John B Interview by DJ Ozzy

I spoke with legendary Drum n Bass producer about his influences,
plans for the future and on having one of the biggest selling Drum N Bass albums ever.

How long have you been involved in Drum N Bass?

About 10 years now

What was your first big break in the scene?

Probably linking up with Formation Records and Grooverider/Prototype when I did a few tracks like “Jazz Session”, “Sight Beyond”, and “Secrets”

What are you currently working on at the moment?

I’ve done loads of remixes this week – have been working with some rock/indie type bands, doing more electro-oriented dnb, and also started some more trance-influenced material. Also just running the labels and preparing for the next US tour which starts next week.

What have you still to achieve within the music industry?

Loads. I want to do more stuff for film & TV, I’d like to work on much more commercial projects too, produce bands and individual artists rather than just my own stuff – have been working in that direction for a while already and ive already done quite a few non-dnb things which have been really well received.

In transit was one of the biggest albums of the year, were you surprised

Of the great response you received on this?

yes actually, I wasn’t expecting it to be well accepted, dnb at the moment, at least the mainstream stuff seems pretty bland to me and quite samey – I wasn’t expecting the ppl out there to really get into the album, although I was hoping they would... It was great when all the orders came through and I realised how popular it was.

What tunes are you feeling at the moment?

It varies from day to day really. I just bought the new hacker cd and the new jean michelle jarre surround album, ive been listening to them a lot – im looking forward to hearing the new dave clarke CD

You have worked alongside some of music’s biggest stars, who would you

still like to collaborate with?

gosh the list is very big – I guess im a big fan of 80s synthpop stuff so anyone from that area would be great. I love A-Ha and Flock of Seagulls so that would be fab, Id like to try a collaboration with some big rock groups too, I think that could work really well if done professionally, not just half assed bootleg remixes which is all you can do at the mo without full remix parts etc... Theres some really exciting stuff in the pop world at the moment too, id love the chance to do something with ppl like Gwen Stefani, I love her new single, obviously Britney and Madonna – just artists that obviously are up for using interesting producers and changing their sound and style frequently.

What do you prefer to do, DJ or Produce?

I like em both, they compliment each other and feel good for different reasons.

For more information on all things John B please take a look at.

www.intransit-johnb.com
www.beta-recordings.com
www.john-b.com
www.beta-store.com