Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Addi John
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember being 10 and getting a Guitar for Christmas. My mother bought me the guitar so I can learn “Hotel California,” by the Eagles
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I actually got into music accidentally. I showed up to a friend’s band practice and found out they needed a bass player, and I said I have a bass. Even though I didn’t. I thought my acoustic was a bass (I was 10) but they still added me to the band. Because of this, I found a passion for playing music and creating.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I always have been releasing music under different names and different band projects. Each project I was always the head writer and whenever the project didnt work out I had to start from scratch with developing an audience. After my former band “Lost in Japan” decided to go on an indefinite hiatus I decided it was time to start releasing music under my name. I produce and write everything myself in a studio I built. The story of Addi John is a journey of creating. I just want to make songs I would listen to and hopefully it resonates with people.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music
before?
I’ve been calling my genre “Ginger Pop” (mainly because I myself am a ginger). My music ranges from sad songs and sing-alongs to full-force pop rock. Everything I write is in the realm of indie folk, indie pop.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learnt that there’s no wrong way to make a song, as long as you are happy with the end product. I find, in the music industry, there’s an expectation that everything has to be done or recorded a certain way. But in reality, recording and making music at the end of the day is a process of art. Its an expression. As long as I like my music and the quality of the song, then I’m sure others will too. This was something I learnt by taking the leap and releasing my first self-produced song over 5 years ago.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I’m a Logic Pro user through and through. Originally, I was trained in protools but I feel Logic’s workflow works better for me. I also feel my UAD Apollo is essential for my mixing.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Boy Genius. They are a powerhouse that offer incredible songs.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Over the years I was chasing fame or “the dream” of becoming internationally known. But after years of chasing that and receiving somewhat of a good following, I learnt that chasing numbers or more listeners is a goal that will never be fulfilled. Not only does it cause burnout, but it can have a bad effect on musicians’ mental health. I learnt the hard way that making music isn’t supposed to be for fame. Now everything I do and create is because I love what I make, and I want to have it out in the world. Now, in saying that, I put it out into the world with no expectations.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want people to feel inspired, and heard. My music touches on subjects that are hard to discuss but are essential for helping our inner calm. I want people to know they are not alone in how they feel. I want my listeners to know they matter and they are beautiful.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me a lot of things but the most important would be it helps with patience and being content with creating something just for the purpose of creating.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
It’d be really cool to perform at festivals like reeperbahn, Glastonbury, or Rock the Park in London ON. A venue I dream about playing is Massey Hall in Toronto.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to write a song with Dan Smith. I’m a big fan of his work and the way his song stories really capture emotion. I feel we could make something really cool.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
You can find me wherever you listen to music under Addi John (Spotify, Apple music, Amazon, etc.) All my social handles are @iamaddijohn.
and my website is www.addijohn.ca
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical
journey?
I really want to tour Europe with my band and have a few sold out shows there.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I am very approachable and actually quite funny (I think).
