Can an artist be acclaimed, prolific and underrated at the same time? Because that’s exactly what Jarren Lim is. No matter how much praise his peers or critics (like us) have heaped upon his talent, or how many incredible releases he’s put out, we always wonder why the whole world isn’t as enamoured with his vision as we are.
As Fzpz, the jazz-inflected beatsmith wowed many with his sophisticated and complex yet warmly textured compositions on albums such as Death Signs and Hidden Personas (Darker Than Wax), and many others. But more recently, Jarren seems to have begun a new chapter with the introduction of his fascinating new alias Sigmoid Fn.
“Inspired by an obsession with machine learning and a desire to return to the foundations of sequencing and synthesis” - his self-titled debut EP on Singaporean record label Super Enjoy was a marvel (and one of the best local albums of 2024). Now, he’s returned to the independent imprint to continue his computational explorations with his latest EP Training Set.
We spoke to Jarren to learn more about the input values of Sigmoid Fn and his sophomore effort.
Hi Jarren! Over the past year you’ve been releasing music under the alias Sigmoid Fn. What differentiates Sigmoid Fn from your other work as Fzpz?
Heyo! Yeah so I started Sigmoid Fn as a bridge to diversify my creative work, because I felt that I wanted to make so many kinds of music but it was limiting to have it under Fzpz. I plan for Sigmoid Fn to be the first installment in more music projects to come. For now, Sigmoid Fn is mainly about exploring early computer music and the naiveity of music creation. I want to bring people back to the beginning of computers, the feeling of booting up a new operating system.
There is a mathematical and machine learning connotation to your new moniker. How does the Sigmoid Fn name reflect the kind of music you make?
A little backstory about Sigmoid Fn, I picked up coding in Python and was into machine learning back in 2023. It was harsh picking up coding but thankfully there was a lot of academic videos online to aid with my studies. ML in 2023 was a relatively new field of study and even when I was picking up a new skillset, I noticed so many similarities between creating music and coding for ML. So much so I decided to bring that influence of coding into the music I was making.
The Sigmoid Fn EP was released under Super Enjoy. How did you come to know them, and why did you choose to debut on their label?
I've known the insanely talented people behind Super Enjoy for some time now and mainly from Darker Than Wax. Bong (Bongomann) and Leon (El Professionel) had been such a killer duo at pioneering Super Enjoy that they had left such a carefree impression on me early on. I felt that it was freeing from the formal culture of record labels and loved that I could be even more at ease and comfortable. There was so much potential when they decided to push to become a record label alongside Jordan (Dexter Colt), Jenn (Jenn Chunes) and Ari as a team. In a way, the people of Super Enjoy also inspired Sigmoid Fn's sound and I've always looked up to the whole Super Enjoy crew. I felt like this particular subset of music I was making had fit Super Enjoy, and it was an honour when I was given the chance to debut on their label.
Tell us about your second EP on Super Enjoy, which once again alludes to machine learning. What was the creative process or genesis behind Training Set?
The adolescence of ML as a relatively new field of study really reminded me of myself composing music at the start. Even during coding, I’ve experienced this in music before, the constant moulding and training during practice. It also changed my perception to composing where I would start on patterns first and then letting it flourish, whereas in the past I used to plan literally everything at the start. I had also started being into early house music and Chicago house were great inspirations to me. I think it is often misunderstood that AI was integrated into Sigmoid Fn’s music. Unfortunate because while I was studying ML, openAI boomed in popularity and everything moved so fast from there. I don't use AI or loops or even Splice. I still use only one shots and synthesize. I just haven’t found an urgent need for AI in my workflow where it benefits the song making process. AI with the various tools and platforms still feels pretty catered to the novice musicmakers now.
As Fzpz, you composed the soundtrack for the Asia One series ShaG Sia last year. What was your approach to making music for a TV series?
I think when I was making music for ShaG Sia, it was another reminder of all the kinds of music I wanted to make but just couldn't find the right avenue for my creative outlet. Thankfully, the crew behind ShaG Sia appreciated the Fzpz sonic direction and I was not too pressured to compose music outside of what I was comfortable with. I’ve always wanted to make band music and especially guitar centric stuff.
It sounds like the tracks you made for that OST directly referenced, or were influenced by some prominent Singaporean songs. Who did you take inspiration from?
(Laughs) Yes, most of them are an ode to musicians that I admire. In particular Mediocre Haircut Crew, Kin Leonn, Kribo Records, Claude Glass and Halal Sol. Outside of Singapore, mainly Vsclm, a talented producer out of Korea. I wasn’t looking to wear anyone’s skin but I’ve always wanted to write music in that particular style and genre. I find it fascinating to know what paths others have gone through, how their experiences have crafted their art. That especially transcends out of the music medium, be it in art, film, games, fashion, etc.
Beyond that it seems like Fzpz has been relatively quiet of late. Are you shifting your focus away from Fzpz to focus on other things?
Well I am guilty of not making as much music as I used to (Laughs). Unfortunately, I did not pursue ML as well. Instead, I am actually developing my own video game on Godot. It has been really stressful and unhealthy since I have to solo develop and do everything myself. Coding, game designing, 3D modelling, animations, art, sound. It has been overwhelming for a newbie like me and I have been cutting down on scope. I crunched on the project less compared to a few months ago and have been taking it a bit easier.
Finally, what's next for you?
On the music side of things, I have more material as Sigmoid Fn for around two more releases before I plan on embarking on either an avant garde modern classical project or a 70s fusion funk one. I haven’t really decided yet but do have material for both of them!
