[Trancehub] Jonathan Allyn Interview
With UMF just around the corner, what is it about UMF that makes it such a formidable dance music festival?
Ultra is one of the quintessential pillars of the US dance music community and has the ability to bring people together in way that creates excitement while building an experience that people will remember for a lifetime. I’ve had the honor of playing at Ultra a number of times, the production is top notch and last year headlined the Carry On event with John 0′Callaghan & Sied van Riel. It was a great night!
How did the opportunity to mix ‘Pharmacy: Phase 2′ come to you? Sure it must be mentally challenging to fill Christopher Lawrence’s shoes. How did you keep yourself motivated and upbeat to challenge?
I was thrilled to be asked to complete the compilation. For me the biggest challenge was sorting through all of the tracks. They allowed me to pick out the tracks that I wanted to feature so most of my time was spent mixing, listening and trying to build a mix that carried the listener through the full spectrum of what Pharmacy Music is about.
14 tracks in ‘Pharmacy: Phase 2′ – which ones were instant selections? Which ones were difficult to choose?
The tracks by Magnus, Jay Selway and Christopher Lawrence were instant selections. The rest took serious consideration and were difficult to select. Not necessarily because I liked one more than the other but rather that it was just hard to pick and choose from such a great library.
It’s become a fad lately to give out your classics to other artists to remix. In your case you have updated “Taking Sides” – why would artists give it out to other artists to remix?
I don’t know if it’s as much as a fad than it is remembering what something means to not only the listener but also the artist who originally wrote it. “Taking Sides” has a special place in my life and I knew that going into the compilation it had to be there. Christopher featured it on ‘Phase 1′ so I thought what better way to showcase it than to go back to it, remix the track and feature it on ‘Phase 2′. Fergie & Sadrian were interested in the track so they knocked out a stellar remix and next month we will do the full release.
How has moving to west coast changed Jonathan’s career?
When I moved out to LA, it was to be closer to the scene where most of my gigs were and with that there is good and the bad. I get to play some great shows out here but there is so much happening with so many talented artists that it makes you work even harder. It’s a good thing and I’m so fortunate to be a part of LA’s growing scene!
Can you tell us about your musical proficiency? Which is your favorite instrument and why?
Great question… My musical proficiency begins and ends with a good ear. While my immediate family has always been musically talented, I never took to an instrument when I was younger. Growing up I was more concerned with the 4 chord punk rock bands and my skateboard. As I got deeper into DJ’ing, producing became a natural progression and I was able to take what I learned from the dance floor and apply it to making tracks. I still see myself as a DJ first and a producer second. My passion has always been playing music but as I progress as a producer, I find myself enjoying it more and more.
Tell us what does your studio look like at the moment?
I used to be all into gear and had a nice collection of analog synthesizers including a Roland JP-8080, Novation Supernova, Nord Lead, a Yamaha CS6x and others. Since making the move out to California, I’ve decluttered my setup and during the studio build, dumped the PC and converted 100% to Mac. Today, I’m using Logic along with the CS6x as a controller. Sometimes I miss pushing all the buttons and turning all the knobs but the internal soft synths that are available now are so good that I find myself spending hours getting lost in them. It’s great!
As a young producer/DJ in this age of ever changing music technology, how does one take a decision and say “Yes it’s time to revamp my studio”? It is a financial investment at the same time there is always a fear that newer technology is not far away?
Interesting question… In the beginning, making the move away from hardware wasn’t an easy choice because I was unsure as too just how good these soft synths could be. For me, I gradually got into them and saw myself using the gear less and less. Then during the studio build it was all about streamlining the setup.
You’re about to complete 50 episodes with Subterranean pretty soon, any plans?
You’re right! For a monthly show 50 is a pretty big milestone. I’ve got a great relationship with Afterhours and am going to be working out a special event with them. Subterranean has built a great following and has a nice niche over there that seems to separate itself from other shows.
Sure you know Psy Trance is big here in India, any reason Psy hasn’t become as big in the USA?
My first thought is, I need to get out and India to experience their Psy culture! For the States, Psy Trance is starting to get some proper recognition. A part of this genre is becoming more melodic and crossing over into formats that more people can relate to. We’re seeing a resurgence in the underground culture, people want that faster tempo and melodic Psy Trance has so much potential to fill all those gaps. It’s an exciting time for dance music.
If you were to call out a few artists you want to do collaboration with, who would they be?
Peter Plaznik from Discover Dark is putting out some great tracks right now and am honored to have him completing a remix of mine. In the future I would love to do a full on collab with him as with Magnus who’s just putting out some amazing music!
Every artist has a dream, either to be the best in his/her field or to be most famous, what is your dream?
Entertaining crowds and giving back to the scene that has meant so much to me over the years has always been my primary motivation. It’s been a great journey and am excited about what is ahead!
Any advice to young DJs out there?
Stay true to yourself, find your sound and keep at it. Never stop trying to learn, push the boundaries, take the risks and don’t be afraid to try new things!
