[Core Magazine] Jonathan Allyn Interview
The amazing Pharmacy label has reached the second part of it’s compilation series. Pharmacy Phase 2 is a step forward for the company, and really shows off what it can do. We speak to Jonathan Allyn, who’s mixed the CD, right here.
Pharmacy Records are world renowned for their passionate, involving music. The latest release, Pharmacy Phase 2, is no exception. We go in deep with selector Jonathan Allyn, who tells us all about his personal contribution to the compilation.
Core: Hey Jonathan, good to be talking to you. How did you get involved with the compilation?
Jonathan Allyn: Hi Core Magazine, it’s great to be here. I’ve been involved with Pharmacy since its inception and have worked closely with Christopher for a number of years. When ‘Phase 1’ came out he wanted the compilations to become a series and last year during the WMC he asked me to record ‘Phase 2’. I was honored and thrilled to be a part of it!
C: And how did you go about selecting the tracks?
JA: It was tough because there were so many amazing tracks to choose from. They gave me full reign to pick out any of the tracks I wanted so I spent a long time organizing and listening to music.
C: How did you approach the actual mix? How did you set out to bring out the best in the tracks?
JA: I wanted to build out a mix that carried the listener throughout the full spectrum of the Pharmacy Music sound. Every track was considered and I spent a considerable amount of time constructing the mix live in my studio.
C: Pharmacy’s one of the most impressive labels out there – talk to us about your feelings about the label. What are some of the things which stick out for you?
JA: Pharmacy is a nitched label because of its commitment to the underground. It doesn’t look for tracks by the most popular artists and only focuses on one thing… Good music.
C: Turning to your own music – tell us about your style and what your hopes are for your music.
JA: My production style differs from my DJ style in that I play a lot of melodic psytrance but produce more of the uplifting progressive trance with psytrance influences. For me it’s always been about the melody and bass line so I have been on this ongoing pursuit to blend these styles together. It’s working well and I love the reaction it’s getting on the dance floor!
C: Why you make what you make?
JA: My roots are in the underground punk rock scene so everything I play or write has to have an edge to it.
C: What have been some of your proudest moments and accomplishments?
JA: Signing tracks over to Pharmacy is definitely one of them. Christopher Lawrence’s sound brought me into the scene so seeing how everything has evolved, being a part of the Pharmacy’s family stands out for sure. Running my production company Surface which became one of the largest production companies in the Southeast was also a proud moment. We touched a lot of people and worked with some amazing artists but one of the biggest stand outs was my final show that I did with Markus Schulz on Royal Caribbean. I hosted a 5 day Caribbean Cruise from Miami to Jamaica and Grand Cayman on their ‘Enchantment of the Seas’ ship. We had this amazing group of people and DJ’s on this massive cruise ship for 5 days. It was an amazing way to end my days as a promoter.
Also, all of the great gigs from Ultra Music Festival to Nations in DC, 1015 Folsom, Avalon and many more. There have been some great moments!
C: What’s next for you in terms of releases and live appearances?
JA: I have my new singles coming off the Phase 2 compilation next month followed by a remix of Beyond the Limit for Christopher Lawrence and John 00 Fleming. There are also some remix projects in the works along with a tour around the Phase 2 compilation. Stay tuned to http://www.jonathanallyn.com for dates!
C: If you could choose anyone, who you would like to work with, and who would be your ideal DJ partner?
JA: Jay Selway and Magnus are all people I would like to work with and I’ve had the honor of working with Steve Birch on our LUKA project. Peter Plaznik is working on a remix of mine right now and would love to do something original with him in the future.
C: What do you like to do outside of music?
JA: I’m into motorsports and try to balance my passion for cars and motorcycles with my love for music. I find they both go hand in hand and can really get into music when I am working on my NSX or bike.
C: Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
JA: Christopher Lawrence and his amazing wife Sara for all that they do for the label along with all of the fans for their relentless support. This is an exciting adventure that has only just begun!!
