Aiming to dissect the cross section between the creative process and the industry side, Cross Section is an exciting interview series hosted by Shannon Coulomb.

Mt Eden: A New Chapter with Venom EP

New Zealand-based artist Jesse Cooper, better known by his stage name Mt Eden, is making an exciting return to the music scene with his highly anticipated new EP, Venom. Known for his signature fusion of chillstep, future bass, atmospheric dubstep, and drum & bass, Mt Eden has once again pushed the boundaries of electronic music with this latest offering. Venom marks a bold new chapter in his career, showcasing his growth and creative evolution as a solo artist.

Mt Eden first captured global attention with his breakout track Sierra Leone, a viral sensation that remains a fan favourite. His ability to craft emotionally charged soundscapes, combined with cinematic production, made him a standout in the world of electronic music. As a pioneer of the chillstep and future dubstep subgenres, Mt Eden’s distinct sound has resonated with fans worldwide. His tracks are known for their intricate textures, deep basslines, lush synths, and melodic drops, creating a unique blend of serenity and emotional depth.

After a period of relative silence, the release of Venom marks a triumphant comeback. While much of his earlier work helped define a certain wave of electronic music, Venom explores fresh sonic territories, demonstrating Jesse’s artistic growth. His latest music continues to offer the atmospheric qualities and emotive tones that listeners love, while incorporating new layers and more complex production. This EP represents a journey, offering a rich, immersive experience for anyone who listens closely.

Venom serves as a reminder of why Mt Eden has remained such a respected name in electronic music. His ability to blend genres seamlessly while crafting deeply emotional tracks has earned him a place at the forefront of modern electronic music. With this EP, Mt Eden is poised to reestablish his presence in the scene while continuing to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide.

Congratulations on your new EP, Venom. How did the creative process look, and what were the biggest challenges you faced making this album?

The creative process for Venom was immersive. I wanted to blend Mt Eden’s melodic with harder-hitting dubstep influences. This involved experimenting with textures and deeper bass lines while staying true to the emotional weight of our earlier work like Faded off my EP Venom.

The biggest challenge was ensuring the tracks felt cohesive as an EP while allowing each one to stand out individually. Balancing innovation with the expectations of long-time fans was another hurdle. I spent a lot of time refining the sound design and structuring the EP to create a journey for listeners and also evolving my music

Do you apply the same creative processes to other aspects of the music industry, for example, in your approach to marketing yourself? You must have some big takeaways after the global attention of Sierra Leone.

Absolutely. Creativity doesn’t stop at production, it’s integral to how I approach marketing. With Sierra Leone, we learned the power of platforms like YouTube and word-of-mouth. The key takeaway was authenticity: people connected with Sierra Leone because it felt real, not forced.

Now, with social media, I try to take that same authenticity and apply it to content creation, connecting directly with fans, and storytelling. Each release is an opportunity to showcase a unique narrative.

Is your creative process something you feel to have locked down, or does it generally change on a song-by-song/release-by-release basis?

The core principles—emotion, atmosphere, and attention to detail—remain constant. However, the process changes depending on the story I want to tell. With Venom, I leaned into fun, more aggressive tones, which influenced how I approached everything from sound design to track arrangement. So, while there’s a framework, I stay flexible to let the project evolve naturally.

What’s your current perspective on the NZ electronic scene, and which qualities are really standing out to you?

The NZ electronic scene is thriving with diversity. What stands out is the willingness to experiment — whether it’s blending electronic with Maori influences or pushing boundaries in genres like drum and bass or house. There’s also a tight-knit community that supports collaboration and growth, which is incredible for both up-and-coming and established artists.

If you could collaborate with another NZ artist, who would it be?

There are so many talented artists here, but I’d love to work with someone like BENEE. Her versatility and unique voice could add a fresh dynamic to a dubstep-infused project. Merging her pop sensibilities with the cinematic and bass-heavy world of Mt Eden would be exciting.

How do you keep an eye to the future regarding your work and work ethic? Do you generally focus on just the project at hand, or are you considering how it fits into a larger plan?

I try to strike a balance. While I’m always deeply focused on the project at hand, I keep the bigger picture in mind. how this release contributes to my artistic evolution and connects to fans. Long-term, I aim to diversify, whether through collaborations, live experiences, or exploring new genres, while staying true to the Mt Eden sound, Chee hoo

Was there an approach to marketing that particularly garnered the most success with the Aotearoa audience? Did this translate to the international market, or was that a different ordeal altogether?

The grassroots approach worked well in Aotearoa, playing local shows, engaging directly with fans, and building a community around the music. Internationally, it was different. Platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud played a massive role in reaching a global audience. For Venom, I’m blending both approaches: staying connected locally while leveraging digital platforms to expand internationally.

There are so many resources available to musicians in Aotearoa, such as MNZ, Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, and APRA/AMCOS. Have any of these (or other) NZ resources played a significant role in your journey so far?

Absolutely. APRA/AMCOS has been vital for managing royalties and helping navigate the business side of music. Music Managers Forum Aotearoa has also been helpful for learning how to plan and execute successful releases. These resources provide invaluable support for musicians who want to focus on their craft while understanding the industry.

Has having access to these resources led to any breakthrough moments, particularly in crafting a successful narrative in your online presence?

Yes, especially in terms of understanding the importance of storytelling. These resources have helped me create a consistent online presence that reflects both my music and my journey. They’ve also emphasized the importance of connecting with fans in a way that feels genuine and lasting.

Are there any resources you would recommend to NZ musicians who are coming to terms with the business side of the craft?

- APRA/AMCOS: For understanding royalties and copyright.

- NZ on Air Music: For funding opportunities to support music videos and projects.

- Music Managers Forum Aotearoa: Great for artists who want to develop a release strategy or learn about management.

- The Big Idea: A platform for networking and discovering creative opportunities.

Learning the business side is crucial for long-term success, and these resources make the journey much smoother

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