Real Name & Roots
Rolf Johannes Ellmer, born on December 3, 1960, in Karlsruhe, Germany, began life as a classically trained concert guitarist. His early immersion in classical music, particularly guitar, laid the groundwork for the musical versatility he would later display in his electronic productions. Raised in Karlsruhe before relocating to Frankfurt, Ellmer drew inspiration from iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, yet the classical discipline remained his anchor.
Transition to Electronic Music
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ellmer became captivated by electronic soundscapes. Influences such as Tangerine Dream and Keith Emerson spurred his fascination with synthesizers and studio experimentation. His first official release came in 1990 with the trance single “We Came In Peace,” co-created under the alias Dance 2 Trance alongside DJ Dag (Dag Lerner).
🎧 From DJ to Global Icon: Jam & Spoon and Beyond
Formation of Jam & Spoon
Shortly after the Dance 2 Trance debut, Ellmer began collaborating with Markus Löffel (Mark Spoon). Initially contributing to remixes, such as work for Dr. Alban, the two officially formed the duo Jam & Spoon. The project became one of Europe’s trailblazers in trance and techno music.
Chart-Topping Success
Jam & Spoon delivered numerous hits that shaped the late‑90s dance landscape. Among them:
- Right in the Night (Fall in Love with Music)
- Stella
- Kaleidoscope Skies
- Set Me Free (Empty Rooms)
These tracks showcased Ellmer’s ability to blend emotive melodies with dancefloor energy, a signature style he cultivated from his classical grounding.
Side Projects & Remixes
Rolf adopted several aliases including Tokyo Ghetto Pussy, Storm, and Trancy Spacer, extending his range beyond Jam & Spoon. He also lent his production talents to acts such as B.G. The Prince of Rap, Deep Forest, Cosmic Baby, Reamonn, and others. As a remixer, he put his touch on hits like “Sweet Lullaby” and “Jump!”.
🔥 From Solo Producer to Techno Revival
Rediscovering Techno
In the mid‑2010s, Ellmer revisited his love for pure techno. A pivotal moment came when he heard an Audio Injection podcast, which motivated him to produce stripped‑back, hypnotic techno tracks.
Touched By Fire EP (2017)
In 2017, he released the two-track EP “Touched By Fire” on Adam Beyer’s respected Truesoul label. The lead track, “Stab,” channels vintage 90s samples into a rejuvenated techno format, while “Freak Out” explores a pumping, funky vibe altroverso.net+1tanzgemeinschaft.com+1.
Further Techno Offerings
The momentum continued with the “Chandra” EP (2017) and “My Bluntness” EP (2018), both released on Tronic Recordings. His “Symbiosys” EP, a collaboration with Audioklinik, appeared on Tronic in late 2024, featuring tracks like “Acid Funk” that demonstrate his evolution into contemporary electronic styles beatport.com.
🌍 A Global Presence: DJ, Producer, Pilot
Stage Presence & Festival Sets
As both a DJ and producer, Ellmer consistently stays active on tour. He performs at major European festivals, Tomorrowland, Mayday, Nature One, Parookaville, often paying homage to the late Mark Spoon through tribute sets classic-dj.com. He has described DJing as “the spark” that reawakened his creative drive altroverso.net.
Artistic Philosophy & Passion
Ellmer’s creative ethos balances meticulous craftsmanship with spontaneity. He once shared, “A unique idea is the highest goal for every artist,” reflecting how he transforms influences into original creations. He warns against mindless copying, using the mind to convert inspiration while avoiding imitation.
Beyond Music
Ellmer also finds fulfillment away from the studio. A certified private pilot, he enjoys flying, a metaphor for the freedom and precision that mirror his musical pursuits.
Legacy and Future
A Pioneer of Trance & Techno
Jam El Mar remains one of Germany’s most influential electronic music figures. From the seminal Dance 2 Trance declaration in 1990 to Jam & Spoon’s chart dominance, and back to techno with releases on Truesoul and Tronic, his career spans over three dynamic decades.
Continued Evolution
Ellmer continues to innovate, bridging classic and modern electronic sounds. Whether playing retro trance sets or producing forward-looking techno, he embodies both heritage and progression.
Conclusion
Jam El Mar is the embodiment of artistic evolution, from classical guitar to trance pioneer to techno innovator. A driven producer, performer, and explorer of sound and flight, Rolf Ellmer crafts music defined by emotional resonance and rhythmic precision. His journey spans eras and styles, yet remains united under a singular artistic integrity: transforming passion into original sonic experiences.
