Links: http://soundcloud.com/johnjohr, http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/johnjohr, http://www.paxahau.com, http://www.bonuslevel.us
The city of Detroit is ripe with complexities and curiosities. However, it is playing an increasingly pivotal role in providing the world with progressive, innovative and consumable music. Much this push revolves around ‘the promotional powerhouse’ Paxahau.
Paxahau will forever be associated with the Detroit Electronic Music Festival and their boisterous collection of DJ/Producers. I’ve had the pleasure and delight of seeing many of their esteemed colleagues – their DJ/Producers spin over the summer. This year marks their 12th in the game – congrats to all – and here’s to another 12!
Interview
Q1 – The power of the pen and its associated word craft – is one of my creative outlets – how / when did YOU know that music was YOUR ultimate creative outlet?
A: Well – I didn’t have much going on when I was a kid – basically I went out to me first underground event when I was 17, instantly fell in love with the music, 6 months later I got turntables. At the start I was just like ‘I can do this and I want to hear this music the way I want to hear it’. Buying records and playing for fun was the best thing that could’ve happened to me – it saved me a whole lot of trouble.
Q: Probing into the ‘saving my life’ paradigm – is it also true that it might have given you direction when you needed it? Also: do you still find that it gives you direction?
A: Absolutely – music was the key to all the doors – I gained the respect from [of] my peers and family after a certain amount of time. It’s also allowed me to see the world, get out of Detroit, meet amazing people, if there wasn’t any of this I have no clue where I’d be, but I know I probably wouldn’t be happy as I am now – honestly – there’s a whole lot more I want to see in this world outside of Detroit and [many more] goals I’ve set for myself. The only person who is going to allow me to reach any of these goals is me – no one can just hand this stuff over, it has to be earned.
Q: Earning (as in gaining momentum, respect and influence in one’s area of concentration) is hard for anyone, anywhere – do you ever feel like living in Detroit has given or taken away anything from you (professionally speaking)?
A: Detroit is a pretty unique place ya know? [There is] not a lot of money or opportunity – you have to carve your path. Everyone from Detroit has to make it the hard way – work really hard.
Q: You clearly have chosen to carve that path with your skill, wit and effort vs. a knife – that drive is apparent in your music – was that a conscious decision?
A: For the most part I just want to have fun – I’m into dance music because I like to make people dance. I’m not hoping for or expecting a big payday or anything. I want to look back at my life in 30 years and say I did things my way not the way I’m expected to. I mean…shit…I dropped out of school, broke up with girls, and generally gave up any bit of a ‘normal’ life for music – I love it that much and its FUN!
Q: Normal is boring, but do you think that in this industry ‘fun’ is a relative term and kind of like a commodity when you really get into the nuts and bolts of it all?
(J.J.) How so?
I.e. for some dj’s, those – like you – who have made music their life – I can imagine that performing / producing can no longer be fun, but just an end towards a means – those means being money, power, perks, etc.?
A: I don’t think I would keep doing this if it wasn’t fun. I’m not that kinda person. I can’t do things [that] I don’t enjoy. Everyday I look forward to going into the studio and working. I love listening to new tunes, being out – all of it.
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And “all of it” is where it’s at – thank you so much DJ/Producer John Johr for sharing with me you insight and insides.
Johr – along with other Detroit based talents – can be found spinning, chilling and taking it ‘all’ in, in and around D-town and all over the world. Johr will be apart of and spinning for Paxahau’s 12 Year Anniversary Parties – check him out Aug. 28th, at Northern Lights Lounge & Vain Nightclub. The festivities continue up to and including Sept. 18th at the same location.
Congrats to all associated with Paxahau and many sincere ‘thank you’s’ to John Johr!
Sophia Rose enjoys and has experience working for and with DJ's/producers/artists, clubs, agents, mgmt, and websites based in North America and in the E.U. Her passion transcends musical genera as she is she motivated to improve the public relations for her artists and her clients while getting out as much good music as possible into psyche of popular culture. With creative approaches to problems, innovative solution to issues and concerns; her attention to detail and personal approach distinguishes her from other publicists. You can contact Sophia for an interview or anything PR at sophia@executivemix.com
Great Job here Sophia !! I love the way you are showcasing the new talent Canada/USA has to offer.