Wow - time flies when you are having fun!
It's been 3 years since our first interview with JonOne, who was known as Dj JonOne when we first spoke to him. We were excited to catch up with him, and find out what he's been up to since the last time we talked.
It’s been 3 years
since our first interview with you – please update us about what has been
happening with you since?
-
I have just been pushing my music
harder since the last interview! It’s all a process, but my shows have
definitely gotten bigger and my music has improved.
How have you
grown since? Are there any changes to the types of sets you play, the places,
etc.?
-
Yes, I am now producing a lot more
tracks. I’ve been doing so for about 2 years now and learning more and more
every day. And I am also mainly an electronic producer and DJ now, so the shows
and club gigs I play are electronic.
You’ve since
changed your professional name since our first interview, why the change?
-
I haven’t really given it a big change
but instead of being “DJ JonOne” I made the switch to just “JonOne”. I made
this change because I am no longer only a DJ now, but also a producer in the
music world. JonOne, to me is a lot more simple and professional.
-
What has
been the highlight of your career in the past few years?
-
The biggest highlight of my music
career in the past few years was a collaboration I got to be a part of with
Swedish producer and 2 time Grammy nominee, Avicii. The collaboration was
called Avicii X You, and had producers work on different parts of a track, that
we all put together at the end. One person worked on the melody, beat, break,
bassline, and effects. I, along with 2 other producers got to work on the
effects for the track. The track’s name is “X You” and currently has almost 10
million views on YouTube. “X You” was released in February 2013 under Universal
Music Group. You will see our names in the video, mine shows as “Jonathan
Madray” my other alias. J
Any advice to
other people who may be new DJs but want to build their brand, recognition and following?
-
My advice to new producers and DJs is
to be ORIGINAL. Today’s music is so
saturated and everyone tries to bite off one another. The new guys that are
currently getting all the attention all have a distinct style for which they
are recognized. Standing out is key, but also having quality work. As long as
you make great music, the following will come.
Last time we
talked you were doing Graffiti art. Is that something you are still involved
in?
-
Graffiti art and just art in general
was always an important aspect of my life. Growing up I was always into drawing
and painting. I am no longer involved in graffiti art but it was significant
because the name JonOne is based off of that.
What are the
biggest obstacles you have experienced as a DJ and artist?
-
The biggest obstacle I have as being a
producer and DJ is one that I am currently facing. The obstacle of being a
regular kid balancing school, having a job, social life with music. I try so
hard to dedicate any free time I have to doing some music work but it still
gets frustrating when you have tests and quizzes to study for. This
transitioning stage to doing music full time is very tough, but I plan to
finish college first and then focus on my music full time.
-
Who would you
most like to collaborate with?
-
If I got the chance I would love to
collaborate with Avicii one more time. His style of music is similar to the
style I produce and it was an amazing experience collaborating on the track “X
You.”
-
What has been
your greatest performance ever?
-
My greatest performance was the
Electric Adventure festival I recently played in Seaside Heights NJ. I played
this festival along with some well-known producers such as DJ Snake,
Blasterjaxx, Flux Pavilion, Vinai, Headhunterz, GTA, Dzeko & Torres, ZAXX,
Riggi & Piros and many more. It was such a rush playing in front of so many
people. The whole experience itself was amazing too. Just the fact that I got
to meet a lot of my producer friends from other countries in person and hang
out with some of the bigger DJs backstage was amazing.
What is the best
life advice you have ever received?
-
The best life advice that I’ve ever received
was to always follow my dream. Everyone tells you this as you grow up, whether
it is at school or home. But the problem with this is that when people actually
come to the age where they have to go to college and choose a major, many
people simply give up and forget about their passion. We start to conform to
society and choose a job more secure and stable for our future. It’s only the
risk takers who actually achieve their dreams, and that’s what I am. Although I
am still in school right now and working a part time job, music will always be
a part of my life. Getting no sleep has become a normal routine for me but in
the end it will all be worth it.
Dream gig?
The last time you guys interviewed me my dream gigs were a few
major clubs in NY and I actually got to play them! So now, my dream gigs have
become bigger. My main dream gigs today, are EDC or Tomorrowland.
Where can people
plan to see you work the decks next?
-
Next, I will be playing at 2 clubs in
NYC on Oct 31st and Orlando FL in November.
And how can
people keep up with what you are doing?
-
Everyone can keep up to date with my
shows and music by following me on my social networks below:
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