A tasty selection of which will be coming to Australia for Creamfields.
Back in the day, his time was spent making money and then spending it on equipment. Working in a factory he saved up to get himself everything he needed to make the music that he loved. "Not now though," he laughs, "(I) do as much work as possible in the studio!" Often in there from 8am to "late", he admits he's probably addicted, "I've slept on the floor to make more music." He's discovered over the years that the key for him is to make as much music as possible, building up your own collection. In translating this to others looking to take on a career of production, John suggests learning from the best and maybe offer to do a remix for free, "just to get your name out there."
In getting his name out there, John has released over 100 singles under such monikers as Laid, Cuba Computers, Nars, The Kelly Project, The Wiggs and Outcold. He loves his underground electronic sounds, pop music and the mix of everything in-between. A few productions have been used within films and he has been part of the production team for a number of pop artists including the likes of Kylie Minogue and another "I can't name" (...tease). Most recently, he's finished the backing music for a KIA Commercial and the only real down point to note has been being asked to work with the European Song Contest to make a cover of ABBA. The request was just "not my thing! I love ABBA but I was not a fan of the concept."
He's been at it for almost 20 years and if he wasn't, he'd shudder to think. "I was meant to be a cop," he said although "in high school the music took over." Even now, with works alongside Mobo, Tiesto, Fat Boy Slim (to name a few) his family still isn't convinced. His mum still doesn't understand how on earth he could be travelling so much and earning the sort of money he is. She is however, "very, very proud."
Travelling soon to Australia, we can only wonder if this trip will compare with some of his past tours, the "amazing" highlight so far was playing alongside Pete Tong and WMC. This time down under, John is looking forward to a little relaxing and maybe meeting (although not eating) a crocodile. "I'm vegetarian," he laughed when it was suggested trying one with a little marinade. "Beer is ok though."
With that on the list, other passions for John are Soccer and food. Otherwise, it's movies that make him think such as David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick although time is short. He lives a studio bound "boring life with no time.... But I love it." With his body of works spreading across numerous genres, his methods differ greatly. For pop - it's having that brain spark moment and hoping you have something to write it down. For electronic - playing with synths, loops or sounds "and building up from there. I want to do everything (in music), I want it all - perfect pop, more progressive rock, even hip hop," he said finding the only barrier of needing "MORE TIME!"
ClubAntix had the chance to chat to John during a rare day off where he said more than once how hard it is to stop, maybe when he gets old. Today was all about paperwork, contracts getting back to the studio tomorrow. At the moment, he's just started with a new manager and feels as though he is only just "getting there," even with not point in site to happily stop. "I could stop now and want to start again. (It is) strange to say; I could be happy to stop," but would make a move "more to publishing or management." Laughing at the idea, management could see turn the tables on the new kids coming into the business being able to "dictate what to do!"
Until that happens, he's got tours all over the place; one with Tiesto, which is finds "so strange!" Touring for four gigs he's excited on all counts although very keen to see how it pans out as he doesn't play the same music. From there it's Europe, Argentina and "then all over the place." John is a passionate, sweet and wise producer although in previous years a little ritualistic. In past lifetimes he had to touch the plane before be boarded (and still doesn't know why - he just had to do it). Now it's just a rum and coke. I'm very sure we will be able to serve him one or two throughout his next Australian getaway for Creamfields 2010.
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