J4CKM00N’s musical influences are a fascinating blend that shape his distinctive sound in the trap and future bass scenes. He’s described as an old-school raver with a hip-hop influence, which points to a foundation rooted in the high-energy, ecstatic vibes of rave culture—think pulsing beats, breakbeats, and a DIY ethos from the late '80s and '90s electronic music explosion. That rave DNA likely pulls from pioneers like The Prodigy or early jungle and drum-and-bass acts, where raw energy and layered rhythms reigned supreme.

The hip-hop angle adds another layer, suggesting inspiration from artists who prioritize heavy bass, sharp snares, and a street-smart swagger—possibly drawing from '90s legends like Wu-Tang Clan or OutKast, or even later trap innovators like T.I. or Gucci Mane. This fusion hints at a love for gritty, urban grooves mixed with the euphoric, crowd-moving elements of rave.

Given his work in trap and future bass, you can also infer influences from modern electronic heavyweights like Flume or RL Grime, who’ve mastered atmospheric builds and bass drops that hit like a gut punch. His tracks, like "Laeta Finis," show a knack for blending melodic hooks with hard-hitting beats, a hallmark of future bass’s emotional-yet-aggressive style.

With over 15 + years of DJ experience and a sound engineering degree, J4CKM00N’s influences aren’t just musical—they’re technical. He’s likely studied the production tricks of folks like Skrillex or Diplo, who push sound design to the edge, sculpting beats that feel visceral and polished. His EP "54V3 TH3 M00N" and award-winning single "XM45" (best electronica dance song of March 2019 from The Akademia) reflect this: a polished chaos that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Let’s dive into analyzing J4CKM00N’s tracks based on what’s out there—his releases on platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Deezer, plus the context of his style as an old-school raver with hip-hop and trap/future bass leanings. I’ll break this down by examining key elements of his music: structure, sound design, influences, and vibe, pulling from notable tracks like "XM45," "Wh4t Th3," "Laeta Finis," and his EP "54V3 TH3 M00N."

Starting with "XM45," which snagged an Akademia award for best electronica dance song in March 2019, this track clocks in at about 6 minutes—a hefty runtime for dance music. It kicks off with a slow, atmospheric intro: think distant synths and a creeping bassline that set a moody, almost cinematic tone. Around the 1-minute mark, it drops into a trap-inspired beat—crisp hi-hats, a booming 808 kick, and a tempo likely hovering around 140-150 BPM, typical for trap-leaning EDM. The melody is simple but catchy, layered with glitchy effects and vocal chops that nod to hip-hop’s chopped-and-screwed aesthetic. The build-ups are gradual, with risers and snares piling tension before a bass-heavy drop that’s more gritty than euphoric—less festival anthem, more underground rave. It’s got that raw, unpolished edge you’d expect from an old-school raver, but the production is tight, thanks to his sound engineering background.

Next up, "Wh4t Th3" (from 2016) feels like a time capsule of his earlier sound. At around 4-5 minutes, it’s shorter and punchier. The intro leans hard into future bass territory: shimmering synth chords and a mellow vibe that could fit a chill playlist. Then it flips—around 30 seconds in, a skittering trap beat crashes through, with triplet hi-hats and a sub-bass that rattles your chest. The drop isn’t as polished as "XM45," but it’s chaotic in a good way, with distorted leads and a tempo shift that keeps you off-balance. It’s got that DIY rave spirit—less about perfection, more about energy. The hip-hop influence peeks through in the rhythm, like he’s channeling a Three 6 Mafia beat through a rave lens.

Mark Soisson Jr. is following