Introduce yourself? Hometown? Where do you currently reside?
Hi! My name is John, I was born in Massachusetts, in Boston. I currently live in Queens, NY with my fiancée Rochelle and our cats Chris and Cosey. If I can be honest, I’m a tremendous music nerd first and foremost.
Favorite music collective atm?
There is a crew in Mexico City that is amazing called Ext. They are throwing really fun and free-spirited parties. Volvox and I went to play for them last year for a collaboration with our label. It was a killer party and it left a great impression on me. I gotta say though – the hot mass crew are doing the good work stateside. Any serious music heads who have never been to that space have to make the trip.
Favorite mix series?
Daisychain, I really admire what Leesh is doing there. Many killer artists contributing and always very thoughtful presentation.
How do you hydrate at a gig?
With my go to drink, the often misunderstood white wine spritzer. It’s half water! Drink these in the booth and you are good. In general if I’m partying I’m aiming to be drinking a glass of water with every drink so I can stay sharp.
Dream b2b?
Wow, great question. I guess I would have to say I would love to play b2b with Tama Sumo at a Panorama Bar for a long, exploratory closing set across many genres. She’s pretty much my favorite DJ in the world. She has good energy.
Let’s play a pipipi game… I give you a situation and you give me a track
Eating leftovers while its snowing
An endless highway drive in the mountains
First track to begin a sunrise set
b2b with an alien from mars
youtube.com/watch?v=eCif-0vKEhI
Secret weapon track?
Describe the best dj/live set you have seen this year?
CCL At Smangtasia festival. It’s hard to describe their style, that’s prob what makes it so good. Been really into Flora FM, CCL, Ciel, the TerraFirm & Is/was labels lately. Musically these are along the lines of colorful steppin’ liquid break house, if that makes ANY sense lol. Good music from good people at the end of the day.
What would you like to see in the future for the dance community?
Inclusivity. Creativity. Thinking outside the box. I feel that gatekeeping is one of the biggest problems for our scenes. Breaking down insular behavior, I think promoters should stop booking the same people over and over while ignoring other quality talents in their midst. Very often I look at the programming of clubs and parties and I’m like oh! you booked XYZ again for the 11th time.. It could be a headliner or an opener I’m referencing – there are so many quality acts out there! In my ideal world more people get a chance to do this stuff that we love.
In every dance community there are loads of musically talented individuals not getting their due. It can be alienating to feel like your putting all your blood, sweat and tears into your music to be denied opportunities. Critically though, there are two sides to this coin : artists, you can’t go around thinking people owe you something. For me that’s super toxic to the scene as well. What we need is a more open forum based around positive cultural exchange.