JOHANNSON Interview: 25-Year Journey From Synth Classics to Afro-Tech

With over 25 years as a DJ and producer, Swiss-based artist Nenad Jovanovic continues to evolve through his latest project, JOHANNSON. Blending Afro, Latin, Balearic, and Tech House influences, the project has quickly gained attention and strong support from key names in the scene. Hello JOHANNSON! How are you? I hope you’ve had a great day. For those who are just discovering your music, how would you describe your artistic identity in three words? Versatile, open-minded, passionate. Who were the early musical influences that shaped the way you listen to and create music today? In my youth, I loved the synth-heavy sounds of artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Jan Hammer, Vangelis, Giorgio Moroder etc.! I listened to their albums constantly, as well as various synthesizer greatest hits compilations. That’s why you’ll hear not only club-oriented music from me, but also softer, melodic and emotional sounds. How has your journey as a listener evolved into your journey as a creator? I’m still both a listener and a creator, constantly seeking new inspiration. Over the years, I’ve developed a better ear for high-quality, well-produced music, but for me, it’s more important that the music evokes emotions than that it’s perfectly produced. That’s why I’m such a big fan of lo-fi House. The music doesn’t sound as pristine as high-end productions, but it has a special, warm, and melancholic character. What was the defining moment that made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music? I entered the music scene step by step, but the decisive moment was clearly when I first felt the energy of the audience and the connection with them while DJing. The vibes that arise when you play the right music for the right people are incomparable. What is your favorite part of the creative process? My favourite part is when something unexpected and good emerges. Often, it’s mistakes that lead to something brilliant. For example, I once mistakenly dragged a synth lead VST preset onto the bass track, and the MIDI notes meant for the bass turned into a fantastic synth melody. That’s how the bass can quickly become the main idea for a track. What is the most unconventional object you have ever recorded to use as a sound effect in a song? I once recorded the sound of the spray bottle I use for watering my flowers. Then I used that sound for the shaker effect. But in the end, it was too much work for something that’s barely noticeable in the track What is the biggest challenge you have faced so in the industry? The biggest challenge is staying true to yourself, because social media makes you unconsciously compare yourself to other artists. That’s why I use social media as little as possible. We are curious: what is the best piece of advice another artist has ever given you? I recently spoke with an artist who has a successful career and travels a lot. She told me: don’t forget to have fun, like when you first started. And she’s absolutely right. I think of her words every time I go to a gig or during stressful periods. How do you push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone when you are in the studio? Honestly, I never have to push myself because I’m completely obsessed with music. I always find inspiration, ideas, and motivation to work on new music, especially because I’m very open-minded musically. What are your main goals for the coming year in terms of releases? I want to continue releasing music with high recognition value, because that’s what matters most to me. I want to create tracks that DJs and listeners won’t get tired of even years later. With new music on the way, JOHANNSON continues to build strong momentum in global Dance music, driven by passion, experience, and a distinctive cross-genre sound. JOHANNSON Online Spotify | Instagram | Beatport The post JOHANNSON Interview: 25-Year Journey From Synth Classics to Afro-Tech appeared first on EDM House Network.