John 00 Fleming Interview

John 00 Fleming has achieved international success over 27 years, with more than 10 million album sales, 30 mix compilations and a live presence his fans worldwide know and love him for. The JOOF sound is world-renowned and has stood the test of time without feeling dated or losing its unique stamp on the trance scene. Hence why we’re so excited to see him at Earthcore in Pyalong on 29th November. Before he takes over the main floor, we had a quick Q&A with the dance music legend to find out about his trusted tools of the trade, the JOOF experience, and his excellent advice for politicians.

How are you preparing for your 3am set at Earthcore this November?
I’m constantly working on my art each and every week for the past 25 years, so am always prepared and ready. I have a special connection with the Australian crowd, it always feels like coming home and put me in my comfort zone. If anything I’m more excited to be heading back and can’t wait for the big day to arrive.

You’ve recently been to Amsterdam, Milan and Goa; is seeing different places a highlight of touring for you? What do you love most about touring and is there anything you dislike?
When constantly returning to various countries and cities, you get to really know their cultures and the people. Most people will take a two-week vacation and stay in a resort hotel, but I’m actually living like a local so feel deeply connected to each place I visit. It’s a wonderful experience that makes me understand the world and local people much more…something politicians should do to understand the world.

What has been your favourite show of 2014?
It’s really not fair to pick just one as there’s been so many for very different reasons. One stand out show was my recent 8-Hour JOOF editions set in Melbourne. We’ve been working over the past five years to create something special for Melbourne and we nailed it with this party. The atmosphere was outstanding and people arrived early and stayed until the very end. The show actually sold out and I can’t thank everyone enough for this.

How do you want listeners to feel when they hear your music and watch you live?
I want them to have a JOOF experience…people already know that I don’t care for the musical fads that come and go, I simply do my own thing to make sure everyone has a unique experience.

You’ve mixed so many tracks through the years on everything from vinyl to hard drive; which ones have created stand-out moments for you and what are you currently playing?
I still need hardware as it feels too weird doing everything solely via a laptop, for something doesn’t sit right visually from the punter’s point of view looking up at a guy with his head planted in a laptop. I use Pioneer’s 4 x CDJ 2000 Nexus and DJM 900 mixer. I link them via my laptop, so have a whole array of tools at my disposal.

Still not got your Earthcore ticket yet? Get your hands on them now from dashtickets.com.au.

By Charlotte Mellor
@cmellor_03