John Mood
Transcending music genres through
EXPLORATION
In the ever-changing landscape of electronic music, certain artists stand out not just for their beats, but for the depth of their creative journey. One such luminary is John Mood, a Dutch producer/DJ whose trajectory through the realms of trance, house, and techno has captivated audiences worldwide.
Born and bred in the Netherlands, John Mood’s journey into music production began with humble aspirations. Initially drawn to the decks as a DJ, he soon felt the pull to create his own music rather than merely spinning those of others. This shift marked the genesis of a musical odyssey that would see him traverse genres and styles with boundless creativity.
“When I was younger I started practicing how to DJ but after a while I felt the need to also create and not just play music. I used to make a lot of ideas from scratch but in the end that took up a lot of time so eventually I approached it more from a hip hop perspective sampling elements from a wide variety of music and then creating something new with it”.
Reflecting on his early days, John recalls experimenting with various sounds and techniques, seeking to carve out his own unique identity. It was a process of trial and error, of hours spent tinkering with beats and melodies until the right groove emerged.
“My creative process is never the same when I craft a new track/remix. Sometimes it starts out with an idea that I have in my head and sometimes I just sit down with no plan and just start fooling around. Eventually I end up with a lot of ideas that lay around for a while and then I’ll listen back to it and decide if it sounds like crap or not haha”.
For John, inspiration knows no bounds. While many artists cite specific influences or genres, he finds inspiration in the vast expanse of music itself. From the ethereal melodies of jazz to the avant-garde compositions of modern classical, he draws upon a rich tapestry of sounds to fuel his creativity. Yet, his interests extend far beyond the confines of the studio. He finds inspiration in the everyday experiences of life, whether it’s the flickering images on a movie screen or the taste of exotic cuisine in a far-flung corner of the globe.
As John’s sound evolved, so too did his approach to music production. Over the course of his 15-year career, he has embraced change and adaptation, always striving to push the boundaries of his artistry. From the early days of crafting beats in his bedroom to performing on international stages, he has remained true to his vision while embracing the ever-changing landscape of electronic music.
“It’s been 15 years since I started out producing so I’ve made a lot of different types of music. Looking back to what I’ve made up until now I can definitely say it has gotten a lot faster but the emotion and intensity has always stayed the same. I try to let go of things that are out of your control and live in the present. Don’t look back too much and don’t worry about the future even though I still do that from time to time”.
For John, success is not measured in accolades or chart positions, but in the simple act of creating music that resonates with listeners. It’s about the connection forged between artist and audience, the shared experience of losing oneself in the rhythms and infectious melodies of his tracks. It’s a sentiment echoed in his most memorable performances, from intimate club sets to sprawling festival stages, where the energy of the crowd becomes a beacon guiding him through the night.
“Success is measured when expectation meets reality. Being able to do what you want to do and accept that it will not always be how you want it to be. With that in mind I started to appreciate the little things in life and my career instead of chasing money trees or big gigs”.
Looking to the future, John Mood’s aspirations are as boundless as his creativity. While he continues to dominate the dance floors of clubs and festivals around the world, his sights are set on new horizons. He dreams of composing music for film and games, of exploring new sonic landscapes beyond the confines of the dance floor.
It’s a vision fueled by passion and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence, a testament to the enduring power of creativity in an ever-evolving industry.
"An aspiration that I´ve had for a long time is to compose music for film and or video games. The vibe that type of music contains is something I can not really put into regular dance music. If I were to do it, it would become a bit too serious. I don’t know If this will happen in the near future but I definitely see it occurring someday”.
John´s approach to his sound is one of constant exploration and experimentation. When asked about his vision for the future, he speaks of combining deeper vibes with the music he’s currently producing. This desire to delve into deeper, more complex sonic landscapes reflects his commitment to artistic growth and evolution.
“I´m definitely trying to combine deeper vibes with the music I play. Experimenting with this type of music during my sets by combining euphoria, groove and playfulness gives me a lot of room for understanding the evolution of my musical journey. Sometimes it plays out well and sometimes it does not but the more I do it the more I’m realizing that vision I have in my mind of what John Mood should sound like”.
John Mood’s musical journey is a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision and creative exploration. From humble beginnings as a DJ to commanding international stages as a producer, he has traversed diverse musical landscapes with boundless curiosity and unwavering passion.
Throughout his 15-year career, John has embraced change and adaptation, continually pushing the boundaries of his artistry while staying true to his core of emotional intensity.
His success is not measured in accolades or chart positions but in the profound connection forged between artist and audience, a connection that transcends boundaries and resonates deeply.
As he looks toward the future, John’s aspirations are as vast as his creativity. With dreams of composing music for film and games, he seeks to explore new sonic territories beyond the confines of the dance floor, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to artistic growth.