John Dahlbäck is further testament to the theory that when it comes to overly talented musical homelands, there could indeed be something in Sweden’s water. Now, this always-innovative producer is already one step ahead with ‘Sing That’; an uber-cool, fresh and groovy club destroyer specially designed for Toolroom that plays on the subtle nuances that originally defined, and made great, the electro and progressive movements. Dan Prince speaks to the producer who admits, everything always has to be just perfect…
Welcome back to DMCWORLD John. Well, there’s no getting away from it, ‘Sing That’ is one of the tracks of the year. Talk us throughout he history of the track which flew out of Toolroom this week…
“Hey Dan. Well Toolroom asked me to do a housey/more techier track for them so I did. I used my old school references and made them a bit more modern. I’m really happy with the result.”
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvxCKsQV9NA&hd=1
So is it fair to say that there are a lot of the sounds and energy on ‘Sing That’ that are reminiscent from your early works?
“Yes sort of Dan. Although I was never that techy, more deep house and then towards harder stuff. It’s safe to say that it’s more my early work than my current work.”
You are renowned for being one of the highest quality producers dance music has. Do you ever feel any pressure when you are in the studio creating your next masterpiece, knowing that all eyes will be on you with everyone expecting another faultless record?
“I try to be as broad as possible, since I get tired of doing the same sound over and over again. I constantly try to push myself to change my sound and never just settle with an OK, it has to be perfect.”
One of your finest abilities is the way you can come out of the studio with a big room banger under your arm one day, something more grungy the next and something to chill us out the day after that. How on earth do you manage to switch your head space from one sound to the next?
“I enjoy all kinds of music. I have a wide range and I want to take that with me to the studio. I even did a indie pop / downtempo album just because I wanted to do something new. Being challenged in the studio is important for me.”
You have just returned from the States, a country you have been rocking for many years. Has the crowd and their appreciation/knowledge of EDM changed over the last twelve months?
“It’s constantly getting bigger there. I see improved ticket sales and feedback each time I go.”
The EDM scene in the States is getting a lot of flack from some of the ‘serious music’ spinners this side of the pond. A lot of them claim that the American crowd are turning DJs into jukeboxes over there as all they want is hit after hit. Thoughts on that?
“I hear that, but the only thing I can do as a DJ is to play cool music, music that I find interesting and new.”
Some are also saying that EDM is going to be like Disco was in the 70s, when the American youth have had enough they will simply chuck it in the trash can and move onto the next sound. Discuss…
“Hey Dan, who knows what will happen anywhere. Just embrace it for what it is now.”
What has been your anthem of the summer?
“My track ‘Embrace Me’.”
Who are the producers from around the globe that you are giving high fives to at the moment?
“Lunde Bros, two young Swedes who make really cool music. Tujamo from Germany keeps banging it out too.”
Press play on your iPod – what are the first three tracks that appear…
“Joni Mitchell- both sides now. Duke Ellington & John Coltrane- in a sentimental mood. Paul Buchanan – mid air.”
You played at the last UK festival of 2012 last weekend, The Mint Festival up at Lotherton Hall in Leeds – what was that all about?
“It was the first year of doing it and it was really busy so I’m sure they’re happy!”
Many are saying that this was the best Ibiza season for many of year, you rocked the opening of Privilige and a couple of the Be at Space parties. How was the white isle for you this time round, has it still got it’s magic?
“It does! I’m happy with the shows I did over there. I’m a bit worried maybe about all the more commercial acts going to play. I’m still used to it being a Mecca for underground music.”
Ibiza is now split straight down the middle with serious DJs spinning quality house and techno on one side, and DJs playing the big room bangers on the other. Discuss…
“You’re always going to have different sides of music. I’m fairly open myself and can enjoy both a Luciano set or a Swedish House Mafia set. I’m not really sure of the even more commercial stuff they’re booking but thats something we will wait and see for again.”
What is your favourite festival story of 2012?
“A festival in Hungary. Lightning struck two security guards and rain shut down 3 of the 4 stages only an hour before my set. But I played and the vibe was great.”
What is your idea of a perfect day off?
“Family, friends and Call Of Duty!”
And finally, to the thousands of aspiring producers and DJs out there, what one piece of advice can you offer to try and get an opening in this crazy business we all love…
“Be original and only make music because of the passion for it.”
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