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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
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An interview with Jon the Baptist
Reported by DJ Zone
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Submitted 29-11-06 17:52
If you’ve been in the trance/hard trance scene for less than three years, then you may be forgiven for not knowing just who Jon the Baptist is. If you’ve been in the scene for more than three years, then you clearly have been living under a rock or going to the wrong clubs! With a production list of tracks as long as the arms of Lennox Lewis and remix credits as long as Victoria Silvstedt’s legs, Jon the Baptist is not only one of the most hard working dj/producers there is, but also one of the most talented. As a preview to his forthcoming set at Swamp on Friday 8th December at Club 414, John Collinson aka Jon the Baptist talks exclusively to DJ Zone.
Lets start at the beginning shall we. How did you first get into dj’ing and producing tunes? Which came first and which do you enjoy most?
Jon the Baptist: Well my interest in dance music started in 1996 when I began listening to and dj’ing hardcore. It progressed from there into hard dance. I began producing in 1999.
You have a very unique DJ name. Where did it come from/what does it mean?
JTB: Erm, well it doesn’t mean a great deal to be honest! It was just a nickname which sprung up within my circle of friends and stuck!
What are your best and worst dj’ing moments?
JTB: There are too many best djing moments! I really enjoy it so it brings a lot of good memories. If I had to single out one it would be playing for Q-Dance at Qlub Tempo. Ummm I’m not too sure of the worst either! It’s all good to be honest!
I suppose when you have to play a set on a poor setup and you can’t play to the best of your ability, that’s a bit of a bummer.
You have been spending some time recently in the studio with DJ Chuck-E, resulting in releases on Intolerance and Future Sound Corporation. You don’t do many collaborations, what made you go into the studio with him?
JTB: Chuck-E’s very enthusiastic about his music, and his tastes are very similar to mine. We’ve been good friends for a while so it’s been good fun to work with him! I’m really pleased for the tunes we’ve been making, we’ve tried to go for a really euphoric feel to the track, really happy, alongside hard kicks and bass.
Come on then, make me jealous. What do you have in your studio?
JTB: I used to have quite a bit of hardware! But now most of it’s done on the PC. I suppose if I had to try and make you jealous it’d be done by the Virus T. It’s a beast!
How many releases have you had and what have been your biggest tracks?
JTB: Umm I think about 40 releases now! My biggest tracks have probably been some on Future Sound Corp. Insomnia and Earth spring to mind!
Is there a production you are most proud of, and if so why?
JTB: I’m really proud of all of them to be honest. I know some sound dated and weren’t quite up to the standard I would of liked, but you’ve got to have a certain amount of pride in what you do I reckon.
Iain Cross, one of the founding members of High Fish, left recently.
Is High Fish still going and if so when is the next release?
JTB: Well most involved in High Fish when it started have moved on to their own projects and it’s the same for me really. I’ve been too busy with my own tracks and other projects that it’s taken a back seat and is now being run by new management. Dave Spinout is still releasing tracks on High Fish’s digital label, look out for those! I still help out where I can though.
Which producer is really producing the goods for you right now?
JTB: Umm good question! There’s not many people producing the hard trance sound like it used to be done! To name a few, Megara and Lee and all their guises, Slideout and his other names, Dave Joy, Synthetic, Merlyn and Tunnel... It’s a slow period for hard trance though. The ideas have been done too many times, it’s very hard to be original.
Have you ever promoted your own party? If so how did it go? If not, why not?
JTB: Yeah I’ve put on a couple of events in the past. I used to do High Fish with Iain Cross which was good fun, and did pretty well for the first couple of events. I’m also working on a new project next year with a syndicate of like minded people! I’ll post all the details on my site closer to the time — www.jonthebaptist.co.uk (plug plug!)
For the benefit of those who don’t know you, describe your sound. How has it changed from when you first started and what we can expect to hear at Swamp on December the 8th @ Club 414?
JTB: Well I play a lot of different styles of trance at different events at different times of the night, but always for the crowd. Typically my sound is quite touch, energetic and very melodic, but I love it all — tech trance, trance, hard trance!
You don’t seem to play out in London much. Is there a reason for this or do you just not like the smell?
JTB: Ahh I love London even with the smell! I don’t get much chance to promote myself as well as I would like given that I work full-time, then every other waking hour is spent with the love of my life — my studio. Oh and my fiancé!
Maybe edit that bit out actually.
Your DJ management agency, Future Sound Corporation, is based in Italy. Do you get many international gigs?
JTB: Not really. I’ve played abroad before but not as regular as I’d like to! Hopefully something for 2007.
A lot of your productions take on a more European sound. Is there a reason for this or are you really a closet German?
JTB: Hahahaha! Well I find the European sound so clean and powerfull! Not just in hard trance but most trance! I always try to pay close attention to the quality of my tracks as I engineer them myself. So I guess I always aim for a more European sound!
What is your opinion on the current vinyl/cd/mp3 debate? Where do you
stand?
JTB: Well no-one’s going to stop mp3s and cds now, so it’s definitely worth promoting legal digital music. I use cds 99% of the time myself now as I can burn my own productions to cds, and give them to friends before they get pressed to vinyl. But if there’s a tune I want on cd then I’ll always pay for a legal download — it’s only £1.49 a tune. Come one people!
What advice do you have for up and coming djs?
JTB: Just stick at it. It’s very rare that it happens overnight!
You must get all sorts of demos in the mail. Which ones stick out?
JTB: One guy I think I should mention is Sam Marsh —- he’s a local producer from my area. He’s hardly been heard at all yet, although I try and play his tunes where possible! I’m sure he’s gonna release some great tunes in the future!
Who are you tipping for future success as a dj/producer/both?
JTB: Umm see above haha! It’s very hard to get into the bigger scene though. On a local scale loads of people are rocking it, there’s some great resident djs about.
Finally, you’ll be playing for Swamp in between myself and Cardinal Difference. Myself and Nigel from Cardinal Difference are big fans of yours. Will you be signing vinyls and posing for photos? Do you get many people like us, who think you’re a living legend?
JTB: Hahahahahaha well I’m a pretty shy person to be honest. I just do what I love doing because I love it and usually get a bit embarrassed by signing vinyls/photos etc. But saying that I’m always so totally chuffed that someone likes my stuff that I’d never disrespect that and say no to them!! So sure I’ll sign a vinyl for you if you want!
Jon, thank you for your time.
JTB: Thanks loads dude! See you on the 8th for some mayhem!
Photos courtesy of Jon the Baptist. Not to be reproduced without permission.
SWAMP - 8/12 feat. Jon the Baptist!
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On:
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Friday 8th December 2006
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At:
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CLUB 414 [map]
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From:
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22:00 - 06:00
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Cost:
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£8 Paying guestlist/before midnight, £10 after.
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More:
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Yes ladies and gents, after our frankly mammoth return party on October 13th, SWAMP is back for another instalment of madness in Brixtons favourite venue, Club 414, and in good time honoured tradition, we’ve brought a few friends with us too!
A name you seldom see on flyers for parties in London (for reasons unknown to us), we at SWAMP are proud to present our very special guest for this evening, Jon the Baptist.
Co-owner of the highly successful High Fish recordings based in Dorset, Jon has had more tracks and remixes released than most people have had hot dinners, on labels ranging from Future Sound Corporation, Sectioned, Liquid Pulse, and of course High Fish, as well as playing some of the biggest clubs across Europe.
Responsible for some of the biggest tracks in Hard Trance, we can’t quite contain our excitement here at SWAMP towers.
Our second guest this evening is Ashley James, Addiction resident and one of the fastest rising stars in the scene. With some big sets of late and releases on Addiction Digital and Impact, as well as collaborations with Marc French and Trevor McLaghlan, it’s not just us who think highly of him, even Phil Reynolds has tipped Ashley for the top!
Not content with just being a DJ and producer, Ashley can now add “label owner” to his already long list of credits, as tonight he and SWAMP resident DJ Zone launch their very own vinyl record label, Repent Recordings.
The first release on Repent Records is the double A-side Set Me Free/Choices. Ashley James and DJ Zone will be performing an exclusive UK v EU Hard Trance b2b, and we already can’t wait to see what they have planned!
Our third guest of the evening is duo Cardinal Difference. Hailing from Leeds and Farnborough respectively, Cardinal Difference are otherwise known as Sebastien and Raf. Having played for some of the biggest nights the north has to offer including Evolution in Leeds and Paradise Lost in Manchester, Cardinal Difference decided to seek fame and fortune in London, and found us. Expect a rip-roaring Hard Trance and Filth set, as these guys know how to mix it up.
Our last guests of the night, but by no means the least, are Zimma b2b Syfoon. Well known on the London clubbing scene, these two really do know how to party hard, and it shows in their music. Responsible for the underground classic “Badgers on Acid”, these two will be rinsing out the Hardstyle like only they know how. Expect madness of the highest order.
If that was not enough, our guests will be ably supported throughout the night by SWAMP residents Mad Phil, Matt Church and DJ SP.
We at SWAMP are always looking for the next generation of stars to grace our decks. If you fancy being on a line-up with your name next to DJ’s like Jon the Baptist and Ashley James, come down and hand in your demo.
SWAMP – December 8th 2006, Featuring Jon the Baptist and Repent Records!
Club 414
Coldharbour Lane
Brixton
22:00 – 06:00
£8 Paying Guest List/before Midnight
£10 after
Email names to info@swampuk.com for guest list
www.swampuk.com
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The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Missnaughty on 30th Nov 2006 10:56.51
Wicked Interview - really looking forward to SWAMP 
From: DJ Zone on 30th Nov 2006 11:00.31
Finally, a comment! 
Im very proud of this, he's an utter legend as far as im concerned and it will be an absolute honour to have him play for SWAMP.
I cant wait!
From: suzy-q on 30th Nov 2006 11:01.58
woo hoooo!!!!! bring it on 
From: Baby Kat on 30th Nov 2006 11:11.57
Well done babe! x
Really want to come to swamp.. i'll try my best to find someone to come with me!
From: Mat Lock on 30th Nov 2006 11:12.30
Nice feature mate, you didn't mention whether he liked your jumper ??
From: Winter phoenix on 30th Nov 2006 11:19.13
 Nice one babe!
From: Ashley James on 30th Nov 2006 11:19.32
Cool. Can't wait for this.
From: Hitch the Knife on 30th Nov 2006 11:29.06
Good stuff Zoney. Really looking forward to hearing JTB at Swamp.
From: ~deleted1390 on 30th Nov 2006 11:30.30
Could you have been any further up his butt? 
Seems like a cool guy, shame I can't be there for this. Have a few of his tracks and remixes and they always go down very well.
From: DJ Zone on 30th Nov 2006 12:04.08
Zebra, the man is like one of my idols, give me a break!
Thanks everyone for your responses! 
From: anushka007 on 30th Nov 2006 13:13.33
This night its just getting better and better 
Funky read Zone and now we just have to count those long days down..
Happy bday Zone and lets celebrate 
From: sexyminx on 30th Nov 2006 20:38.09
Wicked interview, well done  Can't wait to party with the Swamp crew tomorrow. Be good and see you there xx
From: Daniel K on 30th Nov 2006 23:20.39
This looks very exciting! Looking forward to it! 
From: Raf E on 1st Dec 2006 22:12.03
Wicked interview!!! sooooooooo looking forward to Swamp, its going to be a riot!!!!
From: Cardinal Difference on 1st Dec 2006 23:23.57
nice interview deano, and loved the last question, and yes the man is an utter legend, his staying power and his constand finger on the pulse is amazing.
cant wait for this, tis gonna all go off
remember me and michelle will also be celebrating out birthdays london style that night too
From: Ryki on 12th Dec 2006 01:24.36
Nice effort with the interview! G'wan Baptismog!
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