The musical collaboration known as ear, comprising Jonah Paz and Yaelle Avtan, is rapidly gaining recognition for its distinctive sound and introspective approach. Their recent debut album, 'Rumspringa,' is a testament to their deep creative bond and a reflection of their anxieties and aspirations as artists. This feature explores the duo's journey, from their initial meeting at Bard College to the meticulous crafting of their new record, highlighting their shared artistic vision and their unique method of blending personal experiences into their music.
The duo, Jonah Paz and Yaelle Avtan, first crossed paths at Bard College's transfer student orientation in 2024. Both had emerged from periods of social withdrawal, unconsciously seeking a creative counterpart. Paz, with a background in painting and folk music, brought his Ableton expertise, while Avtan, a ceramist and DJ, provided a rich tapestry of samples. Their initial connection stemmed from animated discussions about music, eventually leading to the revelation of their secret SoundCloud accounts. Avtan's digital hardcore remixes as 'postprosperity' and Paz's 'sacred holes' beats laid the groundwork for their future collaboration. This period of mutual discovery solidified their bond, making music a central and serious pursuit, even if initially unshared with the wider world.
Their creative process is characterized by an unspoken understanding and a willingness to explore emotional depths. Paz noted, "Every time we've made music, it's been like, we have to come up with the right form for the feelings." This sentiment is echoed in Avtan's selective use of samples, often requiring extensive digging to avoid instant gratification, and their differing, yet complementary, interpretations of their own lyrics. For instance, Paz's take on "Nothing's Open" revolved around late-night solitude, while Avtan saw it as the feeling of being an outsider on unfamiliar territory. This ambiguity, as Paz observed, "makes for really interesting music."
The recording of 'Rumspringa' largely took place during a short, intense trip to Solrød, Denmark, in January. Confined to a sparse rental room with minimal equipment, they embraced the limitations. Paz recounted, "We were like, 'OK, I guess that's what this album is—the one where we don't have anything.'" This forced them to innovate, mixing iPhone recordings and older guitar voice memos to create their intricate sound. Their ascetic lifestyle during this period, consisting of simple meals and intense focus, fueled the album's creation. The experience solidified their partnership, transforming their working relationship into a deeper friendship built on mutual trust and shared creative vulnerability.
ear's music, often described as 'sampledelic pop,' exists in a unique space, attracting an audience that appreciates their introspective and nuanced approach. They’ve been unexpectedly aligned with a 'nu twee' movement, a label they view with a degree of skepticism. Despite their understated style, their music has resonated with listeners, leading to opportunities like opening for Yung Lean. However, they remain acutely aware of the pitfalls of commercialization and the potential for their artistic integrity to be compromised. Paz emphasized their fear that "ear is, in some way, exclusionary," and their desire for the music to speak for itself, rather than being overshadowed by personal narratives or aesthetic trends.
As Paz and Avtan move forward, facing temporary geographical separation, their commitment to ear remains steadfast. They view their music as an essential outlet for their inner feelings, a realm where they feel most comfortable and articulate. Their journey with 'Rumspringa' reflects not just the creation of an album, but the forging of a profound artistic and personal connection, demonstrating how shared vulnerability and creative exploration can produce something truly unique and emotionally resonant.