages in videography work and produces a music/wellness-themed video series called “Sessions” for the local non-profit “Dissonance.” This series integrates his passion for music and wellness, aiming to inspire and support the community through creative expression and mental health awareness.
**Experimentation and Versatility**
Keeping to the notion that "genres are fake" (Charlie Parr), Jason often experiments with many styles of music. While he excels in rock/pop, he can also be found playing square neck resonators in bluegrass bands, performing at festivals like "Blue Ox Music Festival" and Country Jam USA in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Incorporating many of the instruments from his past musical endeavors, such as lap steel, square neck dobro, piano, Rhodes piano, saxophone, and guitar he weaves a synergy between ambient soundscapes and the genres these instruments were maybe originally intended for.
Jason Chaffee's music invites you to explore the spaces between notes, where inspiration and emotion resonate endlessly.
From Iceland to Berlin to Utrecht --->
### Promoting the Upcoming Ambient Album
Jason has been relentlessly promoting his upcoming release of his freshman ambient album through performances and collaborations. His dedication and artistic talent have earned him a spot in Ólafur Arnalds' OPIA festivals, both in Berlin and Utrecht. Additionally, Jason has been performing his ambient music at various theaters throughout his local region, steadily building a network of connections. With these efforts, he is laying the groundwork for a tour to support the album in 2025.