Spoontech Records
John Söderström, shares the story of his life and career in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) industry. A DJ and Producer for the raw hardstyle act duo Main Concern, this name in EDM is a recognizable artist among hard dance brands such as Q-Dance, and Platinum Agency. The young artist most recently performed at Defqon.1’s Blue stage for a Main Concern DJ set.
On and off the stage, John Söderström of Main Concern also has releases on the Spoontech Records label to which they signed in 2013. The once Australian owned label lead by artist Vazard in 2010 was then left over to John Söderström in 2016 to carry on its legacy of leading artists in hard dance music in to the spotlight with releases, bookings, and more under this big name record label. Starting the booking agency The Orange Tree Bookings, and landing a stage-area at the final edition of Q-Base 2018 are two of his most recent accomplishments as its label manager.
Professional DJ and Producer, label manager and ambassador of hard dance music, John Söderström shares his words about his participation in the EDM industry within these roles. Read what he has to tell of it from the interview piece below. While you do, tune into the exclusive mix from John Söderström, in which he introduces the sounds from Spoontech label in a manner inspired by the upcoming edition of Q-Base 2018.
Interview
OneEDM: WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH IN MUSIC?
John Söderström: I’ve always been inspired by electronic music. Starting at a young age during the 90s I listened to a lot of Trance and different types of “Eurodance” and “Hands up” music. This turned into an interest in Hardstyle during 2004-2005, back then I listened a lot to Zany, Dark Oscillators and Technoboy. I think what inspired me back then was looking at all the videos of the parties and dreaming about going there and of course being on stage. After those things came true I think what inspires me to keep working with music, and in particular the label, is to keep the spirit of Spoontech alive, as well as working with all the friends I have within the label.
WHAT INSPIRED SPOONTECH RECORDS?
Spoontech started back in 2010 when the founderss Vazard and Delete wanted a platform for artists that were carrying the same mindset as themselves; to create Hardstyle that were a bit “harder” than the rest and with certain influences from the early days of the genre. Today the label is trying to stick to this mindset as much as possible. We are inspired by our artists diversity and creative minds as well as our fans and their drive to support our cause!
WHAT DOES THE SPOONTECH RECORD LABEL MEAN TO YOU?
For me personally Spoontech means a community of old and new friends with the same passion that are all in this weird bubble togather. This is something that might be hard to grasp online but is clearly seen during the label hostings when we all come together. Every time that I am standing in the crowd or on stage during our events,with tears in my eyes and drenched in sweat, I get the thought “THIS is why I love Spoontech!”. To me the label and its following brings out all the best parts of the Hardstyle scene when we get together and create that epic atmosphere!
WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING PART OF BEING THE SPOONTECH LABEL MANAGER?
I started out as an artist on the label in 2013, I really looked up to Vazard and Delete back then (and I still do), so to get to work together with them in different ways has been amazing. As they later stepped down and left the label in my hands, I am now able to keep their legacy alive and at the same time create my own take on Spoontech. I also get the chance to help new and old artists achieve whatever goals they may have and to try and push their music to new places. Another aspect that I love is to collaborate with organizers to share that amazing Spoontech-vibe with the world. So as you see there are many exciting things about managing thhe label!
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF SPOONTECH?
In our eight years we have gone through a lot and we have grown slowly and steadily. In my opinion some of the proudest achievements of Spoontech are that we have been able to stick to our roots in a healthy way throughout the years, that we have been able to host events in the Spoontech name around the world and that we are able to help artists that without our label might not have been given the chance to get their music out in the open.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MUSIC SPOONTECH RECORDS PROMOTES?
I would describe it as genuine and diverse, it doesn’t feel forced in a way which music that are trying to chase the hype does. We have artists that to many would serve as “raw” producers but at the same time they have their distinct and unique sound. We also have artists which are more melodic, not in the same way as “euphoric” but more influenced by the earlier days of Hardstyle in anew and fresh way.
ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING RELEASES FROM SPOONTECH RECORDS TO WATCH FOR?
I think for people who are not familiar with the sound and want to get an understanding of what I’m talking about in the answer above, you should check out: D-Verze-“Winds of Change” [RADIO EDIT], and then keep your eyes open for the upcoming release of Mind Dimension & The Purge called “Let’s Do This”. These releases got the best of both worlds within Spoontech in my opinion, the melodic/euphoric and those raw/industrial sounds.
APART FROM MANAGING SPOONTECH RECORDS, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?
As I mentioned before, I used to be an artists on the label, in the duo called “Main Concern“, so music production were and still is a big part of my life. We are actually doing a few gigs this summer which will be a lot of fun! I am obviously a big music fan so I love to go to anything from underground raves to concerts and experience music in different forms. Apart from anything music related, I love being out in nature, as I live in Sweden, we have quite a lot of that around haha! I am one of those people who love to have millions of projects around me and it’s in the nature I am able to refuel when things get rough and exhausting.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT LANDING YOUR OWN AREA AT THE FINAL EDITION OF Q-BASE 2018?
Well, it’s just an unbelievable feeling altogether. Since I started getting involved in the management of the label in 2014 I’ve had this as a “silent goal” of mine. When the discussions started with Q-dance last year I had a hard time wrapping my head around that this might actually happen Once everything was set and done it still took a few weeks to sink in! For an “underground” label like ourselves to be recognized by one of the largest event organizations in the world is incredible. We’re really thankful for this opportunity and we will enjoy every millisecond of it!
WHAT CAN CURIOUS FANS EXPECT FROM SPOONTECH AT Q-BASE 2018?
We can’t reveal any lineup just yet but let’s say we will make sure that we will deliver that same atmosphere as our previous hostings and try to top it! This will be the last Q-BASE and we will make sure to close it in the proper Spoontech-style.
Photo John Söderström
HOW DOES THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR SPOONTECH RECORDS AT Q-BASE 2018 COMPARE TO OTHER EVENTS THE LABEL HAS PARTICIPATED IN?
Each event has been unique in it’s own way so it’s hard to compare this hosting with previous ones. We have had our own little “temple” in Club Rodenburg for the past 3 years and that venue will always be very dear to us. But of course we feel like this is a little extra special as we are an underground label and not that close tot he mainstream. So for us to be recognized by Q-dance is on it’s own exciting but also the opportunity it gives us to get our name out in the open like this. However, everyone believing in us in the early days have made it possible for us to reach the point where we’re at right now. So we are very grateful for that and won’t ever forget where we come from!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT?
I would just like to round this up by first thanking you, One EDM, for the interest in the label and second, thanking all you guys out there who support Spoontech. We would be nowhere without you. I hope to see you all very soon!
About Q-BASE 2018
The outdoor EDM festival Q-BASE of 14 years in the harder styles of dance music at the retired WWII era air base in Weeze, DE will close out its final edition this September 2018. The music concept of Q-BASE is one that is known for the showcase of industrial, hardcore, raw hardstyle, drum n’ bass, and underground hard dance. From contests such as “Drop Your Own Area”, and “Drop Your Own Anthem”, Q-BASE historically promotes new and upcoming talent: Hit n’ Run, Into the Darklands are two winners of the “Drop Your Own Area” contest. The opportunity to host one’s own stage at Q-BASE is a privilege.
Spoontech Records will host its own area at the final edition of Q-BASE 2018. After the facebook announcement the lineup, stage design, and other festival news are in the works. Fans can expect the Spoontech label to live up to the hard dance concept in style.
About Spoontech Records
Relatively new record label among those promoting the harder styles in dance music. Since 2010, Spoontech has a global appeal starting in Australia and now managed in Sweden. Furthermore, it represents artists from around the world as well.
Exclusive Mix
Straight from the mixing skills of John Söderström of the Spoontech Record label is an exclusive mix for the One EDM audience. In the upcoming weeks as we approach Q-Base 2018, this mix will give fans an idea of the sounds of Spoontech to be heard at their stage this year.
Track List
Time, Title-Artists
- 00:00, Q-Base Melody [Cello Version]-Q-Dance
- 00:15, “Karma” Feat. Jouni Herranen-Hardstyle Mafia
- 03:14, “Ocean Machine”-Infirium
- 07:09, “Winds of Change”-D-Verze
- 10:10, “Evolve”-Vyral
- 14:35, “Make You Fly”-Genox
- 17:00, “Anxiety Crash”-Vazard
- 19:45, “Formula [2012 EDIT]-Delete
- 23:24, “Thug Cookies”-Main Concern
- 26:42, “Haters”-Mind Dimension
- 30:12, “What’s That Sound”-The Purge
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