Coffee Break with John Monkman

Elevating the global electronic music scene, John Monkman stands out with his exhilarating live performances and masterful studio creations.

As the founder of Beesemyer Music, Monkman’s influence stretches from London to international stages in Amsterdam, Melbourne, Mumbai, Beirut, and Los Angeles. His sound, endorsed by labels like Kompakt, Ellum, Crosstown Rebels, and Anjunadeep, has a universal appeal.

We caught John for a quick chat about his music, his routine and future projects.

First of all, when was your first introduction to dance music and when did you decide to become a music producer?

I started listening to electronic music around 15, exploring everything from DJ Shadow to Hallucinogen. After a few years attending London underground squat parties, I delved into the UK underground scene at venues like Tyson Street and the Drone. These experiences inspired my first project, Flip-Flop, which debuted in 2007. With my partner Chris, we toured globally, especially in Brazil, where I became interested in the lower end of the BPM spectrum. Influenced by acts like Ambivalent, Martin Buttrich, Trentemøller, and Minilogue, I began experimenting with my sound. I’ve been on a quest since then to push myself and evolve what I create. For me, a song captures something ‘real’ – it should be effortless with a deep knowing.

Did you have any music background (playing instruments) before starting to produce dance music?

My dad was a great guitar player and had a good voice, so music was always around. I went through many instruments from around 8 years old, including the oboe and violin, before settling and going deeper into piano, guitar, and drums. I wouldn’t say I’m particularly great at any of them; I’m more of a noodler.

You recently decided to move to Ibiza. How’s life on the island? What do you think about the music scene there, and what influence would you say it had on your music?

Island life is great – definitely a different pace than London! It’s the perfect place to raise a family, hence the decision to relocate here. The scene here is obviously very commercial, so you get a lot of cheese, but there are some great mini moments happening around the island. With the dominant commercial sound, I often avoid things as it's not what I’m into, but it's interesting to dip in and out and hear what people are making.

Let's talk studio: what are your favorite synths? Are you team analog or digital?

Favorite synths: Moog Voyager, which I’ve had for years, and the UDO Super 6 – I just got this and it’s a beautiful machine. In the box, I love the Arturia stuff, especially the Buchla Easel.

Analog or digital – I’m not fussed as long as it sounds great. I like the randomness and discovery you get with hardware, but there's also something great about being able to edit and undo with digital.

How would you describe your sound in 3 words, to someone who doesn’t know anything about electronic music?

Climatic, Inclusive, Energetic.

You are a live performer. What made you decide to play live sets rather than DJ sets?

I’ve been DJing for years and still do, but I spend most of my time making music for myself, so I really want to play it out. Playing it out completes the creative process; the two are linked. I want to take people on a journey of what I’m working on. If people are booking me because of a track, it makes sense to give them a full experience.

You released a single called "Time Warp" on Adriatique's label Siamese. Could you tell us the story behind this track?

This track started during COVID, when we first came to Ibiza. All my hardware was still in the UK, so a lot of the main sounds came from experiments trying to recreate patches I’d made on the Moog Voyager.

What gear or plugins did you use to create it?

Native Instruments Massive and Moog Voyager.

Which releases of yours are you the most proud of and people should check out?

"Roller Vox" – This just came out and encapsulates a lot of what I’d want to listen to as someone on the dancefloor -  "Tune In Turn On" on Ellum – This was a real exercise in arrangement and minimalism (even though the track is maximal). I love it and it’s fun to play. "Impulse" on Ellum – Something was captured while making this. It still feels original and is fun to play.

You are touring and playing your music all over the world. What would you say was your best experience playing live so far and what are your favorite countries to play at?

Favorite countries: Australia and Germany.

What are the clubs or festivals where you would love to play next?

I am still yet to play Fusion, and club-wise it would be cool to play WOMB in Tokyo.

Are you working on exciting projects for 2024?

I am recording an exclusive live set with the Paris visual artists collective. I’m trying to keep the release schedule flowing, not letting songs hang around too long in the computer, hence a stream of releases till the end of the year, plus a single on Anjunadeep in August called "KHORD."

Last but not least: how do you like your coffee?

Usually black, unless there’s some new quirky turbo option like coffee w/ MCT oil, reishi, and chaga mushroom blended in. These are always pretty delicious and sufficiently over the top.

Vader is out this Friday on his label Beesemyer: grab it here

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