Check out Neon Owl’s exclusive interview with Swedish producer and DJ John Dahlback.
Who’s your biggest musical influence and why?
John Dahlback: Anyone who’s pushing boundaries and stay out of the box with their music instead of just either follow trends or make the same kind of music over and over again.
What was your first memory of a concert/show?
John Dahlback: I used to follow my dad around when his jazz band did shows in Sweden. They were pretty long, like 3 hours, but the music was almost hypnotizing so it went by pretty quick.
“Count To Ten” is very different from “Raven” and “Atlantis,” the first two singles from your album Saga. Can you please describe the progression of these three tracks?
John Dahlback: “Raven” was the first club single from the album, very fresh thinking with sounds etc. “Atlantis” was the second single and like a fresh take on the progressive sound with beautiful vocals. “Count to ten” is maybe more “pop” out of the three but I just love the song so much.
What’s the most difficult thing about being a producer and a DJ?
John Dahlback: To stick out and be original. It’s so easy to fall into these “trend traps” because you want instant success. It’s more difficult to stay long term in this business.
What’s the most meaningful track that you’ve produced to date? Why?
John Dahlback: I guess it’s my track “Blink.” It was unbelievable to see such an underground track working its way into daytime radio.
Tell us a little bit about working with Alexx Mack and coming up with the track “Count to Ten” How was that experience?
John Dahlback: It was so easy! I got the vocal sent to me and wrote the track from that. I’ve never met Alexx, only spoken on emails but she seems really cool!
What influenced the creation of the album Sagaand why the name?
John Dahlback: The name is sort of “my tale,” a collection of little stories. The process was so much fun, I loved writing songs on the piano first and then making them full on songs.
How long did it take you to make the album?
John Dahlback: I think about a year or so.
Do you feel full-length artist albums are even necessary anymore?
John Dahlback: There are two types of artists, album artists or singles artists. You can get by fine with just putting out singles, but for me, it’s important to release an album.
How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
John Dahlback: However they want! But hopefully they will remember it after.
What else do you like to do outside of your music?
John Dahlback: Spend time with family and play video games. I LOVE playing video games! We are a few friends who visit this online gaming center in Stockholm and play together for hours. It’s us and 100 kids.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? If so, please share at least one with us!
John Dahlback: Chocolate and pizza. I’ve never tried the two together but it would be amazing.
One word to describe yourself.
John Dahlback: Funny.
What is your greatest fear?
John Dahlback: To die.
What piece of advice do you have for people out there with a dream that seems a little farfetched?
John Dahlback: Just go for it instead of regretting it later.
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