The Goo 1
SEPT-OCT 23 John has perfected the art of creatin
g chart-topping tracks that have found their way onto dance floors across the world. “For me, it’s about feeling. I have a sign above the production desk that says “How do you feel?” and the reason I put that up was that I figured out quite quickly with production if I wasn’t feeling something and felt I had to try too hard, they’re the tracks that don’t work. The ones that flow are the ones that come together most quickly and the ones that do best. When it comes to production it is all about eliciting a reaction, whether that be good or bad.” He also says “I would rather somebody hated my music and was openly dogging the music than be apathetic about it because it has made them feel something. If you don’t like it, fine, have your rant, don’t listen to it again but apathy is the worst thing for me as a producer. It’s always about feeling.” For John, finding new artists is one of his favourite parts of the job. When John came I WOULD RATHER SOMEBODY HATED MY MUSIC AND WAS OPENLY DOGGING THE MUSIC THAN BE APATHETIC ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT HAS MADE THEM FEEL SOMETHING across Treetalk in an online writing camp he knew that he wanted to collaborate with him. Treetalk is a Chicago-based artist who has been making huge waves across the water. John found writing camps online were a great way to find new producers to work with during COVID-19. “Covid was a nightmare I thought I would never come out the other end” However, having online resources was a great way for John to connect with other artists and he says that he “learned the meaning of grateful because of Covid. It opened things up to a lot of new producers. I clicked really quickly with Tyler (Treetalk) on a personal level and when that happens the music tends to just flow.” The duo are still yet to meet in person even after receiving huge success with their track “All I Need” However they have both marked their calendars to meet when John heads back to the States. John has also created some tracks with artists closer to home including the hit “Edge of Seventeen” with Irish star LYRA. When speaking about their collaboration John recalls “There aren’t many vocalists that would have pulled that off. If anyone is going to nail that vocal track but still do it in their own way, it’s her! The song was produced at that stage and when it came time to record the vocals, she was phenomenal. I know everyone says everybody is great - she’s such a nice person first and foremost - but talk about nailing such an iconic but ridiculously difficult vocal. She just walked into the studio, did a take and nailed it. We did a couple of extra takes and didn’t need them. She made my life so easy. I would work again with her in a heartbeat and hopefully will.” John is currently gearing up for his headline show in the historic 3Olympia on the 29th of Octover. “The big prep has been the single “All I Need.” The beauty of a gig in the 3Olympia is it’s a show. As I said I don’t plan what I’m going to play but there will be set pieces and there are always special guests. We also have a stage to fill so the lighting is a huge consideration. I work with the same lighting guy all the time from Dublin.” John is no stranger to gigs in different locations and a gig like the one in the 3Olympia is always a special experience for him. “The first time I did a gig like that I couldn’t get over how I felt like an artist as opposed to just a DJ, it was so gratifying to me.” Concertgoers can expect a night of electrifying energy from the outset. John Gibbons plays the 3Olympia on the 29th October. Tickets from ticketmaster.ie or mcd.ie. PAGE 29