Aussie house producer GONE MAGIC’s latest single ‘FEARS,’ was born out of a moment of intense frustration and artistic disconnect. After a weekend of failed attempts at writing music, he found himself sitting in his studio late on a Sunday night, feeling disheartened and felt the ‘FEARS’ of writer’s block start to settle in. In a moment of clarity, he decided to let go of his anxieties and simply open himself to whatever inspiration might come. Suddenly, creativity flowed, and within a few hours, 90% of the track was produced, thus capturing that authentic and deeply emotive sound. Over the next few months, GONE MAGIC meticulously refined the remaining elements of ‘FEARS,’ crafting a track that embodies the power of rejecting worries and embracing passion.
GETTING TO KNOW GONE MAGIC
Explain what musical genre fits you best
House/dance
Were you connected with music from a young age and did anyone inspire you?
Absolutely. Music has always been an escape and form of expression for me, regardless of form. Growing up I always used to make up songs as my dad was in a band and i wanted to be like him.
What kickstarted your music career?
Getting my first laptop and teaching myself how to produce music. From there I just haven’t looked back!
Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved over time
I first started off as a rapper/producer in my teens, writing beats and then performing the raps to go alongside it. As a producer I always kept an open mind when it came to the production side of things, I have a very diverse music taste and would always try to draw elements from whatever I was listening to at the time and incorporate that into my music. As I finished highschool and struggled to find work in the music industry I decided I would learn how to DJ as a way to perform and begin to make a living off music as it was my dream. As my DJ career began I started experimenting with making dance music, as I’ve always loved listening to it and going to festivals. Slowly my production style started to shift, especially as I entered different phases of life and used music as a way to express myself. My venture into being a electronic artist has really been about being able to capture deep, emotive sounds that contain elements from all types of music, whether its sounds, production styles or overall energy in such a way that my listeners can feel it in their soul.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists or producers?
Don’t hold onto an identity if you feel a calling for something else.
I struggled at first, making a switch from being a rapper/producer to a house DJ as I felt that I was almost betraying myself in a way. Over time I have come to realise that it was just a calling for me to create something far better and amazing and being able to let go of who I thought I was has lead me to develop my skills and passion as an artist.
How do you nurture your industry relationships?
I try to build genuine human connection with everyone I work with. Don’t treat people like business transactions, try get to know someone outside of a business relationship because we would all rather help a friend rather than a stranger, even if you’ve never met face to face.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank that’s been crucial to your journey?
Probably my mum, she is my number 1 fan and critic.
Name 3 songs you love and what they mean to you + Youtube links
First one is actually an album: “The North Borders” by Bonobo
I have listened to this album more than any other musical piece in my life. It has been something I turn to in times of both happiness and sadness. A true masterpiece. Simon Green (Bonobo) is one of my all time favourite artists and I draw a lot of my creative inspiration from him.
“Vincent Price” by Phonique
This is one of the first songs that REALLY got me into house music. I heard this track in my early teens and would listen to it on repeat for HOURS. I always get a bit nostalgic when I listen to it now as it feels like this was partly where my music career began.
“Time” by Hans Zimmer
Quite possibly one of the best compositions EVER. I remember watching Inception for the first time and hearing the theme feeling such a visceral response from the music that I can’t listen to the song without getting goosebumps. I love this track because it is how music is meant to make us feel!
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
Definitely my Sidechain plug-in “Kickstart 2” by Nicky Romero. It has so many creative applications aside from laying kick + bass and I use it on every track without fail. Best money I ever spent.
Name your favourite club or festival and how it makes you feel
Tomorrowland. I think for me it’s the idea of it. When I think of being a Dj and the whole “dream” side of things, Tomorrowland is the pinnacle that we all strive for. Just thinking about it makes my heart race and gives me the chills. One day i’ll play on the Tomorrowland stage, you guys just watch!
Name an outlandish rider request?
Might seem weird but don’t use fitted sheets. Nothing worse than coming back to your room when you’re ready for bed and having to pull a million covers off and pull out a sheet that feels like its been superglued to the mattress… huge pet hate of mine haha.
Favourite clubbing memory and who or what did it involve?
Probably Earlier this year when I hosted a Boat Party. DJing, dancing and spending time with friends on a yacht in the middle of summer was an experience I’ll never forget. We all felt like superstars that day.
What famous quote represents you best?
“The person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you could play at any venue, where would it be and why?
Boiler Room. The energy in that place is out of this world!
Music is….. (explain more)
A way for us to connect irregardless of age, language, national borders and lifetime.
One song you really couldn’t live without and why?
“Waiting” by Oliver Heldens. It’s such a funky, feel good track that makes me want to dance every time I listen.
Namedrop your favourite 5 artists or DJs (past or present)
Bonobo, Chris Lake, David Guetta, Tiesto, Oliver Heldens
What was your first music memory and how did it fuel your fire?
Watching my dad perform in a band. It lit a spark in me that hasn’t gone out, giving me a love for music.
Tell us more about your plans for the future
I’m currently working on an Ep which I hope to have ready for release by the end of the year.
Any worldly advice you’d like to share?
Don’t compare yourself to others. It can be hard with social media these days but if you can look back and confidently say “I’m better than who I was yesterday and I’ve come further than I ever thought, who cares what everyone else is doing” then you’ll find it much easier to be happy and grateful for your life. We only have one life so we might as well live it trying to pursue our dreams… better to try and fail than live with the regret of never trying.
FEARS Is Out Now
https://ditto.fm/fears-gone-magic
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