Who are you?
My name is Joshua John Johnson (yeah, I know, haha). I’m 29 years of age, and I live in Coon Rapids, MN. I am a big fan of electronic music, the more original and absolutely strange, the better! I have a family with my girlfriend and 2 children. I also enjoy creating things – whether it’s music, a food dish, or something for the house like the studio I made from scratch and I’m currently sitting in.
When did you start music production?
I started producing around 2013 and was doing it on and off until about 2017. Then in late 2017 is when I started working on the craft seriously.
Which style(s) of music are you currently producing?
As of lately, I’ve been making a lot of Drumstep, Drum and Bass, Trap, and some really experimental stuff that I’m very excited to share!
Why did you choose it?
I always wanted to make music! Hobbies would always come and go, but nothing would stick. It took quite some time, but I finally realized this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Why are you producing music? And more globally, what does “music” mean to you?
I’m producing music for the fun of it, also I enjoy the very high ceiling on it. There is always something new, interesting, and innovative you can do with music.
What does music mean to me? It’s something that can put out a message, make you feel something, release stress, help you get over a loss. It’s something that moves you, not always physically either. I feel it’s one of humanity’s greatest creations and without it, the world would be lost.
According to you, what is the best way to develop a business in the music industry?
Branding, originality, and quality are big factors in making a career out of the music business as an artist. It’s definitely an uphill battle, but having all 3 of those will help a lot. Also having multiple avenues of income is helpful as well. Having a channel where you post content about music, giving people lessons, selling sample packs. There are many ways to make a good business from it, the key is where you do it best or are willing to spend time.
What has been your favorite gig (show) so far?
It’s really hard to say, but one of my most memorable was playing direct support for Pegboard Nerds in Minnesota years back. Very big, very responsive crowd. In my live sets, I love to switch genres, and even when pulling out the Drum and Bass and Happy Hardcore the crowd was still feeling it. That show even got me my first out of state headlining event.
On average, how much time do you spend in the studio on a typical day or week?
I try to spend at least a couple of hours a day in the studio, but that doesn’t always happen. With working, children, spending time with my girlfriend, and remodeling our home, it becomes something I just fit in when I can. So I’d say 10 – 25 hours a week. Where 8 of those hours are normally on Saturday and Sunday.
Do you have any technical tips to share with us (composition, sound design, mixing, mastering, or anything else…)?
Yes, don’t be afraid to do some unorthodox things with your sound design. Do something that might not sound right, resample it, push it to the next level. Try to make a lead or bass growl with anything you can put a mic up to. The result will surprise you.
Let’s talk “Back Up”
What was your inspiration for this track?
When I sat down to start this track, I actually was in a writer’s block. I could not think of anything to even start with. Then I figured I’d try to write something I wouldn’t normally do and try something with a lot less energy. The original idea for the drop was “bass shots” with reverb and other FX in between to create a track with tons of depth. Not long later it slowly started to become a typical Thred track with lots of energy, after resampling and some rearranging, it became what you hear of “Back Up” now. You can still hear the original elements for the idea of the song in the second drop, but that still wasn’t what I originally was going for.
How long did it take you to create this track from start to finish?
It’s hard to keep track sometimes, but my best guess would be about 12-16 hours.
“Back Up” is a track full of energy. Where do you get your energy and motivation?
I am a very anxious person, so having something fast-paced or high energy environment always keeps me distracted and a little calmer. So it only fits to write higher energy music, also why a lot of my tracks are above 170 BPM.
Finally:
Any important people in your life you wanna mention, thank or talk about?
I would like to thank my friends at High Caliber Records for always giving it to me straight about my music and supporting any weird style I came up with that day. My girlfriend Valerie and her children for always being there for me and taking time out of their day to listen to my WIP’s. Of course anyone and everyone who took the time out of their day to listen to one of my tracks, whether they liked it or not, I really appreciate it. It’s time I can’t give back and I hope they enjoy weird noises as much as I do.
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