In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the promising DJ/Producer, Jack O'Kings, to delve into his ambitious career goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. As a rising star in the Electronic music scene, he shares his dreams, milestones, and plans for shaping the Electronic music landscape with his unique sound and presence. Here’s what he said.
What are your most ambitious career goals or aspirations for the upcoming year as a DJ/Producer, and how do you plan to pursue them?
As a DJ/Producer, setting goals is a good way to help you remain motivated and continue to strive for success. For me, one of my main goals is to play more club shows and showcase my sound and ability as a DJ. Another big goal of mine is to collaborate with established artists in the Electronic music scene, that would elevate my status and introduce me to a wider network of industry professionals. To pursue this goal, I will actively reach out to artists whose music I admire and whose style aligns with my own. I will also participate in industry events and networking opportunities to build relationships with potential collaborators and showcase my musical talents. Finally, my biggest goal is being able to perform at festivals, for this I plan to seek out opportunities to play at smaller festivals and clubs abroad, gradually building my international profile and earning the recognition of festival organizers and promoters.
If you could achieve one dream or milestone in your music career next year, what would it be, and what steps are you taking to make it a reality?
My biggest milestone as a Producer/DJ would be to reach a wider audience and make a significant impact on the Electronic music scene. I aspire to create music that connects with people on an emotional level and inspires them to move and express themselves. One of the main ways that I’d do this is by continuously refining my craft and experiment with new sounds and building a strong online presence and engage with my audience.
Every artist has a vision, can you describe the grandest, most audacious dream you have for your music career, and what makes it so exhilarating?
Signing to STMPD RCRDS and showcasing my Chill Melodic sound on the label, performing during ADE, and headlining a major festival are all incredibly ambitious dreams for my music career. Each of these goals would represent a significant milestone in my journey as a Producer and DJ.
Signing to STMPD RCRDS would be an honor of the highest order. It is one of the most respected and influential labels in the Electronic music industry, with a track record of breaking new artists and launching their careers to new heights. Signing with STMPD RCRDS would provide me with access to a global audience, the resources I need to produce and release high-quality music, and the support of a team of experienced professionals who can help me in continuing to navigate the industry.
Performing at ADE would be an unforgettable experience. ADE is the world's largest Electronic music conference and festival, and it draws attendees from all over the world. Having the opportunity to perform at ADE would allow me to showcase my music to a massive audience, including industry professionals, fans, and media. It would be an incredible opportunity to connect with people from all over the globe and share my passion for music.
Headlining a major festival would be the ultimate dream come true for any Electronic music artist. It would be an incredible experience to stand on stage and perform in front of thousands of people who are there to hear my music. It would be a dream come true to connect with my fans on a massive scale and leave a lasting impact on their lives.
What kind of impact do you hope to have on the Electronic music scene in the new year, and how do you plan to influence or shape it with your music and presence?
I plan to expand the boundaries of my Chill Melodic sound, incorporating elements of other genres such as Electronica, Indie, and even Classical music to create a unique and captivating soundscape. I believe that this approach will help to breathe new life into the genre and attract a wider audience. In the new year, I’m also committed to connecting with my fans through my music. I believe that music has the power to connect people on a deep level and create shared experiences.
As you set your sights on the future, what legacy or mark do you aspire to leave on the world of DJing and producing?
As I look further into the future, I aspire to leave a legacy of innovation, inspiration, and inclusiveness in the world of DJing and producing. I want to be remembered as a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of sound and created music that touched the hearts of people all over the world. I want to create music that transcends genres and appeals to a broad audience. I will continue to experiment with different sounds and styles, while staying true to my own unique creative vision. I believe that my music has the power to connect people on a deep level and evoke a wide range of emotions.
Do you have any specific plans for pushing creative boundaries or experimenting with your sound in ways you haven't before in the coming year?
In the next year, I plan to continue experimenting with new production techniques, such as granular synthesis. This will allow me to create innovative and unexpected sounds that push the boundaries of Electronic music.
Are there any dream collaborations with other artists or musicians that you hope to manifest in the new year?
A collaboration I’d hope to manifest in the new year would be with Robby East. I’ve been a fan of his Melodic House sound for a while, and I would love to incorporate his sound into my own productions and create something that is both chill and uplifting.
Beyond music production and DJing, are there any ventures or projects outside of your comfort zone that you'd like to explore in 2024?
In 2024, I would like to explore the area of cybersecurity within the music industry. I believe that this is a topic that is often overlooked by artists and their teams. Some of the things I’d like to do are creating resources for artists and their teams, covering topics such as password management and phishing scams. Additionally, I would like to speak at conference events like ADE about Cyber Security, as this would allow me to share my expertise with a wider audience of music professionals in helping them be aware of the digital threats to the music industry.
How do you plan to inspire and connect with your fan base on a deeper level in the new year, and what message do you want to convey through your music and presence?
As I move into 2024, I’m committed to deepening my connection with my fan base and inspiring them to connect with themselves and each other through the power of music. I plan to create more emotionally resonant music, sharing more of myself with my fans and engaging in more meaningful conversations with my fans. Through my music and presence, I’d like to convey the message of following your dreams and embracing individuality and uniqueness.
If you could offer a piece of advice to emerging DJ/Producers who look up to you and share your dreams, what would it be based on your own journey and aspirations for the new year?
One of the key qualities I’d say I have developed as an artist is resilience. The industry is highly competitive and there will be challenges across the journey of becoming an artist. Without resilience, many Producers/DJ give up on their goal before it has even begun to see some form of success.
My biggest tip for emerging DJs and Producers that look up to me and share the same dreams/journey as myself would be to set realistic expectations. Many producers/DJ may often expect to receive overnight success, however that is not the case. It takes time and effort to build a successful career in the music industry. Set achievable goals and focus on making progress, even if it's gradual. I would also give the tip of celebrating your successes big or small, as these successes will continue to help you stay motivated to achieving your goals.
We finish this interview thanking Jack for his time and openness sharing his goals, aspirations and insights with us. We wish this next year will open new doors for him and his signature style; and while he promises more music on the way and opportunities for connection and interaction with him, we await his upcoming releases and live show dates, so make sure to follow him across social media to connect with this talented artist and remain updated on his latest news.
Jack O’Kings Online
