Jeff Ozmits' New EP is 'Everything You Need'

When a bio opens with “You can tell right away when somebody cues up a track by Jeff Ozmits,” expectations are high. Rest assured, he delivers.

The defining characteristics of Chicago native Jeff Ozmits‘ productions undoubtedly result from his affinity for jazz and background as a classically trained pianist. His disciplined approach to production is evidenced by a lengthy career, multiple charting releases, and support from legends Armin van Buuren and Above & Beyond. It comes as no surprise, then, that Ozmits’ latest release, rightly titled the Everything You Need EP on Immersed Recordings, will scratch the hard-to-reach itch for fans of proper progressive house and progressive trance.

There has always been a certain je ne sais quoi to Ozmits’ sound. His tracks allude to a sense of history, timelessness and true understanding of his preferred genre. You can hear this in the EP’s titular opening track. The hollow yet punchy bassline of syncopated quarter and eighth notes is underpinned by an aggressively thick kick and shimmering shakers. The push and pull of these percussive elements are buoyed by a sparkling atmospheric progression that evolves throughout the track, leading to a satisfying payoff. This is proper progressive trance — requiring patience while promising euphoria — that balances joy and melancholy on a knife’s edge.

Diving deeper, close your eyes and listen to the trotting, low frequencies in “It’s Your Time.” Imagine a T-rex tramps through the Jurassic, leaving his bulky imprint deep in the earth. Rumbling growls from the bass taunt our ears as the prehistoric beast approaches. Suddenly, the track calms — a fleeting birdsong in the distance — and the giant hears an indiscernible echo, forcing him into an unexpected state of anticipation.

The tension Ozmits constructs so meticulously is the envy of even the most seasoned producers and a fundamental principal of progressive house and trance music. His high-quality productions prove the importance of taking an interest in learning — studying theory, structuring automation, and intentional sound selection — versus the desire for instant success. With the unstoppable momentum of a T-rex, Jeff Ozmits is on his way to becoming the apex of progressive dance music.

Stream the Everything You Need EP on Spotify or your favorite streaming platform, and follow Jeff Ozmits on social media to stay in the know on upcoming releases and more!