Jonny Cade is a new schooler with plenty of knowledge, energy and skills to mix it up with the best of them. Originally from London, he went to university in Leeds – which is one of the UK’s house and techno hubs and has been for quite some time. It was in the north where Jonny really fell in love with electronic music and also met so many of the weird and wonderful characters who make the UK scene so fertile and influential. We caught up with the man himself recently and asked him a few questions…
In case anyone reading hasn’t heard of you, can you please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Jonny Cade and I like making music.
Straight to the point, we like it! How’s 2014 been treating you so far?
It’s been great thanks. I’ve been getting my head down and finally made some new music which is great because I wasn’t getting much time in the studio before Christmas.
Did you start the year with a firm idea of what you wanted to achieve or are you taking it as it comes?
I’ve learnt over the years that by setting targets you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. The music industry is unpredictable and bites you in the bum right when you think you’re about to get somewhere. If you just take it as it comes, when something good happens it’s a pleasant surprise.
How would you say your approach to music has changed since your first started making it?
When I first started making music I was predominantly a drummer. So all my music was very beat heavy with very little melodic content. As I have progressed my ears have improved with things like harmony and melodies. I now sit down and think about what I can take away from my tracks instead of what I can add. This is something that comes from maturing as a producer I think.
[youtube id=”g3UTEiB0eKg” width=”620″ height=”360″]
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a producer so far?
Don’t overthink things and definitely don’t make music because it’s what you think other people want to hear. Just produce tracks because you want to make something new and fresh. Because this is when you will find your true sound and be happy with your own work. I have been producing for five years and only now am I beginning to enjoy my own music…
You’re from the south of England but used to live in the north, what are the main differences between the two parts of the country?
The north is a mecca for students; night life, house parties, cheap booze, tramps, fashion, and universities, the south is the same but more expensive, less students and slightly more mature. Saying that, this is all based on going out and partying, I love the north because when you get out of the cities the countryside is unbelievable. I could definitely see myself moving back up there when I’m older.
How has living in the north affected you; 1) musically and 2) personally
Living in Leeds had a huge impact on me musically. I studied at Leeds College of Music and was always surrounded by a variety of musicians that I regularly recorded and produced music for. These ranged from 3-piece jazz ensembles to full orchestras. Leeds also has one of the most thriving clubbing scenes in the country, which delivers new artists to your doorstep every day of the week. This meant I was frequently hearing fresh music from big artists that would have definitely had an impact on my sound.
I think living in Leeds definitely affected me on a personal level as well. After three years of partying and studying without a care in the world I have now realised that it’s time to get serious and make a career for myself in music. I have matured a lot after studying in Leeds and learned some important life lessons which have now had a big impact on my life.
What do you miss most about the north?
House parties, my friends, not caring about anything other than having fun, the music, the general way of life, Greggs bakery. I think I should probably move back read over this list.
[youtube id=”5h1VjrzeszE” width=”620″ height=”360″]
What are your plans for the summer?
This summer I have some exciting gigs booked in including headlining The Egg, playing in Bristol, Glastonbury, Dimensions and a couple of dates in Ibiza. I can’t wait for this summer to start to be honest. I’m sick of the winter now!
Since you’re a Jonny, which of these three Jonnys would you say you are most similar to and why? 1) Jonny Bravo, 2) Jonny Rotten or 3) A rubber Jonny
Well I would like to say I’m most like Jonny Bravo (minus the big muscles) but my friends would probably say I’m a Jonny Rotten because I do tend to be a bit of a rotter sometimes. And you can shove number 3 up your behind!
You collaborated with Cera Alba last year, what was he like to work with?
Yes, he’s a great producer and a good friend of mine who I met in Leeds whilst studying up there! We work really well together which is why we keep putting collabs out. We’re actually working on a new EP together so look out for that one.
Any more collabs/releases we should look out for in the coming months?
I’ve just made a track with Huxley to be released on his album this summer! I’ve also just finished an EP with Michael Jansons which is sounding pretty solid and then I’m getting in the studio with Harry Wolfman which I’m pretty excited about as we have wanted to work on something together for a while.
Finally can you name your current top 5 dancefloor killers for us…?
Spanner in the works (Gerd & Alden Tyrell remix) – The Organ Grinder
California Analog Dream (Factory Floor remix) – Vondel Park
Money Back (Flashmob Underground Mix) – Rene
Dosem – Urban Shelter (Original Mix)
In A Daze feat. Eric D. Clark (Vocal Version) – TraXX, Mutant Beat Dance, Beau Wanzer
