Page 16 - Zone Magazine - Issue 033 - Jan Johnston

Let’s focus on your last EP Ancient
Spirits on Think About Records. What
is the inspiration behind it?
In terms of inspiration for my latest EP, when I am producing a new track, I mostly just start playing around with different sounds to put together my idea. Its generally a process of mixing different sounds to eventually get the idea I want. At the time I was working on my latest EP, I was reading a lot about mythology and also I was starting to read about Japanese mythology and found these characters (Kodama And Suzaku - both the name of each track) very interesting due to what they represent and their stories.
What made Think About records the right home for this release?
When I finished both tracks It was around the same time the label was founded so I thought It would be great way to start the label with one of my own productions.
I thought at the time that those two tracks were a good idea of what I wanted above anything else on the label - melody above anything else within the genres that I like to play and listen to.
Do you prefer writing originals or doing remixes?
I enjoy both of them very much. At first I struggled with remixes and felt a bit lost or unsure what to add. I now feel more confident and really enjoy adding my personal touch on someone else's idea.
make?
Well I think each release brings new sounds andnewwaysofpresentingmusicalideas.Itryto imagine how the producers made those sounds, also the way they structured their songs, and the arrangement they made - I think that's a great way to learn from others. In the end, this helps inspire new ideas for your own music, as you are constantly being exposed to new and interesting sounds. I think I have a unique opportunity here in that sense.
It sounds great , it’s a real pleasure to have you here we wish the best of luck on the upcoming projects that you are working on
Thanks so much for having me!
Recentlyyoudebutedon3rdAvenue with Far Beyond the Sun. What was the experience working with this label?
The experience was amazing! I sent a few tracks to Sound Avenue and Dom(Madloch - label owner) got back to me saying he liked Far Beyond the Sun and that he wanted to add it as part of a various artists album.
Madloch was super clear about the process, answered every question I had and helped me to adjust a few things on the track which made it stand out. This was huge to me and I felt super excited about it. And am still feeling super excited about it.
Which labels would you like to work with in the future?
I would love to release something on Dreamers, or The Soundgarden. I guess there is a big list of labels that I would love to work with haha At the same time I feel that I
need to keep working on my music. Hopefully one day it will happen.
Apart from music, what makes you happy?
My partner and daughter, going to the beach, playing video games, reading, watching movies and hanging out with my friends.
What else can we expect from you in 2020?
Well 2020 it has been a rollercoaster! I'm gonna keep working on my podcast, Reconnect, on Saturo Sounds (UK). I'm currently working on my own EP to be released on my label, Think About records. I'm also working on 3 remixes which I hope to finish before the end of the year.
Any releases or special dates we should be looking out for?
I will be releasing a new EP on my label hopefully around December, that will include a remix from Stuart Hunter. And on 2021, I will release a remix of one of Audioglider's songs for ASTIR records,a remix on AH Digital label, a remix for Light side Music and also Im working on an EP on Future Avenue.
Tell us about how each new artist
release has influenced the music you
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