John Grand, an emerging force in the electronic music scene, is rapidly gaining recognition as one of Los Angeles' most promising DJ/Producers. With his innovative blend of progressive trance, melodic house, and techno influences, Grand is carving out a unique space in the competitive world of dance music.
Under this moniker, he has released numerous tracks that have gained support from prominent figures inthe electronic music scene. His music has been featured dozens of times on respected platforms suchas A State of Trance, Group Therapy Radio, and Wake Your Mind Radio, and has been played by renownedDJs including Armin Van Buuren, Above and Beyond,Paul Van Dyk, and countless more.
Grand's music resonates with audiences through its captivating melodies and pulsating rhythms, leavinga lasting impact on listeners and establishing him as an artist to watch in the progressive electronic music landscape.
John Grand in the interview that follows discusses his latest release, “Moss,” exploring techno and progressive genres, and shares his production process, emphasizing creativity and technical challenges like balancing the mix. Grand, an electronic music producer, highlights his career achievements, including 1,592 DJ supports, 8.63 million playlist reach, and features on prominent platforms. He credits his passion for music creation as his motivation and cites influential tracks from Eric Prydz, Depeche Mode, and New Order.
What's more, he discusses his preferred music composition tools, including NEXUS and Analog Lab, and his preference for instrumentals over vocal tracks. He highlights Enhanced, Drumcode, and Anjuna as his favorite record labels, each contributing to the evolution of electronic music. Grand also shares details about his upcoming DJ mix project, featuring original music and stunning visuals, and expresses his admiration for Eric Prydz’s BBC Essential Mix as a significant influence.
Dimitris: Hi there John! Could you share with us your top three accomplishments or objectives that you are most proud of achieving in your career as an electronic music producer?
John Grand: Certainly! Here are my top three accomplishments that I am incredibly proud of in my career as an electronic music producer:
Securing Total DJ Supports: I have garnered 1,592 total DJ supports, a testament to the wide acceptance and appreciation of my work within the DJ community.
Playlist Reach: My music has reached an impressive audience, with a playlist reach of 8.63 million. This shows how far my music has traveled and connected with listeners around the world.
Notable Features: I've had the honor of being featured 21 times on Armin Van Buuren's "A State of Trance" and 16 times on Above & Beyond's "Group Therapy Radio." These platforms are iconic in the electronic music scene, and being featured multiple times is a huge acknowledgment of my contributions to the genre.
Dimitris: Could you share the motivations that led you to pursue a career in DJing or producing electronic dance music?
John Grand: The driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in DJing and producing electronic dance music is my genuine passion for creating music. Producing music gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. The ability to craft sounds and beats into something that resonates with others is incredibly rewarding. There's no greater feeling than seeing people enjoy and connect with the music I create. It's the creative process and the energy of live performances that keep me inspired and motivated.
Dimitris: Could you share with me the top three tracks from your past that have really shaped your musical style? I’d love to know what makes these songs so influential for you!
John Grand:
Eric Prydz - Every Day
This track's blend of progressive house elements and rich, emotional melody has greatly influenced my approach to music production. It taught me the power of a strong, uplifting melody combined with a driving beat.
Depeche Mode - World In My Eyes
The synth-driven sound and lyrical depth of this song have had a profound impact on my style. It's a perfect example of how electronic music can carry powerful emotional weight and storytelling.
New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle
This track's seamless fusion of rock and electronic elements has inspired me to explore diverse soundscapes and experiment with blending different genres in my own work. It's a timeless piece that captures the joy of innovation in music.
Dimitris: Could you tell me about your latest release Moss under your John Grand presents Odyssius project? I'm curious about what inspired you during its creation and would love to hear more about the thought process behind Moss.
John Grand: Thank you for asking about "Moss." This track was really an exploration of blending the rhythmic and melodic elements from techno and progressive genres. I wanted to create something that felt both familiar and fresh, something that could transport the listener on a journey. The inspiration came from a lot of late-night sessions where I was just experimenting with different sounds and structures. I found myself captivated by the idea of building tension through layers and using unexpected elements to surprise the listener. It was a creative leap for me, and I'm thrilled with how it turned out. I hope listeners can feel the energy and emotion I tried to capture in "Moss."
Dimitris: Could you give me an idea of how long it usually takes to produce a track? Also, I’d love to hear a simplified overview of your production process.
John Grand: Creating a track varies greatly in terms of time. Some come together in just a few hours, while others may take over two months or even years.
When I am working on a new track, I begin by brainstorming ideas and letting inspiration guide my initial concept. I often start by sketching a rough arrangement and creating a basic melody or chord progression. Once I have a solid foundational idea, I dive into sound design and choose the right instruments and effects to suit the mood and style of the track.
Next, I layer the elements, ensuring they complement each other and enhance the overall composition. This involves careful attention to detail in terms of the mix and balance of sounds. I often experiment with different textures and rhythms to add depth and interest.
As the track develops, I focus on refining and tweaking each component, paying close attention to how the track flows from start to finish. This stage may involve revisiting and reworking certain parts until everything fits seamlessly together.
Finally, the mastering process is crucial. It involves adjusting the final sound levels and ensuring the track has the desired impact when played on various sound systems. This entire process is iterative, and it’s not uncommon for me to revisit a track multiple times before I consider it complete.
The journey from concept to completion is unique for each track, reflecting my commitment to delivering something truly special and memorable.
Dimitris: Could you share more about any specific technical challenges or obstacles you faced while producing that track? I'm really curious to hear about your experiences and how you overcame them!
John Grand: Originality is definitely the hardest part. Trying to keep your sound fresh while remaining true to your core sound is the biggest struggle, but also presents a fun challenge. A specific technical challenge I faced was balancing the mix to ensure each element had its own space. I had to experiment with different EQ settings and use sidechain compression effectively to ensure the main melody didn't get drowned out by the bass line. Additionally, creating unique soundscapes involved layering multiple synths and samples, which required careful attention to detail to maintain clarity and avoid muddiness. Overcoming these challenges required a lot of trial and error, but ultimately it led to a result I’m really proud of.
Dimitris: If you could remix your current track, what would you change to make it even better? Are there any parts you’re not quite happy with right now? And if you could choose any artist to create a remix, who would it be and why do you think they'd do an amazing job?
John Grand: I've been thinking a lot about remixing my current track and I'm leaning towards transforming it into a Liquid Drum and Bass styled remix or perhaps a Dark Garage styled track. I feel like these styles could add a unique and exciting flavor to the original. As for the current parts of the track, I'm actually quite content with how they’ve turned out, so there wouldn’t be much change there. If I had the opportunity to have any artist create a remix, it would definitely be Cirez D. His ability to infuse energy and maintain a captivating flow is unparalleled, and I believe he'd bring something extraordinary to the remix.
Dimitris: I'm curious to know which music composition tools you like to use. Do you have a preference for certain software or hardware, and what makes them your favorites? Also, I've noticed a trend where more people are producing music with analogue equipment and minimizing digital software use. What do you think about this shift?
John Grand: Favorites: My favorites include NEXUS, G-force Imposcar/Oddity3, and Analog Lab—pretty much all the plugins! I really enjoy using analog modeling synths. I do own a Prophet-5, an OB-6, a Juno-106, and a few Ensoniq synths. However, I rarely use them unless I'm making sample packs because they tend to slow down my workflow a bit. Software synths have advanced so much that they are almost indistinguishable from the real thing, in my opinion.
Dimitris: Let us know your musical preference – do you lean more towards vocal tracks or instrumental ones? If we're chatting about a track with vocals, I'd love to hear more about the singer you work with!
John Grand: I'm all about instrumentals. Although I appreciate some vocal tracks, my passion for dance music isn't centered around vocalists. After spending 20 years in the indie music scene, I feel vocals shine best there. When I'm hitting the dance floor, I’m not looking to sing along—I just want to get lost in the groove and synths.
Dimitris: Are there any electronic dance music vocalists or singers you dream of collaborating with?
John Grand: I don't have a specific EDM vocalist or singer in mind that I dream of collaborating with, but I do admire the vocals of artists like those from Massive Attack and various trip hop musicians. Their style and sound have always resonated with me.
Dimitris: Do you think the artwork for your latest track is eye-catching and likely to grab the attention of listeners or record buyers? If yes, could you share an example of what you consider to be the most impressive artwork ever designed for a track?
John Grand: I do! I really love what Dan did and I think it resonates well with the style of the song.
Dimitris: Could you share your top three favorite record labels in your preferred music genre?It would be great if you could also explain why these labels hold a special place in your heart and how they impact the electronic music industry. Thanks!
John Grand: Enhanced, Drumcode, and Anjuna are truly standout record labels in the electronic music scene, and here's why they hold such a significant place for me:
Enhanced Music: Known as one of the leading labels in the Trance and Progressive scenes, Enhanced has consistently showcased quality and creativity. What captivates me about Enhanced is their commitment to melody and emotion in their releases. Artists like Tritonal and Estiva have created tracks that are both uplifting and deeply moving, making this label my go-to for music that inspires and energizes. Enhanced not only nurtures established names but also helps new talents shine, continuously enriching the genre.
Drumcode: As a powerhouse in the Techno world, Drumcode represents the cutting-edge of sound and innovation. Founded by Adam Beyer, this label has been instrumental in shaping the darker, more intense side of electronic music. Their tracks are characterized by driving beats and a hypnotic depth that I find both exhilarating and profound. I admire Drumcode for its ability to maintain a strong brand identity while pushing the boundaries of Techno, supporting artists like Amelie Lens and Enrico Sangiuliano who have taken the genre to new heights.
Anjunabeats: Founded by the legendary Above & Beyond, Anjunabeats is synonymous with Progressive and Trance excellence. This label's influence is vast, offering a spiritual and often euphoric listening experience. What sets Anjunabeats apart for me is their dedication to high-quality production values and evocative soundscapes. The sense of community and emotional connection that Anjunabeats fosters among its fans and artists is unparalleled, making it not just a label, but a family. With iconic releases from artists like Ilan Bluestone and Mat Zo, Anjunabeats continues to impact the electronic music industry by setting trends and nurturing talent.
Each of these labels showcases a unique facet of the electronic music spectrum while contributing significantly to the genre's evolution and appeal. Their innovative approaches and dedication to quality have solidified their positions as leaders in the industry, and their music continues to inspire and move me in profound ways.
John Grand: Absolutely! I'm thrilled to talk about my upcoming DJ mix project. This mix is truly a labor of love, featuring completely original music that won't be released through any labels or distributors. It's something special that I want to share exclusively with my fans. The vibe of the mix is going to be a blend of energetic and atmospheric sounds, aiming to take listeners on a journey from start to finish. Additionally, I've been collaborating with some talented visual artists to create stunning visuals that will accompany the mix, enhancing the overall experience. I can't wait for everyone to experience it!
Dimitris: What's your all-time favorite album or compilation, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?
John Grand: It's hard to pick just one, but if I had to choose, I'd say Eric Prydz's BBC Essential Mix stands out. The mix is a masterpiece of electronic music, blending innovative sounds and beats that resonate with me deeply. It takes me back to a time when I discovered my love for electronic music and inspired me to pursue my own musical journey. The way Prydz crafts his sets and the energy it brings is unmatched, making it an essential part of my collection and a constant source of inspiration.
Dimitris: How much time do you spend promoting yourself on social media? Do you find it an essential tool for both getting your name out there and managing bookings? Also, which platform do you think works best for your business?
John Grand: Quite a bit - at least a good 3-5 hours a week. It's definitely essential. Social media has transformed how I connect with audiences and clients. It’s not just about showcasing my work but also about engaging and building relationships with people interested in it. I’d say Instagram works best for my business because of its visual nature, which perfectly suits the kind of creative content I produce, but I also leverage Facebook and LinkedIn for broader reach and networking opportunities.
Dimitris: Are you happy with the quality of tracks being released in your favorite music genres? I'd love to hear why or why not!
John Grand: Yes, absolutely! I think every year music keeps getting better. The production quality is consistently improving, and artists are experimenting with new sounds and techniques. It’s exciting to see how different genres are evolving and blending together. I find that there are always fresh and innovative tracks that keep me engaged and eager to discover more. It’s a great time to be a music fan!
Thanks so much to John Grand for his wonderful answers.
Thanks so much to Dan Stone from FSOE Argento for organizing this great interview.
Additional info:
linktr.ee/johngrandjohngrandofficial.com
facebook.com/johngrandofficial
https://www.facebook.com/fsoeargento
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