Taking the world over in 2012
Welcome to DMC John. Your home city took a while to catch onto the house music sound, what sort of music did you have to endure before people finally got it?
“Sweden had been sort of ruled by hip hop and R&B over those years, so when those genres started to blend with house music, Sweden started to play it too. It was about time!”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
“I’ve always wanted to be a performance artist. I used to do these shows for my parents in the crowd, just miming to my favorite tracks at the time. And I started quite early with creating music so I was pretty much set at an early age.”
How important was your cousin Jesper in convincing/helping you to get into the industry? And did you think a famous relation was going to be a problem?
In the beginning he helped me more with giving tips and comments about the music I made. And by the time I started to release music, I had some trouble with people saying I made it just because of my cousin. So I think it took a couple of years to understand I had talent too.”
What did your parents think of your career choice?
“They are musicians themselves so they have been very supportive and open to my music. Although saying that, they hate that I’m always busy, but at least I’m doing what I really want to do.”
Can you remember the first club you ever played at and did you get paid? Were there any nerves?
“Sure! The first club I played at I played together with a friend of mine. I practiced like a moron before and still sucked while on stage. It was maybe to about 300 people and yes I did get paid. But after that I did a few shows for free or for beers. I was so nervous before every show in the first 3 years I think.”
You are one of the most prolific producers on the planet with tunes coming out of your ears. What has been your best piece of work in your opinion?
“My track ‘Everywhere set new standards for me. I think people thought it was really fresh and interesting. And I did it in such short time! A couple of hours once I get going…”
What has been the best festival of 2012 for you?
“Tomorrowland in Belgium no doubt!”
You love a good intimate club at the same time though, what has been your favourite smaller venues you have rocked over the years?
“I love Sankeys in Manchester. Such a great vibe and amazing crowd!”
Not many people know this, but John Dahlback is very good at…
“Video games! I’m so good at it!!”
It’s your birthday, what 3 DJs do you ask to come and spin for you?
“Carl Cox, Eric Morillo and Sven Väth.”
2011 has been your most prolific year to date, a full global tour, new releases on Toolroom, Spinnin’, Defected, Versuz, Big Beat/Atlantic NEWS, Universal GAS, Universal Nordic, Ministry Of Sound Australia and One Love/Sony Australia plus remixes for Lady Gaga, Nicole feat. 50 Cent, Skylar Gray, David Morales and Sneaky Soundsystem among others. Plus of course the fabulous ‘One Last Ride’ tune out now on Big Beat / Atlantic with some fierce remixes – why has this year been so good for you?
“This year has been so good because I’ve learnt so much about the sound in the studio. Finally I’m really set and know exactly how I want things to sound.”
Where has the best sound system in the world?
“My studio,”
What has been your Summer anthem?
“Swedish House Mafia – ‘Save The World’. No question.”
Has the industry to a label boss improved over the last decade? Do you prefer how it was then, or today’s incredibly fast moving business?
“Well before, a label boss had to concider a lot of things because you had to pay to release something whilst now anyone can start their own label and release whatever they like for free. I think you have to really think about what you wanna do and how you can do it differently because the competition.”
Who is the coolest person on your mobile phone?
Answer: guetta or tiesto.
Who would you really enjoy getting in the studio and doing some tracks with?
“To be honest, I don’t like to be in the studio with anyone because I’m such a control freak. I need to be on my own to create something.”
It seems impossible for a young aspiring DJ to make it these days in clubland, if you are not bringing records out alongside being able to DJ – you have no chance. What advice can you give to people reading this?
“Yes. These days you’ve got to have tracks to back up your DJ career. And if you want to succeed, try to be as original as possible and don’t copy your favorite artists, its going to pay off in the end.”
Have you checked out any new DJ/producers this year we should be watching out for in 2012?
“I know he’s been going on for longer than just this year, but Tommy Trash is amazing at the moment.”
What do you see as your main strengths as a producer?
“I try to be diverse and always original but still have a catchy sound. And I’m super fast as well ha ha.”
What has been your best night out this year when you were not working?
“I had a night in Miami during Ultra week where I was invited to a club where Carl Cox played these old funky tunes. Everyone wore these big afro wigs, including Carl.”
What is with your childhood nickname Hugge dude?!?
“Ha ha, Dan how did you know that?! My father dreamt the day before I was born that my name was Hugge. So ever since that has been my nickname.”
Nothing escapes me Hugge. So, what can you tell us about your Toolroom album next year?
“I’m compiling the next Toolroom mix compilation where its going to be two CDs. One with the bangers and one with a bit more softer techhouse.”
And finally, what do you want to achieve in 2012?
“World domination.”
