Mitchell Jasper, widely recognised by his stage name Albatrauss, stands out as a dynamic figure at the intersection of neurodiversity and music. As the creator of the Chillsynth genre, Mitchell is much more than a music producer—he’s an advocate, coach, and entrepreneur whose work resonates deeply within the ADHD community. A Minnesota native now living in Los Angeles, Mitchell has turned his lived experience with ADHD, diagnosed at age nine, into a driving force for his creative and professional pursuits.

From coaching indie artists to UX design, Mitchell juggles an impressive array of roles: YouTuber, graphic designer, business analyst, and more. Within his coaching, his mission is clear—helping others unlock their creative potential while celebrating the brilliance that come with being neurodivergent.

Compelled by his work and his advocacy, we dove deeper to learn about his story, his vision, and the impact he hopes to make.

Introduction & Background

Early Inspirations

Tenderloin Music: Were there any key influences—artists, songs, or personal experiences—that shaped your sound early on?

Albatrauss: I’ve been making music since 2008, but for the first eight years, I felt somewhat disconnected from the music I was creating. I was drawn to the energy of the events where my music would be played, but deep down, I always had a vision for creating something that resonated more personally with me. My passion for synth music really took off in 2016, thanks to a professor at my audio engineering school who introduced me to Synthwave. Shout out to Galaxy 80. That discovery felt like a turning point—it made me realize that the sound I’d wanted to create all along actually had a place and an audience.

My style is also heavily inspired by the arpeggiated, atmospheric qualities of Trance and the dynamic buildup of Progressive House. Artists like Eric Prydz, Above & Beyond, and Deadmau5 have been major influences on my sound. Their ability to balance intricate melodies with powerful energy made me see how synth-driven music could create both atmosphere and emotion, which is exactly what I aim for in my own music."

TM: How did your love for synth and electronic music evolve into such a dedicated, independent career?

A: My love for synth and electronic music naturally evolved into an independent career because I’ve always been a DIYer at heart. I genuinely enjoy learning through hands-on experience, making mistakes, and then adjusting so I don’t repeat them. Over time, I built up my music industry knowledge this way, gaining the skills I needed to control my career without depending on a label. Watching other artists sign over their music rights just to go on tour made me realize that wasn’t the path I wanted—I’ve never been interested in the constant touring life, especially since I value the stability of my family life. I’ve always been drawn to the business side of the industry, too. For me, it’s about more than just music; it’s about building relationships, learning how things work, and finding ways to do it myself rather than handing over control of my music. Being an indie artist means wearing a lot of hats, from production to promotion, but the satisfaction of seeing my success as something I built on my own makes all the hard work worthwhile."

Building a Music Career

Journey to Success

TM: With over 6 million streams, how did you turn your passion for music into something that resonates with such a large audience?

A: Turning my passion for music into something that resonates with such a large audience has come down to creating music that truly reflects my own experiences and interests. From the moment I started writing synth music, my goal was to release songs that I personally wanted to hear in the world, crafted with intention and a genuine sense of purpose. I think my listeners can feel that authenticity, and it’s what makes my music connect so strongly with them.

For example, my Cloud Medicine EP was inspired by a major life transition as I moved across the U.S. from Minnesota to California. My music often reflects experiences or mindsets that have deeply impacted me, and I think that rawness resonates with people. Beyond the music, I put a lot of effort into building real connections—I spend a lot of time DMing with fans, talking about music, and supporting other artists. I believe that level of genuine interaction is just as important as the music itself, and it’s played a huge role in building such a dedicated audience."

TM: Can you share some of the key strategies or turning points that helped grow your career as both an artist and entrepreneur?

A: I’ve actually been an entrepreneur longer than I’ve been a musician. From a young age, I was fascinated by creating things and helping others bring their ideas to life. In eighth grade, for example, I helped start a lacrosse club in my hometown with my dad. Having ADHD brings a constant flow of ideas, which has fueled my entrepreneurial spirit and kept me motivated to explore new paths.

One of the biggest turning points for me was the decision to start making synth music. Shifting my focus to a genre I truly loved helped me find a unique sound and an audience that resonated with it. Over the years, my approach has been shaped by trial and error. I’ve been at this long enough to learn what works and what doesn’t, and I know the steps you need to take to be successful as both an artist and an entrepreneur.

Another key strategy has been focusing on building real relationships within the music community. By connecting with fans and other artists, I’ve not only grown my network but also created a support system that makes the journey much more rewarding."

Creating Chillsynth & Defining a Genre

Innovating in Music

TM: Chillsynth is a unique genre that you founded—what inspired you to carve out this niche in the electronic music space?

A: While Home initially pioneered the Chillsynth sound, I felt inspired to build a community because I was making “Chillsynth” and I wanted to connect with other artists making the same music as a community. In 2016, I founded my own Discord server, bringing together about 30 artists who were creating similar music. This was before any official Chillsynth Discord existed, and it became a place where artists could connect, share ideas, and support each other as we explored this unique sound. Then, in 2018, I played a major role in helping to establish the official Chillsynth Discord server alongside eight other artists. At that point, I decided to close down my original community so we could all come together in one central hub. It made sense to unite everyone under one roof, building a strong, collaborative space for the growing genre. Today, the official Chillsynth Discord has over 2,800 members and serves as the heart of our community. What started as a casual term to describe our sound, ‘Chillsynth,’ evolved into a genre and movement that represents both a distinct style of music and a shared vision for synth artists everywhere.

TM: How has the community around Chillsynth grown, and what does it mean to you to see it evolve?

A: It’s surreal to see how much the Chillsynth community has grown and evolved over the years. When we first started, it was a small, close-knit group, but now it has expanded to over 2,800 members. It’s incredible to think about all the artists who have cycled through and contributed to this community. Some of the original Chillsynth artists aren’t as active in the community now, which I understand—many of them are focused on building their own brands and can find such a large group overwhelming at times. Watching the community evolve has been meaningful to me because it represents a shared journey and a movement that’s bigger than any one person. It’s become a space for new artists to connect, experiment, and feel part of something unique. Seeing people discover Chillsynth and bring their own perspectives to it keeps the genre fresh and evolving. It’s inspiring to watch Chillsynth take on a life of its own, as both a sound and a supportive network for artists.

TM: How do you feel about being known as both a musician and a genre pioneer?

A: Honestly, I didn’t start seeing myself as the founder of Chillsynth until recently. I realized that by creating the first community around this sound and helping to shape its direction, I’ve played a big role in establishing Chillsynth as one of the most popular synth genres.. But Chillsynth has never been about one person—it’s always been about the community. While I may have pioneered the vision, it’s really the moderators and the artists who have contributed over the years who have shaped the community into what it is today. It’s inspiring to see something that started as a niche sound become a genre and a thriving community.

Artist Coaching & Empowerment

Helping Others Thrive

TM: You coach EDM artists and share your knowledge through content creation—what motivates you to help others succeed in this industry?

A: The music industry is one of the toughest to navigate, and I believe it’s our responsibility to 'send the elevator back down' by sharing what we’ve learned along the way. My mission is to help artists build a mindset and identity centered around self-sufficiency. When artists create leverage for themselves—owning their music, managing their brand, and understanding their worth—they shift the dynamic in the industry. Instead of being dependent on labels or other gatekeepers, they can approach collaborations from a position of power, ensuring their art and careers are truly their own.

TM: Do you think ADHD plays a role in how you approach coaching and content creation, especially when balancing multiple roles?

A: ADHD definitely plays a role in how I approach coaching and content creation. It pushes me to find creative, efficient ways to balance multiple roles while staying engaged. I thrive on variety and spontaneity, which means I’m constantly experimenting with new strategies and tools to stay organized and focused—not just for myself but for the artists I coach. It also helps me empathize with others who may feel overwhelmed or struggle to juggle their music career with everything else. I’ve learned to turn ADHD into a strength by designing systems that simplify complexity and keep the creative process fun and manageable. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping artists not just succeed but thrive in a way that works for them.

Content Creation & Entrepreneurship

Creativity Meets Business

TM: "Can you share some of the key strategies or turning points that helped grow your career as both an artist and entrepreneur?"

A: I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. Having ADHD has made me an idea machine—I’m constantly coming up with new concepts and innovative solutions, which has shaped my approach to everything I do. Even as a musician, I never saw myself as just an artist. I’ve always focused on the bigger picture: building my brand, growing a community, and creating a sustainable career.

What truly drives me is my intuition and a strong sense of justice. I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to help the underdogs and the disenfranchised—those who often go overlooked or underestimated. That mission fuels everything I do, whether it’s coaching, content creation, or building systems to empower independent artists to succeed on their own terms."

TM: As someone who shares strategies with other artists, what’s one piece of advice you consistently offer musicians looking to succeed both creatively and financially?

A: The one piece of advice I consistently share is this: focus on building your email list and fostering a strong community. These are the keys to creating leverage and truly owning your audience, rather than relying on platforms you don’t control. Social media algorithms can change, and streaming platforms can be unpredictable, but when you have a direct line to your fans and a loyal community, you have the power to connect, create, and grow on your own terms. This not only strengthens your creative freedom but also lays the foundation for financial success."

TM: How do you manage the demands of being a content creator while still producing music and coaching artists?

A: Managing the demands of being a content creator, producing music, and coaching artists really comes down to embracing the natural flow of seasons. For me, being a musician is cyclical—there are times when I’m in ‘fall’ and ‘winter,’ focused on creating a lot of music, diving deep into the creative process, but not doing much marketing. It’s a season for reflection, growth, and raw creation.

Then, as I move into ‘spring’ and ‘summer,’ I switch gears. I step away from the studio to focus on the business side—marketing, coaching, and connecting with my community. These are the seasons where I nurture what I've created, build momentum, and help others grow.

This seasonal approach allows me to be fully immersed in each role without feeling overwhelmed. I give myself the space to create, then shift to nurturing and growing. It’s about balancing the energy of each season and understanding that each phase is just as important as the other. There’s no need to do everything at once—just as the seasons change, I give myself permission to focus on one thing at a time."

Personal Journey & Reflection

Embracing ADHD

TM: You’re proudly open about your ADHD—how has it influenced your journey as both a creative and entrepreneur?

ADHD has had a profound influence on my journey as both a creative and entrepreneur. For a long time, I tried to fit into a ‘normal’ mold, but I eventually realized that my ADHD doesn’t fit that box—and that’s perfectly okay. Instead of fighting against it, I’ve learned to embrace how my brain works differently and use ADHD as an asset. It drives me to think innovatively, solve problems creatively, and approach both music and business in unique ways. I’ve stopped trying to live a ‘normal’ life by conventional standards and accepted that my path is different, but authentically mine. Accepting ADHD and letting it exist as part of who I am has allowed me to build a career that reflects my true self, showing others that neurodivergence isn’t a limitation but a strength to harness.

Ultimately, success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone—it’s about creating a life and career that works for you, shaped by your own creativity and drive.

Looking Forward

TM: What’s next for you as an artist and entrepreneur? Are there any new projects or ideas you’re particularly excited about?

A: What's next for me is continuing to push boundaries as both an artist and entrepreneur. I’m excited about expanding the Chillsynth movement and helping more artists build their own brands and careers. I’m always exploring new sounds and pushing my creative limits, but I’m also passionate about developing tools and resources to help independent artists grow and organize their businesses. A big focus for me right now is offering more 1:1 coaching for musicians who want to transition from just creating music to truly owning their careers. I see a future where artists don’t rely on labels or platforms, but have the knowledge and tools to build sustainable careers on their own terms.

If you're interested in Albatrauss' coaching or want to listen to his music, check it out here.