The eighty second edition of our central mix and interview series hosts a producer and dj with an impeccable track record. Kompakt, Anjunadeep, Rebellion, Suara, Chapter 24…. the list is eye-watering and endless. John Monkman’s creative talent is undeniable.  We’re honoured to have the man behind Beesemyer Music with us this week to talk shop and it’s accompanied by an exclusive sixty minute tape. Enjoy!

WWD: Thanks for joining us John! Set the scene for our readers, where in the world are you right now and what’s been on your to do list today?

Currently In my London studio preparing my debut live set for The Get Lost party at Miami Music Week this weekend.
My to do list – “get live set in order, get new midi controller (as my current one just died), record podcast! :)”

WWD: Your new ‘Epoch’ EP is out now on Rebellion. Is there a tale behind the tracks?

I started this track in Goa after a pretty wild New Year’s party on a beach back in 2016 and finally finished it in September. 9 months is a long time to tinker. It went through quite a few stages to get to where it is now.

WWD: How did you connect with the label?

I released a track called ‘French girl in Berghain’ with good friend and producer Sandeman. Damian Lazarus and I have been looking to release an EP since. I’d been giving him music and then he emailed me to say he’d been playing EPOCH in all of his sets which was a great surprise. I sent him XAILO and the EP was complete.

WWD: You’ve also just done a remix of Amentia for Chapter 24. What influenced the decision to take on the track?

I was immediately drawn into the sound design of the original and felt it would merge well with my new, more ‘driving’ sound/ direction I’m taking my music.

WWD: Production-wise, what else can we expect from you over the coming months?

I have a two track EP on Noir Music mid April followed by a digital and vinyl release on Crosstown Rebels in June.
I’m super excited about both these releases as they showcase the new sound I’ve been working on over the last 6 months.

WWD: You’re consistently releasing great productions. You must live in the studio?

Ha! Pretty much 🙂
Thank you, that means a lot 🙂 Producing music/working with sound is what I love and am grateful to have carved out a career from it.

WWD: What are your favourite activities outside of music?

Cooking, spending time with my lovely girlfriend, walking the hound and funnily enough recently getting more and more into gardening.

WWD: Is there a particular philosophy behind your approach to music creation?

It’s about finding the right balance, even if it’s a ‘dark’ track I will always try and find the light. Sonically I want the listeners and myself to really feel the frequencies. I always try and take the listener on a journey, hopefully make you forget everything, drawing you into the moment with the hope of elevating your state of mind. That’s the aim at least :)… it doesn’t always turn out that way but when it does its magic and is what keeps me going.

WWD: Do you find that your surroundings have an impact on your creativity?

I’m usually okay coming up with ideas wherever I am however what has the most defining impact on my writing is the mood/state of mind I’m in. Weirdly my studio with all its gizmos can often be the most uninspiring place to be.
Hearing your music on a big system and hearing how what you’ve made in the studio translates on that scale is important and over the years had played in important part in my production/sound.

WWD: In your mind or your body is there a particular time for idea creation and another for technical sound design or do both go hand in hand when you work?

For inspiration/creation it seems to be first thing in the morning or late into the night. Mixing and production on the other hand is 24/7.

WWD: One thing you’d like to change in 2017?

Current president of the US.

WWD: One thing you look forward to this Summer?

The EP on Crosstown Rebels in June will be a landmark for me. The music is a snapshot of where I’ve come from and where I’m heading – this will be a highlight… the anticipation is killing me! 🙂

WWD: Lastly, tell us about the mix you have recorded for us today!

It’s a mixtape you’d listen to on a long car journey – a mixed bag of laid back grooves and a few slightly more full on tracks. There are songs I’ve been playing in my sets as well as material that’s been inspiring me in the studio.