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Features
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| Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! | | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna | | A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | 'The Maestro that is Tristan talks barn owls, Shazamming and keeping it Psychedelic ahead of his upcoming performance at the Tribal Village 4 Day Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | DJ talk with Psyrenzo ahead of his debut set at Tribal Village, the Steelyard this Friday 14th January 2022! | | TENZO aka Overdrive talks freely about launching his new act which will be showcased at Tribal Village, Steelyard on 14 January 2022! | | A long overdue catch up with JourneyOM ahead of his next Tribal Village party this Friday 14th January 2022 at the Steelyard, London! |
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Reaching for the Big Sky with John O’ Callaghan
Reported by Frani Heyns
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Submitted 06-02-08 15:15
John O’ Callaghan is the man of the moment. In just three years, the Dublin-based DJ/producer has phenomenally risen to the top of the trance charts with his groundbreaking work. His tracks are original, each produced with detailed precision, and praised by the world’s top DJs – including Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk and Tiesto.
In 2006 he stunned the world with the massive hit Exactly. One year later the release of his debut album Something To Live For took him to just about every corner of the globe. But 2008 proves to be even better. Armada Music recently released one of John’s biggest tracks to date – Big Sky featuring the beautiful vocals of Audrey Gallagher. Already voted number one by State of Trance listeners, Big Sky is well on its way to reach anthem status this year.
Catching John O’ Callaghan live in London is rare. His tight schedule includes gigs in Europe, America, The Far East and Australia, but on Friday, the 22nd of February, he will be headlining with Dave Pearce and Marcel Woods at Delirium. I miraculously managed to track him down for an interview before the big night at Ministry of Sound.
Behind the shy smile rests his striking confidence and with feet firmly on humble ground, he allowed me to tap into his deep-set passion for trance.
Where did it all start for you? When was the very first time you fell in love with trance and decided to make it your career?
At the age of about 16 I became interested in groups like Faithless, Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy. From there I started clubbing to see DJs like Mauro Picotto and Timo Maas. I fell in love with it and the journey began from there. I never really decided to make it a career. Up until now it has just been a case of “see how it goes”, but I am happy to be where I am now.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was very young I wanted to be a scientist, or an architect. During my teens I thought about going into cooking - I’m a huge fan of Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White! But when I finished college I was nowhere near deciding what I wanted to do, apart from music.
Your work over the last three years has turned you into one of the most sought-after producers/DJs. Did you ever expect this phenomenal success and what was the turning point?
Not at all, I just expected to have a go at making some tunes and having some fun. The thing about production is - it’s like a really good game that you just can’t stop playing. The more you learn, the more you want to make more music. I don’t think there was one turning point, but more a slow progression of smaller turning points. Tracks like Exactly and Big Sky are big milestones in my progress, but I think it’s been a consistent supply of tracks over the last three years that has made my name so far.
You released your debut album - Something To Live For - in 2007. What was the inspiration behind your first album release?
I only decided to make an album after I realised how many single tracks I had made. So I picked the best tunes I definitely wanted on there and then went on to produce another 7 or 8 to fit into the flow of the album. Chris Agnelli was the one to point out how important it is to have a good body of work together on one CD. I’m happy to have that album now and can always look back on it and hopefully improve for the future.
Who are your biggest musical influences? Why?
Mauro Picotto – his music back in the BXR days was the most inspiring and mind boggling I have ever heard. Every time we saw him DJ, we left the place saying “what the hell was that tune”, which is the main aim of any good DJ/Producer.
Paul van Dyk – the consistency and quality of his tunes over the years have been nothing short of genius. The more I listen to his older stuff, the more I appreciate it and I try to bring in a little of those old elements into my new productions.
You are being booked for huge events in every corner of the world and the travelling must really take it out of you. Yet, when you step behind the decks you live for each track. How do you do it?
When I’m DJing and the crowd is up for it, I do my best to enjoy each track for how good it is. I really just love the music! When I DJ, I get so into the tunes and if the crowd is buzzing it makes things a lot easier. Travelling can be a nightmare. I love my sleep and when I go a day or two without proper sleep my brain is just mush!
How do you keep your life balanced with the massive list of releases and incredibly tight schedule?
After the weekend, I normally don’t do anything on Sunday night. It’s the couch and TV for me. Monday is admin day to catch up on emails and all other business stuff. Tuesday to Friday is studio time. It might be experimentation, or a remix – or working on a new track. Studio time finishes around 6 or 7, then it’s out with my mates. We’ll have a few beers or go to the cinema – anything to just relax. I know once the weekend comes, it’s hectic.
The creative process is different for everyone. How do you blow life into an idea? Is it a sudden moment of inspiration, or something that develops over a few days?
Both! It depends on the tune. Creating big melodies can be a long process, especially as so many tunes out there sound alike. It’s hard to really get something totally original. Techno orientated stuff can happen in an hour, or 5 minutes. Lately I am spending a lot longer on my original stuff and remixes. Sometimes up to 6 weeks to really make sure it has every tiny little detail that sets it apart from everything else. I am big into details and tiny things you probably won’t ever hear, but I buzz off that stuff!
Big Sky was released on the 3rd of December and quoted by Armin van Buuren as one of the biggest tracks of the year. Tell us more about the production and do you see this mind-blowing track reaching anthem status?
Production started in January 2007 and I finished in June. I wrote the full backing track with music and always knew it had potential for vocals to maximise the chords. I’m friends with Audrey and just sent her the backing track. She loved it and came up with a few ideas - the best of which eventually was moulded into Big Sky! When I first heard her vocals I was blown away and I am chuffed to be working with such a great talent. As for anthem status, only time will tell.
Who is the most inspirational DJ/producer you have met so far? And why?
I would say Armin van Buuren. I have met Armin a few times and each time he is as friendly and polite as you can imagine. He always gives me some direct advice and points out things I should look at doing in the year. He is the number 1 DJ in the world, yet completely grounded – and it is great to know him. Also, at the age of just 30, to have achieved what he has done, is a huge inspiration for someone like me.
Highlight one event, party or club night that stands out in your career.
“I Make The Beat Go Boom”, at club Big One, Buenos Aires, Argentina. A sold-out 2000 capacity club, where I played a 5 hour set. Each tune got an amazing reaction and the passion of the crowd really touched me. It’s a beautiful place and I can’t wait to go back.
I’ve seen the incredible pictures and video clips of Planet Love. Describe the feeling when you dropped your first track with thousands of people cheering you on.
I was nervous and buzzing at the same time! I always try to have technically tight sets and playing a live set going out on national radio increases the pressure so much. Thinking about every tune, every mix and every button on the mixer – to make sure the set is right takes a lot out of you! It is so much more than just a normal club set, as the expectations of the crowd is much, much higher. All in all, it was amazing and hopefully next year is just as good!
Tell us more about the JOC clothing brand.
Well, it’s not a really a clothing brand. It’s just my logo… on a T-shirt. My logo was developed as part of my new website and it has really caught on. Marketing is an important part of building any brand and it’s good to see people wearing the T-shirts at gigs. There is a shop on my website, where you can buy all kinds of JOC clothing.
You’ve covered most of the globe and already played at major events worldwide. Is there a specific event you would still like to play at in the near future?
I think the one place all DJs hope to play one day is Amnesia, Ibiza. It definitely holds a special status amongst DJs. A lot of people see it as the icing on the cake. Hopefully one day I get a chance!
You have been nominated for Best Producer, Best DJ, Best Album and Best Single in the Irish Dance Music Awards. Your releases have been signed by Armind, Vandit Records and Discover. Your music is fully supported by Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, John Askew, Matt Hardwick and Agnelli and Nelson. A very impressive résumé – where to from here?
Just keep working hard on my profile and DJing around the world. Working on new original tunes and trying to bring something new to the scene. Who knows what the future will bring…
Photos courtesy of Delirium and PFAgency. Not to be reproduced without permission.
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Trance. Acid Trance. Euro Trance. Hard Trance. Tech Trance. Psy Trance. Nu NRG. Hi NRG. HardStyle. Bouncy House. Hard House.
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DJ's:
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Box:
Dave Pearce
Marcel Woods
John O’Callaghan
Bar:
Soul avengers
Rich Murray
Baby Box:
Sleazy-G (Official Track release on Chameleon Muzik)
Graham Hubbard
Neri Jass
Jamie S
Safka
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Other Features By Frani Heyns:
Finding the passion with Ben Alonzi
Put your hands in the air for Glyn Waters
Shifting gears with Corderoy
Perfectly Adam White
Getting Crafty with Sly One: Part 2
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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