Toronto-based electronic music artist Jenner has emerged as a dynamic force in the underground house music scene, captivating audiences at venues throughout North America and beyond.
Photo credit: Jenner – Official
Her sets have left an indelible mark on the music landscape, from local hotspots like Coda and Electric Island Festival to international stages including The Mayan Warrior at Burning Man and Katerblau in Berlin.
Following her collaborative EP ‘Release’ with Sydney Blu on Katermukke and subsequent releases on Fall From Grace and Natura Viva, Jenner has embarked on her most ambitious project yet: the launch of Darkest Hour Records. The label debuts with her single ‘Nicoya,’ featuring a remix by Waltervelt, and represents her vision for authentic, dark electronic music alongside an innovative events series.
EG caught up with Jenner to discuss her journey, creative vision, and the exciting future ahead for Darkest Hour Records.
EG: Hi Jenner, welcome back to EG! You have just launched your new record label, Darkest Hour Records with the debut exclusive release on Beatport as of January 17th and the worldwide release on January 31st, 2025. What inspired you to start your own label, and what do you hope to accomplish with this first offering?
Jenner: Hello again! Thanks so much for having me. Darkest Hour Records was born out of a desire to create a space where my artistic vision could thrive without compromise. As a producer and artist, I’ve always been drawn to the darker side of electronic music—those hypnotic basslines and haunting melodies that stay with you long after the music fades. I wanted to create a platform that not only reflected my sound but will also give like-minded artists a space to explore their craft freely. The idea was to cultivate a home for music that challenges, connects, and resonates on a deeper level. Starting my own label felt like the natural progression in my creative journey—an opportunity to take full ownership of my narrative and help others do the same.
At its core, I hope Darkest Hour Records becomes a beacon for timeless music—songs that transcend trends and resonate with people on a visceral level. I want to build a community of artists and listeners who value authenticity and emotional depth in music. Beyond the music itself, I hope to nurture emerging talent, providing them with the tools, support, and platform to share their unique voices with the world. Long-term, I’d love for the label to represent a distinct ethos: a place where creativity thrives, where risks are encouraged, and where every release leaves a lasting imprint.
EG: Could you share a bit more about the inspiration behind your original track on this release, and how the remix by Waltervelt came about?
Jenner: ‘Nicoya’ was inspired by the interplay between nature and rhythm. I had been reflecting on the energy of places that feel untouched, almost sacred—like they exist in their own timeless rhythm. The name itself comes from the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, a region known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. The track was my way of channeling that sense of raw, unfiltered connection to the earth, blending elements to evoke a kind of meditative yet driving energy. It’s meant to transport listeners to a space where they feel both grounded and elevated, immersed in something bigger than themselves.
I had just signed my latest track, ‘Audeo,’ to Stripped Recordings, and the label manager introduced us after I had mentioned that I really admired his work. His ability to reimagine tracks while maintaining their soul is incredible. I sent him the stems with no expectations—just the hope that he’d connect with the track—and he absolutely delivered. His remix takes ‘Nicoya’ in a completely different direction, adding this deep, textured layer of complexity that complements the original beautifully. It’s always exciting to see how another artist interprets your work, and Waltervelt’s version feels like a conversation between our styles—a true collaboration.
“Starting my own label felt like the natural progression in my creative journey—an opportunity to take full ownership of my narrative and help others do the same”
EG: You’ve achieved significant milestones over the past year. What do you think has been the key to your progress, and how do you plan to build on that momentum?
Jenner: The key to my progress has been a combination of consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to evolve. Staying true to my creative vision has allowed me to connect with audiences who resonate with my sound. At the same time, I’ve made it a point to push my boundaries, whether that’s experimenting with new production techniques, collaborating with other artists, or exploring new genres. Surrounding myself with a strong community—whether that’s other creatives, mentors, or fans—has also been crucial. Their support and feedback continually motivate me to keep growing. Lastly, I’ve learned to embrace the process, celebrating small wins while keeping my eyes on the bigger picture.
I plan to build on this momentum by staying focused on creating meaningful work. Darkest Hour Records is a big part of this next chapter—curating releases that feel timeless and fostering a sense of community through the label. Collaborations will play a key role, as I believe working with other artists is one of the best ways to grow and innovate. And of course, I’ll continue to refine my craft, investing in my own artistic and technical development.
EG: As an artist who’s now taking on the role of label boss, how do you balance these dual responsibilities? Have you spoken to other label owners for advice?
Jenner: Balancing these roles is definitely a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. As an artist, my focus is on creativity and self-expression, while as a label boss, I have to think strategically and prioritize the bigger picture. It’s about learning to compartmentalize—dedicating time to my own music while ensuring the label’s vision and operations are moving forward. Over this past year, I have been so fortunate to have the guidance of my dear friend and mentor, Glenn Morrison, who has been in this industry for over 20 years and runs his own label, Fall From Grace. Glenn’s advice has been invaluable. He has shared his experiences and insights on everything from distribution and promotion strategies to navigating the challenges of running a label while staying creative. One of the best pieces of advice I have received from him was the importance of patience—building a label is a marathon, not a sprint.
EG: Looking into 2025, could you share some of the visions or milestones you hope to achieve by then?
Jenner: 2025 feels like a pivotal year, and I have a clear vision for where I want to take both my music and Darkest Hour Records. On the personal front, I want to expand my live performances, incorporating more unique elements—whether that’s live instrumentation, visual storytelling, or intimate showcases in unconventional spaces. For Darkest Hour Records, the focus is on building a solid catalog of releases that truly define the label’s identity. By the end of 2025, I’d love for the label to be a go-to platform for dark, melodic, and hypnotic electronic music, with a roster of artists who align with that vision.
EG: Which artists or labels have influenced your decision to launch your own imprint, and how do they continue to shape your approach to creating and releasing music?
Jenner: Several artists and labels have been instrumental in inspiring me to launch Darkest Hour Records. Labels like Crosstown Rebels, Do Not Sit, Kiosk ID, Katermukke, Marginalia, and Stil Vor Talent have always stood out for their ability to curate a distinct identity—every release feels like a piece of a larger story. They’ve shown me the power of creating not just music but an ecosystem where sound and community come together seamlessly. Artists like Mira (Berlin), Britta Arnold, and Elif have also influenced me deeply, particularly in their ability to blend emotive storytelling with cutting-edge production.
These influences continue to shape my approach by reminding me of the importance of intention and quality over quantity. Watching how these labels foster their artists and curate releases has taught me to focus on creating music that feels timeless and meaningful, rather than chasing trends. They’ve also shown me the value of building a narrative around a label—crafting a vibe and ethos that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. In the end, it’s about taking what I’ve learned from these trailblazers and translating it into something that feels authentically mine, both as an artist and now as a label owner.
“The key to my progress has been a combination of consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to evolve”
EG: As you expand your creative horizons, are there any exciting collaborations, events, or personal projects you can hint at or share with us?
Jenner: 2025 is shaping up to be a big year, and there are some exciting things in the works. On the collaboration front, I’m currently working with a couple of incredibly talented vocalists and producers whose styles complement the dark, melodic energy of my sound. These tracks feel like they’re bringing fresh dimensions to my music, and I can’t wait to share them. On the events side, we’re planning the first launch for Darkest Hour Records. Without giving too much away, this event will be taking place in Costa Rica and will be immersive, intimate, and focused on creating an unforgettable experience—think boundary-pushing music paired with a stunning valley and breathtaking jungle in the background.
EG: Finally, with your inaugural label release just around the corner, what message do you hope listeners will take away from your music, and what can they look forward to as you head into 2025?
Jenner: With this release, I hope listeners feel a sense of connection—to themselves, to the music, and to the deeper emotions it evokes. The message behind my work, and the ethos of Darkest Hour Records, is that there’s beauty in exploring the shadows. Life is a mix of light and darkness, and I want my music to reflect that duality. It’s about embracing the raw, unfiltered moments and finding meaning within them. I hope listeners walk away feeling not just entertained but moved, as if they’ve been taken on a journey that resonates long after the last note fades.
2025 is going to be all about growth and exploration. Listeners can expect a steady stream of releases from myself and other artists on the label, all curated to reflect the hypnotic, emotive sound that defines Darkest Hour Records. Beyond the music, they can look forward to live performances that bring these sounds to life in unexpected and immersive ways.
We’re also building toward creating a deeper experience around the label—whether through collaborations with visual artists, curated events, or storytelling that connects the music to larger themes. It’s about creating a world for listeners to step into, one that’s cohesive, engaging, and emotionally resonant. I’m excited to share this next chapter with everyone—it’s only the beginning!
EG: Thank you for your time, Jenner. We’re excited to see how your label unfolds and can’t wait to hear the new release!
Jenner: Thanks so much for having me!
Jennes’s ‘Nicoya’ is now available on Darkest Hour Records. Stream and download here.
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