An interview with Discovery Zone

Private investigators, Jungian psychology, corporate entanglement, touring with Julia Holter. Noise Narrative sits down with Discovery Zone.

Back in April of this year, Noise Narrative went down to Peckham Audio to catch a Discovery Zone gig. The Berlin-based musician took her audience on an inter-dimensional journey, with an encapsulating rendition of both new and old music, coupled with an entrancing visual display.

Off the back of the release of her latest full-length Quantum Web, we sat down with Discovery Zone to unpack where her fascinating creativity comes from.

Photography courtesy of Neelam Khan Vela

“Discovery Zone began as a personal experiment in sound and video production… I didn’t really have a clear goal in mind when I started, it was more of a process-oriented endeavour.”

After playing in a band for many years, JJ, known professionally as Discovery Zone, wanted to find out what she was capable of on her own.

“I started going to my studio and recording songs I had written on electric guitar and synth using drum machines and different effects.”

Working alongside friend and producer E.T., JJ released her first album as Discovery Zone, Remote Control, in June 2020. Shortly after, JJ wrote and performed a commissioned work called “Cybernetica” in 2021, looking to pastures beyond the conventional grounds for creative inspiration.

Cybernetica, Pop-Kultur 2021

“I hired a private investigator to collect all of my data. At that time I started exploring data visualization, algorithmic arts, and working with my 3D screen.”

These ways of working didn’t always present themselves as plain sailing for Discovery Zone, whose initial journey of self-discovery was littered with moments of questioning and scepticism.

“There was a lot of doubt and uncertainty along the way as to what I was doing and if I could even do it at all.”

Belief in herself emerged as the antidote to these battles, as JJ carved out a zone of personal discovery fuelled by the power of her own abilities.

“At some point I think I started trusting myself more, that what I was doing had an internal logic and contained a force that began to take on a life of its own.”

Three years of growth later, Discovery Zone’s sophomore record Quantum Web arrived via RVNG Intl.

“The ‘Quantum Web’ is a framework for understanding underlying networks of interconnection. I think we are entangled in the Quantum Web as much as we are creating it.”

Discovery Zone warns of the misconceptions surrounding our relationship with the corporate world, painting a picture where the ardent critics of capitalist exploitation are in fact contributing to its continued dominance.

“There is a dangerous assumption in regards to technology and advertising, in that the problematic systems we are currently inhabiting exist outside of ourselves. There is no separation between the inner and outer worlds, and by extension the “virtual” world. Everything is a part of a greater unseen architecture, this ‘Quantum Web’ that we are both making and feel trapped by.”

She uses the fascinating analogy of micro plastics to expand on this philosophy.

“The proliferation of “false” worlds of illusion and corporate culture are like micro plastics. They seep into everything and become a part of us. Until we are able to see the webs we are creating, they will remain invisible to us.”

When it comes to the sonic foundations of her latest release, Discovery Zone’s approach continued to defy industry conventions.

“The AI text to speech that opens the record is inspired by a youtube video I found recording a “supernatural” event of actual angels caught on tape!!! I’ve always had this feeling that God exists on the world wide web and that was a really big clue for me.”

Alongside long-term collaborator and producer E.T., Discovery Zone’s sole focus was on the music itself, rather than the tools used to get there.

“…I’m definitely not a purist, and if there is a sound I like it doesn’t matter if it comes from a cheap shitty synth or a VST or a really nice expensive piece of gear.”

The result of this approach saw the pair land on a package of songs that drew breath from myriad sources of inspiration.

“I’m not concerned with micro genres… I love that people hear different pieces of the musical puzzle based on what they’re drawn to. I’ve always loved pop music and I think that is mostly what I end up making, whether I intend to or not. I also love synthetic sounds as much as I love analog gear and I like to mix things together that come from different times and places.”

The success and warm reception that followed the release of Quantum Web didn’t stray Discovery Zone from anchoring her creative work in causes for good, with a portion of the revenue going to Doctors Without Borders, as part of the Come!Mend! initiative.

“I really loved the idea of participating in something that would transcend the boundaries of the music world. Doctors Without Borders came to mind immediately as the violence and destruction going on in Gaza was erupting. Doctors Without Borders were extremely vocal from the beginning of the conflict in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire , providing lifesaving care, and advocating for the most vulnerable affected.

“I think that the Come!Mend! initiative is truly amazing and we all need to work on a more holistic approach to being artists and how we exist in the world socially and politically. As a Jewish descendant of the holocaust, it has been important for me to connect with other anti-zionist Jews, attend protests, and be vocal in my opinion about the genocide taking place.”

You can learn more and donate to Doctors Without Borders here.

Quantum Web’s positive response was rewarded with a string of international tours, which proved to be a source of further inspiration and learning.

“Being on tour with Julia Holter was really relaxing and inspiring I must say. She allowed me to ride with them in their van which was super generous and made my life much easier. It’s tough for smaller artists trying to make support tours work financially, and since she has experienced that on her journey she has a lot of empathy and awareness for that situation.”

Finally, as with all our interviewees, we take them on a cosmic roadtrip and give them the AUX. Here’s what Discovery Zone is bringing.

Cocteau Twins and Harold Budd – The Moon and the Melodies