Hello John, it’s great to speak with you again! So how’s it going for you this year? What have you been up to?
it’s been a weird year! Obviously no shows, but it’s been a very creative year. I’ve done so much music, and really have had the time to go outside my comfort zone and experiment with my productions. I think a lot about the DJ scene and how that will move along over the next few years. It’s unsure of course, since no one knows, but after keeping everything locked down, I think a lot about how things will look when this is all over. I mean this is music that came from the clubs, and with all clubs closed....
You’ve certainly been very active in terms of releasing music this year for both Brohug and your own solo projects. What’s your secret to creating so much consistency in releasing music?
I’ve come to understand a few things over the years. If it’s one thing I’m terrible at, it’s to be consistent with one sound, and giving labels and other people the kind of music they want from me. I need to be able to create whatever I want. That’s also why I started releasing music 100% myself, as a little experiment. I want to be able to sit down, open up the laptop, and just vibe with something that doesn’t necessarily need to be connected to a particular project.
It’s like going back to when I was starting out; no rules, just making music. There are a lot of people with a lot of opinions on how you should be and what kind of music you should make. When you start listening to yourself instead, your happiness will increase.
Following up on this, what’s in the pipeline content wise for the rest of the year? Anything you can give us an exclusive on?
I mean, not really. Both myself and Brohug are very spontaneous. We can make a song tomorrow and release two weeks later. It would be nice with a bigger project but at the moment it’s nice to also “just” make music.
Seeing as you’ve travelled the world and had a quite impressive DJ career, where are some of your favourite places to visit and why?
I’m probably the worst person to travel with since I enjoy the hotels a bit too much. I was in Kazakhstan once, a place I’d imagine to be very different, but in the end it felt like any other place. I do love to spend time in the states though. I love the people and the food and most of shows are great there.
We are huge fans of your work, for many years. Your production style has a distinctive sound which you’ve kept in sync with all the different genres you’ve made. How important is it to have your own unique identity in this industry?
it’s funny, because I can’t hear what’s my signature sound. Even when I think I make something that, I’m my ears, sound totally different, even another genre; people recognise it's me straight away. I know it’s a good thing though. To be unique in your sound is the most important thing for me. Since I’m a music head, I don’t care how different you look on your Instagram, if you sound like everyone else, it’s not interesting.
Finally, who is on your radar at the minute for new music? Anyone we are sleeping on, that you think is killing it?
I’m all for Porter Robinson. I don’t think anyone’s sleeping on him, but I just know that whatever he puts out, I’m gonna love it.