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Interview with John Norman: “Firmly rooted in Detroit sound, but holds the mark of the Canadian landscape“

With a sound that is “Firmly rooted in Detroit sound, but holds the mark of the Canadian landscape“ John Norman’s signature blend of techno and tech house is one that is turning heads among tastemakers around the globe. Whether through his live performances, original tracks, or stellar remixes, his obsession with sound can be heard loud and clear. His releases consistently see support from all corners of top DJ talent – supporters of his sound include Adam Beyer, Richie Hawtin, Kevin Saunderson or Pig & Dan.

His originals and remixes are in high demand, appearing on labels such as KMS Records, Thoughtless, Dynamo, Hype Muzik, Stripped Digital, Stripped Off, and UNT Records. John’s sound has taken him to many of the world’s top clubbing spots, including gigs at Movement Detroit, Savannah Ibiza, Amsterdam Dance Event, Ministry of Sound, and to cities across North America. His keen selection of the very best underground techno and tech house has gained him the respect of the music lovers he leaves in his wake, and a reputation for taking dance floors to a new level of groove.

Can you describe us your first Ibiza experience?
My first experience came after a 17 hour travel day. When I got on that last flight from Madrid to Ibiza and techno was on the audio system, I knew it was going to be great. The first night, my friend and UNT Records label owner Jozef Mihalik picked me up to take me down to the Sunset Strip in San Antonio where he does the sound for some of the clubs. I enjoyed my very first sunset at Mambo (and my first Mambo burger!) – and it was amazing, with so many people sitting there just celebrating the sunset and the music. After that, I had a schedule of all-night partying, and all-day sleeping – a good thing to miss the heat! Hanging out at Mambo almost every evening, getting to see guys like Sneak, Pete Tong, Digweed, Roger Sanchez just come to hang out for a coffee or drink and a chat was pretty neat. Or sitting in a restaurant on the strip and seeing Mauro Picotto out with his family for lunch. I was lucky to benefit from the hospitality of some of Ibiza’s finest resident DJs, including Javi Barreda, Danny O’Sullivan, and Pete Gooding. One special moment I remember was walking back to my flat in Ibiza Town down the beach of Playa d’en Bossa as the sun rose, with my feet in the water after a long night at Space. To top it all off, I had messed up my accommodations and booked one night too short, and found myself sleeping on a bench on the seafront in San Antonio that last night, waking up as the sun rose behind me.

Please tell us, what Ibiza makes it special for you?
There’s just an energy about the island that I can’t really explain. It allows you to do whatever you want from being chill and relaxed, to absolute party madness, to exploring the history and nature on the island. There’s a yin-yang about it.

And where do you chill down on the island?
I like to go exploring! I’ve found beautiful spots along the old city wall, and soaked up the history of the island from before it was a clubbing mecca. Anywhere I travel I like to get a sense of the cultural history of a place.

Which is your favourite coast of the island?
I haven’t had tons of time to explore many of them – but this year I’m going to make time to check out Salinas, Formentera, and a few others .

What are you listening to calm down after a long clubnight?
I really enjoy a nice chill sound to relax to, stuff like Cadenza’s podcast, or the Thoughtless Transmissions from Thoughtless Music.

Your three essential items?
Sunscreen, Aloe (for when the sunscreen fails and starts to affect my studio tan) and a couple good mates to share a „Hierbas“ with.

What was the weirdest experience on the island for you?
That moment when you round a corner exploring the island and you realize you’ve come upon a nude beach!

Thank you!