I’m 49. I have been producing electronic music for more than 25 years. I consider myself quite good. I promoted dozen of event as well back in the days. But today I do music for myself as a gift from life….which is the true power of music. The scene is awful nowadays. Once you are free from codes….the real fun begins. I have conserved everything, knowing days are changing and I would have fun in the future with this mindset….which is still the case. I know what is it to produce with half you brain creating the music and the other one worrying about all thé rest….that’s not good. You listened to your inner voice, which is the most important in the end. Cheers.
Hey Jon, I feel you. When I was young I had big dreams to make it big in my field (not music) and I tried in many different ways. I struggled and I failed. I was devastated. I eventually gave up and found a corporate job that fulfilled me personally and brought financial stability. Many years ahead, after a great career into senior mgmt, it allowed me to retire by the age of 50 and chase my dreams. So I started making music for fun and as a hobby. In retrospect I don’t regret any choice I have made. And for my still fairly young retirement age I can now take care of the things I always wanted. So I hope your future will be bright, and no matter what you do, do it with all the passion you got. If you loose passion, change something
Wishing you the best for your future endeavors. I have been around this channel and you for years. I relate with all the confusion. Thank you for the last motivating part.
I feel you. I stopped djing because the scene has changed to something that I don't relate to anymore. I come from an underground Era, playing at after hour clubs where I played music nobody knew but really pushed boundaries and made people have amazing experiences..I remember my last gig people came up to me telling me that I'm truly one of the last djs they heard that play real underground style...it's a shame what has happened ...like you said, big stages and hype music isn't for me...I get it.
I think a lot of people are just fading out of scene because of this. It is not the scene it used to be when people were not only into the music but into the mixing and seemed more passionate about it. That's just my 2 cents. I think this is why I watched Jon's videos. He sounded passionate about his music.
But who cares about the mainstages in the world , the same 20 names on repeat … at Tomorrowland you have dozens of stages with underground music and their packed. social media is giving you a wrong impression.. there are 100 top cheese business djs and producers, but millions of other artist who shape an create new things . Like in football you have Ronaldo and maybe 100 other superstars.. but millions of players who actually keep the vibe alive. It’s maybe frustrating to see that some get so much attention, but these are the 1% ..99% have values like you :)
I resonate with this, I retired djing as well mostly because of age and I wanted to settle down and the dj lifestyle wasn't conducive to that. In hindsight I don't regret my decision at all, the scene became the opposite of what initially drew me in. A sense of something unique that no one else knew. Once something becomes popular it loses all the charm that it once had. My career is now making music for video games/film and even other DJs but I found a nice sweet spot to stay home, write music for them and they can deal with the scene that I became disappointed in.
Ye now labels just get little idiots influencer of my ass just so the label get more view or like to promote themself! Shoking! It is disgustingly disgusting!🤮 it make me sick! They do not care about talent anymore!!! Also lot of daddys son with money and most of them DUTCH!
If people want to know why DJs generally suck now, I point them to Grimes at Coachella. Still plenty of great DJs, but they don't get anywhere near the slots they deserve. It's not about the music or talent, it's about popularity, notoriety or image.
@@JohnSmith-pn2vl Wrong. Songwriting brings the real income because you hold the copyrights and with that you get the biggest percentage of the income revenue. All you need as a songwriter is one hit (even when performed by someone else) and you as the copyright holder cash in (not the performer or the person you gave the song to).
@@moxictasculinity That´s BS. Back then he probably made a mistake with the contracts (if he even made a contract). Then you can get screwed. But even then if you can prove that you wrote the song, you can go to court. The copyrights are cristal clear in these points.
It’s crazy that there’s so much ghost production in EDM I’ve never seen a phenomenon like this in other genres, even in hip hop like diddy & dj khaled they credit their producers and don’t claim to be the “beatmaker”. Idk I think that’s a PROBLEM imo
If you produce what you love, I guarantee there are others out there that also love what you love! With that in mind, it's really just a matter of proper marketing, isn't it?
@@DiBBs277and thats what i dont like The Marketing who tell you what you should like I never invest in Advertisement because I dont like ads If something is good it will go viral by itself because other people tell there Family and friends about it If a product is bad you have to pay a lot for Advertisement for the illusion of a "good product"
@@gaston7428nothing at all I only post my music on TH-cam I make music because its my Passion and I dont care about to get rich or famous with it The music business is one of the most hardest and unfair businesses in the world and when you set your focus on the money you loose your creativity and freedom
I totally agree with you, I had so many goals as a producer in the past and finally I am free. I wanted to play my music in front of people, but I didn’t wanna follow any trends and I hate the social media part. I also don’t like how the scene is right now. Finally I have decided to not focus on that dj and touring thing and I just wanna do my music. In my genre, which is melodic progressive house, it is extra hard to build a DJ career. Now I feel so good to just do the music I want and get it out there and see what happens. Good luck :)
Wow this is unexpected, I haven't watched your videos in years but I used to when I was into DJ'ing and producing 6-7 years age, time definitely changes your perspective. All the best!
There's so much more talent out there playing compared to 20 years ago. Truly amazing talent.this makes competition much more fierce, and the internet is a huge part of the arena.
Sounds reasonable. Make your studio comfortable, have a good time. Maybe become a resident DJ in a small Club near where you are living... Can be quite satisfying DJing 4 h a week on Fridays... And if you want, you can play some of your own songs. Doesn't give much money, but you still are in the booth regularly. Just an idea.
Excellent work. All the best... It's taken me years to accept that I'm an artist rather than a producer... And mix engineer... Now focused on the artist stuff ... To make exquisite hit songs that are based on The Bible 😊
It's great that Jon made a firm decision. I feel the same way, but I'm still full of doubts about to try an artist career again in my 30s. Values change over time, but since I haven't achieved my goals as an artist, even though I've tried, it haunts me. I also hate what the scene has become and that now you have to be an influencer and pay more attention to social media and image rather than music. Who else feels the same? Let's discuss.
I feel similarly I’m in my late 30s and I’ve wanted or felt I need to produce and album but haven’t achieved that. I also want to be singer. But being my age that’s tougher for people to care about an older artist . I’ve tried to achieve this goal for sometime but I guess I’ve gotten distracted and just not followed the path to achieve the goal. Sometime I wonder if I adhd I recently used Bandlab to kind of help me out and it’s ok but I had really wanted to produce without 😅relying on loops a lot . With ppl not caring much of my Susie (though I can’t lie and say I promote it much ) I feel like not sure what’s the point Did I have the wrong motivations also I’m a woman so there’s also biological clock thing and I don’t have kids
I’ve had what I think is spiritual instruction about how I need to rebrand. I also feel I should dress the part so to speak . You are what you feel and if you feel like powerful rock star perhaps then you’ll get it
@@maryanne2025 Everything is very mixed up.🙂 Anyway. You can still be a singer at your age, you just need to find the right form and image. Cause yeah, age matters if you want to be in a girl's band, maybe that's really too late. If not, everything is possible, as well as being a mother if you really want it. It's all about priorities. Sometimes it's hard to get what you really want and what's imposted.
I got lucky when I was 21 and my sister's boyfriend was a high profile remixer with his brother doing U2, Lighthouse Family & loads of other pop acts. I gave him a demo of stuff that I had been working on for 12 months and he passed it over to an industry manager who owned a record label. Long story short, I was signed at 21 and went from poverty to earning a fortune overnight and had a decade in the music business doing remixes and writing original tracks for various labels. The 90's were a golden time with huge sums of money everywhere, you could literally buy a house after doing 2 or 3 remixes. Napster & piracy ended the gravy train and remix fees went down 80% within 12 months. By 2005 it was impossible to make a living from remixing and many (including me) changed career paths. I started designing sounds for composers and other artists and the general decline has continued with AI the nail in the coffin. My advice if you are young and love music, do it as a hobby and get on the Ai train or some other growth industry. The golden days are long gone and want be coming back.
I had too much anxiety to DJ professional. I made home mixes that got played on the radio and praise from big names. But I couldn't get myself on stage. Just follow your heart. If music is central in your life, it will always be.
The way i look at it is, by dropping out of "the scene" we actually take it back. I dont dj any more apart from for myself when i feel like it. I produce for myself and upload to soundcloud when i feel like it. I do it purley just for me when i want and how i want. I dont care if a single person plays my tracks or ever hears me play a dj set again. Ive taken back the scene to what ive always loved about it. Just my view.
This is a take I have recently come too as well. Its hard at first but it is stipping it back to what is most important. Your own self actualisation and enjoyment, instead of pressuring yourself
Hi Jon! I’m a silent follower since the beginning of your channel here. Really enjoyed it. I’m severely sick. Wheelchair bound. Before I was a DJ, Festival organiser and music lawyer. My whole life was music. Now that I’m feeling better I want to restart my music career. I’m a decent producer, I think (hope). But I’m with you: I hate the social media part. I don’t know how to do it. I’m an influencer for my disease. But with music, I’m shy. And nowadays it’s hard. Labels count followers, streams etc. Just making good music isn’t enough anymore. Anyways I wish you the best of luck with your choice! Hope it will go great!
Hi. I am also a wheelchair user. I am 52. Lost my leg 2 years ago during the lockdown. Music makes me stronger, I set a goal to be a music producer and mainly as an audio mastering engineer. With more time on my hands, I went in full bore with a new purpose. I don't care what anyone says, I will do it and try with all that I have. Keep up the work and push forward. You are not alone. All the best. Cheers.
Regardless of how things worked out I think you still helped push the dance scene forward by giving all of us aspiring producers helpful videos over the years. Thanks for giving us a view into your life, and kudos to you for setting your mind to goals and working so hard. I love your music and I think you hit the nail on the head when you said the ultimate goal is to just enjoy making music you are proud of.
You’re a great producer. I’ve stopped that journey 10 years ago and just produce at home and helping others. I don’t promote myself through media out TH-cam. In my 50 now and still enjoy sitting playing some keys and reached my son to play the guitar and working on being a duo with my son as I also help others on a personal level
The internet was supposed to be an equalizer and give lesser known artists a way to grow naturally. It didn't. It got twisted towards making the Taylor Swifts of the world even bigger and gave corporations even more power. Sad times for artists, now that AI can reap the creativity in even more ways.
It goes deeper sadly. Danny ik is military industry bro… they stopping us intentionally… its sick bro all so iz rel can destroy itself and kill innocents without “ critics” ala musicians that arent swift
I think it's a good choice; when you're done, you're done. Choose what feels good to you. Years ago, I failed/quit my DJ/producing career because I didn't understand the social dynamics of the electronic music business /scene. I couldn't separate the business from the personal side of things.
I'm still on my way figuring out what the right path for me in my industry is. I love software development and learned it during my apprenticeship and my nearly finished bachelors degree but I'm also interested in special topics like machine learning and cyber security and I'm trying different things out. I'm really curious to see where I will be in 5 or 10 years. One of my big dreams is it that I'm a good software architect some day but maybe I'm in management position or in a cyber sec. position some day.
I think your career is about to take off! You inspired me to get back into music and I appreciate everything you’ve done. It’s been an hour to watch your journey through the years
In my opinion, you took the right step. Social media is overflown by so-called "artists." Everything that matters nowadays is taking your artist name and considering it as a brand. No matter who creates the music for you and who prepares the DJ set for you-that happens in the background. Your face is nothing other than a label on a piece of expensive clothing, which is from the same factory as a no-name piece. If your brand is not that big, of course you have to do it all by yourself. However, some people love to see authentic people in the industry. And even more important: People love to hear authentic, well-produced music. My personal conclusion to this is that social media and self-expression are destroying the authentic music industry.
Congratulations! Sounds like a natural progression to me. I know a lot of DJ's that have taken this path, nothing like sitting in the studio, working on music with no worries of marketing, social media and all that BS.
Honestly, if you stop making music for money, it becomes more enjoyable. You can just focus on your art and creativity without feeling financial pressures behind it. I resonate with a lot what you said, the music industry right now is kind of a joke with influencers taking over and social media gaining bigger significance in advancing your music career. I both hate social media and also dislike the gigging/touring part, especially when it becomes more regular and involves lots of travel. For now, I think I found my fairly happy spot where I work 9-5, create music when I can, run my YT channel, pick up a few gigs here and there and just try to enjoy the journey as much as I can. Wishing you good luck and hopefully you'll also find your happy spot!
hey, i am so proud of you for making this decision. It's great to see you are able to cut the parts in your work that you don't like and only enjoy the parts you enjoy the most!!
Been a EDM producer/artist for 28 years, and just got past 5k subs this year with this account from 2008. Working as a full time artist, scraping by but wouldn't do anything else (probably couldn't even do anything else with all the insomnia things). My music's gotten more experimental this year and more enjoyable to make.
After following you all these years, I believe it is 100% the right way to go for you. I have always been impressed by your knowledge of producing music, while I have always been skeptical of your DJ career. So this insight of yours feels absolutely right and I will continue to follow you. Time for the next chapter 🙂
props to you man. its tough, the whole reason i stopped djing and pursuing the career was because the social media takeover started when i was finishing my music academy program. i hated how 90% of it was based on branding/marketing. not the actual music, i hit the wall too. didnt want to pursue it like that anymore.
I can relate. I started as a kid helping my family by handling the sound for the live performances. In my teens I was helping churches with concerts because I knew how to setup/run crossovers for 3 way systems and I could set up multiple monitor feeds. Although I didn't know anything else with live sound, those 2 things were more than most. In 1996, I borrowed money to set up a small studio in my wife's and my basement. In 1999 I began renting a commercial space and added a tv mix room and a composition room. 2006 I was bought out by a video production company and began directing documentaries and Producing documentaries. 2014 I started Silver Fox and 2019 was working hard and was setting things up to have our best year ever in 2020 and then Canada shut down and I lost ALL the contracts I had for the next 18 months. I never had one contract renew. After all I have done, I really didn't achieve what I was hoping to accomplish and I am dissolving the company, walking away from the insanity of the TV industry and music industry, building a small studio space in the basement of our house and simply jam with friends. I am at peace.
Thanks for the updateJon, I would be interested in seeing the process of starting from scratch, how you found your agent, when you’re meeting with new artists you don’t have to show details about that but what your schedule is like compared to for how long it’s going to take you to create a song with that artistwhat your experience is like going forward.
I feel your decision. I love to make music, but im not that guy (anymore) that wants to be out there grinding the social media game, working 40h a week and be out on the weekend and so on. Maybe it's also because of my kid and family, my view on "having a good time" changed, but my love to the mucis is something, that will never go away. My big dream and career path is to give my daughter everything she needs to find the same joy in music, as i do. To build a hobby for us both, that we can enjoy and build togehter. I've thought about restart my social media and i probably will, because i also produce, but i just wanne make music for the making music part and wanne show people, what i do. Same as you say, only if i feel for this but with no force like i have to.
Yes bro many of us feel exactly the same, i'm 52 i play 34 years... last year i just quit play and stop releasing and open my own club, at least i stopped to f brain see how the dj scene was becoming just a marketing, youtube vlog and Instagram selfies in last years.
I understand your decision. Music has never been about money to me. I spend more time on it than on my work and I like to keep it that way because if my career depends on it then I will probably stop being passionate about it. Keep sharing your music but create it for your well-being.
Jon, You do you you man.. I am 48 now and grew up as the “Scene” really began in dirty old clubs, outdoor beaches with the Hippy community setting up there sound systems in one cop towns (I’m from Ireland 🇮🇪) To getting to illegal raves that were nothing more than a whisper in your ear and a meet-up of cars following each other from payphone to payphone, till we arrived at the warehouse for an amazing night (and just donated what you could afford for fuel for the Generators and some cash for the DJs, to our city club that played House every Saturday, and the rest of the week was spent talking about who played what, what tracks were banning etc.. Now, it’s all about the promotors, the 0.01% same Flashdrive faces jumping on a mic to hype the people.. Shit, I remember, if you picked up a mic at any point of your set, everyone would stop dancing (because that was the drinking people’s club DJs thing to do 😂) YES, The scene has changed forever, and most who said it haven’t, are mostly 3-4th Gen clobbers 🥳🥳🤩🤔
Honestly, this video has ended up resonating more with me than I thought it would, when I pressed play - and in a positive way that is. I've been DJing and spending years on making music in the same genre until I starting feeling, that the scene wasn't resonating with me anymore and the sound that began to trend, was drifting too far away from what I initially grew to love about it. I then gave up the performing part of it as well and ended up hitting a wall at full speed, where my passion for making music completely vanished for several years. That is until recently, where the interest for making music has slowly started to show itself again and I think I've come to the realization, that I've spend so much time and energy in the same genre all those years, without allowing myself to produce anything else - so when I started drfiting away from the scene, I was in such a limbo state as a producer. Cause what kind of music would I find myself being equally as passionate about producing now? I haven't found the answer to that question yet, but I truly believe it all begins by just having fun with it again and start playing without any restrictions in terms of which genre to produce. First and foremost, the creative juices needs to just flow unconditionally again and then I'll probably discover what my passion is drifting towards 🙂
Jon, thank you for everything. You’ve taught, inspired and helped thousands of human lives.. with your music and many other aspects. That is all that ever mattered. Wishing you the best in your present and future endeavors. And I hope to collab with you one day. You will hear from me again. Peace and love - Hadi B
“Success is just the opportunity to do more of what you are already doing” So if you chase success, be sure you like what you do. Good decision Jon 😢 Best of luck
It has always been about the music for most of us but we let stuff get in the way. I convinced myself I needed to get into DAWS to make music. That started a 25 year journey into an abyss. I hardly created any but I became a decent computer builder. I’m into airplanes now. I thought about building my own to save money, but someone told me something that really resonated. He said, if you want to fly airplanes, buy one! If you like building airplanes, buy a kit and build it there’s very little overlap in reality of these two things and the same goes with music. If you love making music and creating songs or whatever, do that but don’t get involved in learning all this other technical crap because it’s just gonna suck the life out of you.
It’s crazy cause I felt this same way back in 2021 and now I make music for myself at this point😂. I’m into underground music, mostly 90’s HipHop/Boom Bap and Deep Tech/Minimal. The underground scene has changed a lot in the past 10 years…. I don’t even go to events or shows anymore. I now make beats and sometimes jam out to some techno at my home studio and have a dope ass time doing so ✌️
I make music for myself. That’s the part I love. I don’t need to please people, labels, or even friends and family. If I like it and it resonates with me then that makes me happy.
Good for you speaking out on this! It’s not about talent or skill anymore. It’s about Theatrics! But I do think talent will prevail in the end. The crowds need education. Best of luck with the new direction! and for keeping it real!
Jon, greetings from an early follower in Tel Aviv (I think you had 1500 or so when I stumbled on your DIY studio desk video). I think you were most happy producing songs in your simple "bed room" studio back in the days: worrying about how the kick sounds and whether instruments cause frequency clashes, how to bring out the most out of a vocal performance. That's what you should go back to, no longer in a bed room studio, but producing music.
Props man! I really enjoyed this video because I feel like it encapsulates the human experience. We all have dreams bigger than we can chew, and we need to go for them anyways. No regrets. And learning, sometimes the hard way, what we actually want. I think Ms. Jackson said it best, "You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather."
At this point in my career , I am an artist and a musician , who writes and produces music that I enjoy and I put it out and try to make a living from it , so rather than chasing placements , I make my own placements and it works out the best .... The best part of what I do , I dont have to be famous per say cuz , I learnt is , build a catalogue of music cuz music never dies .
Trust you achieved a lot, even if you never made it to what you aimed, you would reach a stage where you think that’s it. I’m there too , I never reached where I would have liked to , but I’m happy and I’m no longer chasing fame. My kids can just take over my studio when they’ve grown.
I can totally relate. In my late teens I was producing music for artists and also was in an original band in Australia. We made great music and were hungry (well, a majority of us were) and we sent our demos to many labels and managers. We got some interest but one major producer wanted us to come to the US and work with him. We had a band meeting. The drummer and bass player didn’t wanna do it (job security, girlfriend etc). So that day (as tough as it was) we made the decision to dissolve the band. I felt it was the decision that was made for me to pursue making records and writing songs. This was 20+ years ago. Now I’m a US Billboard Hot 100 record producer and songwriter with a Grammy attached to my name. Oh, and a family too :) Yes I was dead broke at a certain time in my early 20s but ended up celebrating my brokeness rather than be depressed about it because the up side was I will never be able to see that place again. Lesson in life is to find the most authentic lane, go hard and stick to it! I congratulate you on your decisions! ❤
I know it hurts, but it’s also important to realize when to stop going mad for achieving the goal, it just ruins your life after a certain moment. When I stopped I just said to myself “it was about time!”
We are biased by design and the system exploits it. I think taking a good look at one self and identifying who you are is the most productive and positive thing you can do for your self. One door closes another one opens. "Do not go into that good night"
I feel you! Back in 2009 when I started producing your channel and music was Inspiring to me! I'm also tired of djing, and all that social and i fluencer stuff that I always hated, now I am juzt focused in my music! Hope one day we can make something together! Cheers mate!
I think a common theme is learning how to stay inspired, and not wavering too far from doing what you truly love. Creating music and DJ sets from the heart is a great feeling, and I think highly creative people should always keep an eye on their internal inspiration battery levels to make sure that energy stays in a healthy state (eg. avoiding burnout, spending your time wisely, having personally gratifying goals, etc.).
When I first started, I was young and wanted to be famous in this music game. Especially as a rapper/singer. I still write songs and release music on my own timeline, but I can agree with everything you're saying. Because I find more joy and fun in being a producer and engineer. I realized that I don't want the spotlight and the baggage that comes with living that life and playing that role. I want to travel but not be on tour. Many forget that at that level, it's a job and possibly a career. I just find more joy and peace working as a producer than an artist. I connect deeply with this one. And I'm glad I'm not famous like that. I would not be at ease with no privacy like a ton of celebrities.
It's really great that you know yourself so well. A lot of artists are unaware of what they want. I am glad that you are able to prioritize the things about music that are important to you and do just that.
Hi. My 2 cents worth, what u did in your early days and then "hitting walls" as you said is part of your path. I can understand you being frustrated at someone else going in a career direction that you wanted and wished it was you, know how u feel, been there. However, I want to say this in a very POSITIVE way, you were a great DJ/Artist, but now you are a FABULOUS music Producer/Creator !! We stand by you, in this art we call music. Feel Great at the people in this community you brought together. All the best in the path ahead. Stay Cool. Cheers
All the best Jon The music will never leave you because its deep within your heart. Some times you need to go kind of backwards for a Future elevating dream
I've been following your TH-cam channel since I first started using FL Studio, and you've been a big inspiration for my dream of producing music. I understand the personal and financial considerations you've shared from your life story. However, I feel that you stepped away from live shows too soon, especially since that's often where significant financial opportunities lie. While it's great that you're also pursuing mixing, I believe your music is more than good enough to shine in live performances as well.
I hope you can read this message, I always felt that you are al;l about Music and that you were an artist first than anything else, also I felt you were trying to hard to show that entrepreneur/youtuber/trendy image.... anyway I think is great that you are now focused into making your music, so just relax, enjoy the ride..and I would not be surprise the path would re-calibrate into something great and unexpected... just be true to your heart and your music...best luck
all you say reminds me of my best friend.... he is also producing for a bunch for underground headliners beeing feed up by touring and social media. you saying u started out on get physical and then u moved over to the commercial stuff without having a hit wich makes it quite difficult...
You're doing fine bro'. Keep as much love/health in your life, for as long as you can. The outcome of that won't be regretful. And the way you're headed musically is very fulfilling (especially since you decided what you wanted overall).🙂❤
There is no reason you have to "give up your goal". You can always just put it on a lower shelf and attend to it when you feel like it. The algo is so interesting. I started watching your vids when you first got your studio and had interns start working for you. I was talking you up, but then slowly your vids drifted out of my TH-cam algo... and not just as you are quitting your vids pop up again. hahah WTF...I MISSED THE WHOLE JOURNEY. I'm gonna check out your past logs and catch up. Ppl like u inspire to start uploading "vlogs" "practice logs" of my musical journey and not be scared of ppl might think. I appreciate you my friend. I see you
Man, i´ve heard some of your tracks and they were mixed really well, thick and wide, after 5 years in this and 10k hours i realised how important is to be in that zone and vibe from which music comes and it is a place hard to be in if you´re obsessed and want to "work" because it strikes when it wants and not when we want....and i think forced production is not recognised as "true"....so hopefully you´ll find the zone and have a track pop off from that original inspiration and not the struggle and chasing ghosts and trends. cheers
this is the first video ever I witnessed from you. I think your points are valid and if you feel that way, just follow your heart. I think you could say you are/were sucessful artist, from what you are saying you are a great man my dude. I hope that if you still like performing in front of a crowd but not wanna deal with the BS that comes with it nowdays, you could take your dj setup into a small local clup or a pub or some place where you play for free drinks and spreading love. Like, I am a complete noob when it comes to music. But I think it would be sad if you ended this completely if you still love it deeply inside you. Whatever you decide to do, follow your gut man. Wish all the best luck!
I'm 40 now, with a wife and a kid! I'm so like you! Everywhere I go, people likes my music and my sets, but it actually demands a lot from me because I need to dig a lot of music that I don't like and perform in a way that I'm not so comfortable. In my country, if I don't do that, I don't perform...simple has that! There are very few events that does not focus on Brazilian Funk or Reggaeton music with a guy screaming to a microphone. In used to love performing, but the night scene since COVID shifted a lot...it is just impressive how the world changed by stopping a couple of months! I'm actually sad about that...I'm sad because I do no longer enjoy the spirit of the night, and I'm sad to have to abandon a carrear that brought me so much joy! We are in a world where the strongest are not the ones that prevail, but the ones that adapts, and I'm not adapting. Just like you, I focus my energy by making music that I really enjoy, and all the little challenges that it brings. Social media ruined the DJ like it used to be, a new type of DJ's emerged, they are crowd entertainers now.
Its OK to take a break bro. But dont END or Quit. We all have to have an outlet wether it be sports, video games, cooking, gardening, music or whatever. God Bless You.
That is very good Jon, let me know if you need anything. Its more focused, and less volatile i believe in the long run as you focus on production of content which is value, and it will drive revenues. The other stuff is expensive, and too unstable in my option anyway.
I live in Germany since 2009, to be successful in Germany, it's all about visibility, you do not have to be the best or the most talented, simply visible and also maybe socially competent. This is applicable in every department be it engineer, sportsman or artist. That's why majority of the Germans are successful only in Germany and German speaking areas, only a very very few make it big on international stage.
Making decisions to help you focus on your strengths is a great move. I totally emphasise with you and wish you all the best focusing on making beautiful music
I think, when someone is waking up everyday feeling happy about his/her mission, is a huge success. The other stuff was the path of the ego. For me my path is day trading, making music and relaunching my UK online hit radio, makes me happy.
I understand your situation, it happens to me as well. Since i started making music, i had the goal of becoming a dj because is the performance part of the business and its like a pack, you need to make music and perform it. With the time i have struggled with the idea of it because performing, in any way, its not for me but it feels like what you have to do. Now, as time pass by, i asimiliate it more and this goal is less my goal but it helped me to really find what i like. I think this is life, to get to your real place, you have to try and error
..omg, can't believe, i was at exactly the same situation right after the lock down, nothing is the same anymore, I stoped playing and focused more on production, and i don't regret, after 35years i'm done!!
Yes finally 🎉😂 just kidding…to be a successful artist the tracks have to be absolutely on point especially the looks and charisma…which not everyone is born with
Electronic music might just be the biggest addiction nobody warns us about. The industry has become so fake that genuine artists struggle to find their place. It seems like you either need wealthy parents or have to push some agenda to make it. I've seen countless talented people sacrifice their lives for an industry that barely returns a fraction of the energy they invest. They end up spending years feeding a system that doesn't care about them. The best solution is to walk away and pursue what you truly love, finding peace in the process. Sometimes, when we stop obsessing over something, it happens naturally.
I can totally understand your point about the show. In the futur i'd like to play live but in front of small crowd, maybe local festival a bar, friends parties. But I know touring and all the shit is not for me, I hate the social part of it.
Honestly for me, I’m very unsure what I want, idk if you’ll remember me but you reacted to one of my songs a few years back called ‘breathe’ when I was 16, I am now 19 and still making music. Around that time my songs were being played on radio as part of BBC introducing in the UK, and my songs still do get played on radio sometimes. I’ve been getting more into djing but I love it on a smaller scale, in other words atm I just enjoy playing in front of friends - that could always change but rn that’s how I like it. In terms of music production, I love it but I genuinely don’t know if I like the “influencer” part as you described it. I have to make shitty IG posts, pretending to make music in quick 15 sec vid for it to not really get pushed out. But I still love the process of actually making the music. I am also currently backpacking Australia as that’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so the music has been put to one side rn (not completely though) Anyways, just want to say thank you for the vids over the years and i especially liked your last project “against the ai”. This vid has made me think about what I want going forward, I hope all works out well for you!
God bless you Jon. You take the right decision!! Anyway, do some set stream every some time, here in TH-cam, something like a one per month or every 2 months. We enjoy to listen to you every some time here, as a DJ! :)
![TEEDEE TADA - DIAMOND NARAKORN X LEGO LYKN [Special Dance Performance]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QgtZedFeumA/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m 49. I have been producing electronic music for more than 25 years. I consider myself quite good. I promoted dozen of event as well back in the days.
But today I do music for myself as a gift from life….which is the true power of music.
The scene is awful nowadays.
Once you are free from codes….the real fun begins.
I have conserved everything, knowing days are changing and I would have fun in the future with this mindset….which is still the case.
I know what is it to produce with half you brain creating the music and the other one worrying about all thé rest….that’s not good.
You listened to your inner voice, which is the most important in the end.
Cheers.
Amen!!!🙏🏻
can i send demo?
My story is much like yours.. And I agree with your comments..
This is the way
Same in software engineering btw. - maybe this can be generalized to many professions
Hey Jon, I feel you. When I was young I had big dreams to make it big in my field (not music) and I tried in many different ways. I struggled and I failed. I was devastated. I eventually gave up and found a corporate job that fulfilled me personally and brought financial stability. Many years ahead, after a great career into senior mgmt, it allowed me to retire by the age of 50 and chase my dreams. So I started making music for fun and as a hobby. In retrospect I don’t regret any choice I have made. And for my still fairly young retirement age I can now take care of the things I always wanted.
So I hope your future will be bright, and no matter what you do, do it with all the passion you got. If you loose passion, change something
Wishing you the best for your future endeavors. I have been around this channel and you for years. I relate with all the confusion. Thank you for the last motivating part.
I feel you. I stopped djing because the scene has changed to something that I don't relate to anymore. I come from an underground Era, playing at after hour clubs where I played music nobody knew but really pushed boundaries and made people have amazing experiences..I remember my last gig people came up to me telling me that I'm truly one of the last djs they heard that play real underground style...it's a shame what has happened ...like you said, big stages and hype music isn't for me...I get it.
I think a lot of people are just fading out of scene because of this. It is not the scene it used to be when people were not only into the music but into the mixing and seemed more passionate about it. That's just my 2 cents. I think this is why I watched Jon's videos. He sounded passionate about his music.
But who cares about the mainstages in the world , the same 20 names on repeat … at Tomorrowland you have dozens of stages with underground music and their packed. social media is giving you a wrong impression.. there are 100 top cheese business djs and producers, but millions of other artist who shape an create new things . Like in football you have Ronaldo and maybe 100 other superstars.. but millions of players who actually keep the vibe alive. It’s maybe frustrating to see that some get so much attention, but these are the 1% ..99% have values like you :)
I resonate with this, I retired djing as well mostly because of age and I wanted to settle down and the dj lifestyle wasn't conducive to that. In hindsight I don't regret my decision at all, the scene became the opposite of what initially drew me in. A sense of something unique that no one else knew. Once something becomes popular it loses all the charm that it once had. My career is now making music for video games/film and even other DJs but I found a nice sweet spot to stay home, write music for them and they can deal with the scene that I became disappointed in.
Ye now labels just get little idiots influencer of my ass just so the label get more view or like to promote themself! Shoking! It is disgustingly disgusting!🤮 it make me sick! They do not care about talent anymore!!! Also lot of daddys son with money and most of them DUTCH!
If people want to know why DJs generally suck now, I point them to Grimes at Coachella. Still plenty of great DJs, but they don't get anywhere near the slots they deserve. It's not about the music or talent, it's about popularity, notoriety or image.
Age speaks for itself. The family has a big role. That's how I feel too. Producing music is much more satisfying now than touring and DJing.
but that's the only thing generating an income really
@@JohnSmith-pn2vl Wrong. Songwriting brings the real income because you hold the copyrights and with that you get the biggest percentage of the income revenue.
All you need as a songwriter is one hit (even when performed by someone else) and you as the copyright holder cash in (not the performer or the person you gave the song to).
@@FrancisJoathis is true on paper but not in reality. Song writers get screwed a lot.
@@moxictasculinity That´s BS. Back then he probably made a mistake with the contracts (if he even made a contract). Then you can get screwed. But even then if you can prove that you wrote the song, you can go to court. The copyrights are cristal clear in these points.
@@FrancisJoa well I come from a hip hop world where writers don’t get paid or songs get released without their permission or even don’t get credited.
Sometimes letting go of the grandeur is just what you need to elevate the career that is your real passion.
👏🏾
i quit ghost production last month after almost doing it for 5 years. now i am just producing music i like and a job that pays me.
What type of genre did you ghostwrite?
@@neilsircar Almost everything EDM
It’s crazy that there’s so much ghost production in EDM I’ve never seen a phenomenon like this in other genres, even in hip hop like diddy & dj khaled they credit their producers and don’t claim to be the “beatmaker”. Idk I think that’s a PROBLEM imo
I produce music for myself instead of producing for attention
I dont get far with this but im happy with it
It makes me independent
If you produce what you love, I guarantee there are others out there that also love what you love! With that in mind, it's really just a matter of proper marketing, isn't it?
@@DiBBs277and thats what i dont like
The Marketing who tell you what you should like
I never invest in Advertisement because I dont like ads
If something is good it will go viral by itself because other people tell there Family and friends about it
If a product is bad you have to pay a lot for Advertisement for the illusion of a "good product"
You also release independent or via a label?
@@gaston7428nothing at all
I only post my music on TH-cam
I make music because its my Passion and I dont care about to get rich or famous with it
The music business is one of the most hardest and unfair businesses in the world and when you set your focus on the money you loose your creativity and freedom
@@DiBBs277 You're cute did you actually tried to make music for real ?
Damn, i've watching you since 2015.... congratulations on the family and everything new to come. Love you Jon
I totally agree with you, I had so many goals as a producer in the past and finally I am free. I wanted to play my music in front of people, but I didn’t wanna follow any trends and I hate the social media part. I also don’t like how the scene is right now. Finally I have decided to not focus on that dj and touring thing and I just wanna do my music. In my genre, which is melodic progressive house, it is extra hard to build a DJ career. Now I feel so good to just do the music I want and get it out there and see what happens.
Good luck :)
Very moving and honest video. I identify with these ideas. Thank you.
Wow this is unexpected, I haven't watched your videos in years but I used to when I was into DJ'ing and producing 6-7 years age, time definitely changes your perspective. All the best!
There's so much more talent out there playing compared to 20 years ago. Truly amazing talent.this makes competition much more fierce, and the internet is a huge part of the arena.
Sounds reasonable. Make your studio comfortable, have a good time.
Maybe become a resident DJ in a small Club near where you are living... Can be quite satisfying DJing 4 h a week on Fridays... And if you want, you can play some of your own songs. Doesn't give much money, but you still are in the booth regularly. Just an idea.
Excellent work. All the best... It's taken me years to accept that I'm an artist rather than a producer... And mix engineer... Now focused on the artist stuff ... To make exquisite hit songs that are based on The Bible 😊
Fatherhood does wonders :)
It's great that Jon made a firm decision. I feel the same way, but I'm still full of doubts about to try an artist career again in my 30s. Values change over time, but since I haven't achieved my goals as an artist, even though I've tried, it haunts me. I also hate what the scene has become and that now you have to be an influencer and pay more attention to social media and image rather than music. Who else feels the same? Let's discuss.
I feel similarly I’m in my late 30s and I’ve wanted or felt I need to produce and album but haven’t achieved that. I also want to be singer. But being my age that’s tougher for people to care about an older artist .
I’ve tried to achieve this goal for sometime but I guess I’ve gotten distracted and just not followed the path to achieve the goal. Sometime I wonder if I adhd
I recently used Bandlab to kind of help me out and it’s ok but I had really wanted to produce without 😅relying on loops a lot .
With ppl not caring much of my Susie (though I can’t lie and say I promote it much ) I feel like not sure what’s the point
Did I have the wrong motivations also I’m a woman so there’s also biological clock thing and I don’t have kids
I’ve had what I think is spiritual instruction about how I need to rebrand. I also feel I should dress the part so to speak . You are what you feel and if you feel like powerful rock star perhaps then you’ll get it
@@maryanne2025 Everything is very mixed up.🙂 Anyway. You can still be a singer at your age, you just need to find the right form and image. Cause yeah, age matters if you want to be in a girl's band, maybe that's really too late. If not, everything is possible, as well as being a mother if you really want it. It's all about priorities. Sometimes it's hard to get what you really want and what's imposted.
i feel that. i’m 30 now and still at it ❤️
@@CAFECADERAS hi bro, you're not alone. What's your thoughts, how to get through it and find your place?
I got lucky when I was 21 and my sister's boyfriend was a high profile remixer with his brother doing U2, Lighthouse Family & loads of other pop acts. I gave him a demo of stuff that I had been working on for 12 months and he passed it over to an industry manager who owned a record label. Long story short, I was signed at 21 and went from poverty to earning a fortune overnight and had a decade in the music business doing remixes and writing original tracks for various labels. The 90's were a golden time with huge sums of money everywhere, you could literally buy a house after doing 2 or 3 remixes. Napster & piracy ended the gravy train and remix fees went down 80% within 12 months. By 2005 it was impossible to make a living from remixing and many (including me) changed career paths. I started designing sounds for composers and other artists and the general decline has continued with AI the nail in the coffin. My advice if you are young and love music, do it as a hobby and get on the Ai train or some other growth industry. The golden days are long gone and want be coming back.
I had too much anxiety to DJ professional. I made home mixes that got played on the radio and praise from big names. But I couldn't get myself on stage. Just follow your heart. If music is central in your life, it will always be.
The way i look at it is, by dropping out of "the scene" we actually take it back. I dont dj any more apart from for myself when i feel like it. I produce for myself and upload to soundcloud when i feel like it. I do it purley just for me when i want and how i want. I dont care if a single person plays my tracks or ever hears me play a dj set again. Ive taken back the scene to what ive always loved about it. Just my view.
This is a take I have recently come too as well. Its hard at first but it is stipping it back to what is most important. Your own self actualisation and enjoyment, instead of pressuring yourself
Hi Jon! I’m a silent follower since the beginning of your channel here. Really enjoyed it. I’m severely sick. Wheelchair bound. Before I was a DJ, Festival organiser and music lawyer. My whole life was music. Now that I’m feeling better I want to restart my music career. I’m a decent producer, I think (hope). But I’m with you: I hate the social media part. I don’t know how to do it. I’m an influencer for my disease. But with music, I’m shy. And nowadays it’s hard. Labels count followers, streams etc. Just making good music isn’t enough anymore. Anyways I wish you the best of luck with your choice! Hope it will go great!
Hi. I am also a wheelchair user. I am 52. Lost my leg 2 years ago during the lockdown. Music makes me stronger, I set a goal to be a music producer and mainly as an audio mastering engineer. With more time on my hands, I went in full bore with a new purpose. I don't care what anyone says, I will do it and try with all that I have. Keep up the work and push forward. You are not alone. All the best. Cheers.
@@Sybrtek491 thank you! I actually need a good mastering engineer quite often. Maybe we can connect.
Best of luck to you
Regardless of how things worked out I think you still helped push the dance scene forward by giving all of us aspiring producers helpful videos over the years. Thanks for giving us a view into your life, and kudos to you for setting your mind to goals and working so hard. I love your music and I think you hit the nail on the head when you said the ultimate goal is to just enjoy making music you are proud of.
5:49 dude u have 139k subscribers, you've achieved reaching 139k people bro. thats an amazing goal MOST youtubers have, and most don't make it :)
You’re a great producer. I’ve stopped that journey 10 years ago and just produce at home and helping others. I don’t promote myself through media out TH-cam. In my 50 now and still enjoy sitting playing some keys and reached my son to play the guitar and working on being a duo with my son as I also help others on a personal level
The internet was supposed to be an equalizer and give lesser known artists a way to grow naturally. It didn't. It got twisted towards making the Taylor Swifts of the world even bigger and gave corporations even more power. Sad times for artists, now that AI can reap the creativity in even more ways.
It goes deeper sadly. Danny ik is military industry bro… they stopping us intentionally… its sick bro all so iz rel can destroy itself and kill innocents without “ critics” ala musicians that arent swift
I think it's a good choice; when you're done, you're done. Choose what feels good to you. Years ago, I failed/quit my DJ/producing career because I didn't understand the social dynamics of the electronic music business /scene. I couldn't separate the business from the personal side of things.
I'm still on my way figuring out what the right path for me in my industry is. I love software development and learned it during my apprenticeship and my nearly finished bachelors degree but I'm also interested in special topics like machine learning and cyber security and I'm trying different things out. I'm really curious to see where I will be in 5 or 10 years. One of my big dreams is it that I'm a good software architect some day but maybe I'm in management position or in a cyber sec. position some day.
I think your career is about to take off! You inspired me to get back into music and I appreciate everything you’ve done. It’s been an hour to watch your journey through the years
Honor*
I will be starting a label once I figure out how and I hope to produce entertainment that can heal the world
In my opinion, you took the right step. Social media is overflown by so-called "artists." Everything that matters nowadays is taking your artist name and considering it as a brand. No matter who creates the music for you and who prepares the DJ set for you-that happens in the background. Your face is nothing other than a label on a piece of expensive clothing, which is from the same factory as a no-name piece. If your brand is not that big, of course you have to do it all by yourself. However, some people love to see authentic people in the industry. And even more important: People love to hear authentic, well-produced music. My personal conclusion to this is that social media and self-expression are destroying the authentic music industry.
Congratulations! Sounds like a natural progression to me. I know a lot of DJ's that have taken this path, nothing like sitting in the studio, working on music with no worries of marketing, social media and all that BS.
Honestly, if you stop making music for money, it becomes more enjoyable. You can just focus on your art and creativity without feeling financial pressures behind it. I resonate with a lot what you said, the music industry right now is kind of a joke with influencers taking over and social media gaining bigger significance in advancing your music career. I both hate social media and also dislike the gigging/touring part, especially when it becomes more regular and involves lots of travel. For now, I think I found my fairly happy spot where I work 9-5, create music when I can, run my YT channel, pick up a few gigs here and there and just try to enjoy the journey as much as I can. Wishing you good luck and hopefully you'll also find your happy spot!
hey, i am so proud of you for making this decision. It's great to see you are able to cut the parts in your work that you don't like and only enjoy the parts you enjoy the most!!
Been a EDM producer/artist for 28 years, and just got past 5k subs this year with this account from 2008. Working as a full time artist, scraping by but wouldn't do anything else (probably couldn't even do anything else with all the insomnia things). My music's gotten more experimental this year and more enjoyable to make.
After following you all these years, I believe it is 100% the right way to go for you. I have always been impressed by your knowledge of producing music, while I have always been skeptical of your DJ career. So this insight of yours feels absolutely right and I will continue to follow you. Time for the next chapter 🙂
bro you are one of the the best and very humble person
keep doing your music
whish you the best
props to you man. its tough, the whole reason i stopped djing and pursuing the career was because the social media takeover started when i was finishing my music academy program. i hated how 90% of it was based on branding/marketing. not the actual music, i hit the wall too. didnt want to pursue it like that anymore.
The timing on this couldn't be any better for me. This video helped me a lot. Thank you
The only constant in life is change. Focus is king. Congrats. All the best
I can relate. I started as a kid helping my family by handling the sound for the live performances. In my teens I was helping churches with concerts because I knew how to setup/run crossovers for 3 way systems and I could set up multiple monitor feeds. Although I didn't know anything else with live sound, those 2 things were more than most.
In 1996, I borrowed money to set up a small studio in my wife's and my basement. In 1999 I began renting a commercial space and added a tv mix room and a composition room. 2006 I was bought out by a video production company and began directing documentaries and Producing documentaries. 2014 I started Silver Fox and 2019 was working hard and was setting things up to have our best year ever in 2020 and then Canada shut down and I lost ALL the contracts I had for the next 18 months. I never had one contract renew.
After all I have done, I really didn't achieve what I was hoping to accomplish and I am dissolving the company, walking away from the insanity of the TV industry and music industry, building a small studio space in the basement of our house and simply jam with friends. I am at peace.
Wow, what a life story
Thanks for the updateJon, I would be interested in seeing the process of starting from scratch, how you found your agent, when you’re meeting with new artists you don’t have to show details about that but what your schedule is like compared to for how long it’s going to take you to create a song with that artistwhat your experience is like going forward.
Congratulations on taking your energy back, drawing boundaries and focusing on what you love most!
I feel your decision.
I love to make music, but im not that guy (anymore) that wants to be out there grinding the social media game, working 40h a week and be out on the weekend and so on. Maybe it's also because of my kid and family, my view on "having a good time" changed, but my love to the mucis is something, that will never go away. My big dream and career path is to give my daughter everything she needs to find the same joy in music, as i do. To build a hobby for us both, that we can enjoy and build togehter. I've thought about restart my social media and i probably will, because i also produce, but i just wanne make music for the making music part and wanne show people, what i do. Same as you say, only if i feel for this but with no force like i have to.
Yes bro many of us feel exactly the same, i'm 52 i play 34 years... last year i just quit play and stop releasing and open my own club, at least i stopped to f brain see how the dj scene was becoming just a marketing, youtube vlog and Instagram selfies in last years.
I understand your decision.
Music has never been about money to me. I spend more time on it than on my work and I like to keep it that way because if my career depends on it then I will probably stop being passionate about it. Keep sharing your music but create it for your well-being.
Jon, You do you you man.. I am 48 now and grew up as the “Scene” really began in dirty old clubs, outdoor beaches with the Hippy community setting up there sound systems in one cop towns (I’m from Ireland 🇮🇪) To getting to illegal raves that were nothing more than a whisper in your ear and a meet-up of cars following each other from payphone to payphone, till we arrived at the warehouse for an amazing night (and just donated what you could afford for fuel for the Generators and some cash for the DJs, to our city club that played House every Saturday, and the rest of the week was spent talking about who played what, what tracks were banning etc.. Now, it’s all about the promotors, the 0.01% same Flashdrive faces jumping on a mic to hype the people.. Shit, I remember, if you picked up a mic at any point of your set, everyone would stop dancing (because that was the drinking people’s club DJs thing to do 😂) YES, The scene has changed forever, and most who said it haven’t, are mostly 3-4th Gen clobbers 🥳🥳🤩🤔
Hate the influencer part of nowadays music scene. Either way, thanks for sharing the progression with us. Keep rocking!
I am not surprised...
Honestly, this video has ended up resonating more with me than I thought it would, when I pressed play - and in a positive way that is. I've been DJing and spending years on making music in the same genre until I starting feeling, that the scene wasn't resonating with me anymore and the sound that began to trend, was drifting too far away from what I initially grew to love about it. I then gave up the performing part of it as well and ended up hitting a wall at full speed, where my passion for making music completely vanished for several years.
That is until recently, where the interest for making music has slowly started to show itself again and I think I've come to the realization, that I've spend so much time and energy in the same genre all those years, without allowing myself to produce anything else - so when I started drfiting away from the scene, I was in such a limbo state as a producer. Cause what kind of music would I find myself being equally as passionate about producing now?
I haven't found the answer to that question yet, but I truly believe it all begins by just having fun with it again and start playing without any restrictions in terms of which genre to produce. First and foremost, the creative juices needs to just flow unconditionally again and then I'll probably discover what my passion is drifting towards 🙂
Jon, thank you for everything. You’ve taught, inspired and helped thousands of human lives.. with your music and many other aspects. That is all that ever mattered. Wishing you the best in your present and future endeavors. And I hope to collab with you one day. You will hear from me again. Peace and love - Hadi B
“Success is just the opportunity to do more of what you are already doing”
So if you chase success, be sure you like what you do.
Good decision Jon 😢
Best of luck
It has always been about the music for most of us but we let stuff get in the way. I convinced myself I needed to get into DAWS to make music. That started a 25 year journey into an abyss. I hardly created any but I became a decent computer builder. I’m into airplanes now. I thought about building my own to save money, but someone told me something that really resonated. He said, if you want to fly airplanes, buy one! If you like building airplanes, buy a kit and build it there’s very little overlap in reality of these two things and the same goes with music. If you love making music and creating songs or whatever, do that but don’t get involved in learning all this other technical crap because it’s just gonna suck the life out of you.
It’s crazy cause I felt this same way back in 2021 and now I make music for myself at this point😂. I’m into underground music, mostly 90’s HipHop/Boom Bap and Deep Tech/Minimal. The underground scene has changed a lot in the past 10 years…. I don’t even go to events or shows anymore. I now make beats and sometimes jam out to some techno at my home studio and have a dope ass time doing so ✌️
I make music for myself. That’s the part I love. I don’t need to please people, labels, or even friends and family. If I like it and it resonates with me then that makes me happy.
Things that really matters, that’s all about… have my respect Jon 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙏🏽
Good for you speaking out on this! It’s not about talent or skill anymore. It’s about Theatrics! But I do think talent will prevail in the end. The crowds need education.
Best of luck with the new direction! and for keeping it real!
Jon, greetings from an early follower in Tel Aviv (I think you had 1500 or so when I stumbled on your DIY studio desk video). I think you were most happy producing songs in your simple "bed room" studio back in the days: worrying about how the kick sounds and whether instruments cause frequency clashes, how to bring out the most out of a vocal performance. That's what you should go back to, no longer in a bed room studio, but producing music.
Props man! I really enjoyed this video because I feel like it encapsulates the human experience. We all have dreams bigger than we can chew, and we need to go for them anyways. No regrets. And learning, sometimes the hard way, what we actually want. I think Ms. Jackson said it best, "You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather."
but you can chose to picnic in the rain and laugh about it
Congratulations... Jon, I got into producing because of your videos! Thank You. Hope your family is well.
give it 5-8 yrs. your brain will develop. i just bought a px5 after taking massive steps away and into family life. best of luck dude!
At this point in my career , I am an artist and a musician , who writes and produces music that I enjoy and I put it out and try to make a living from it , so rather than chasing placements , I make my own placements and it works out the best .... The best part of what I do , I dont have to be famous per say cuz , I learnt is , build a catalogue of music cuz music never dies .
Trust you achieved a lot, even if you never made it to what you aimed, you would reach a stage where you think that’s it. I’m there too , I never reached where I would have liked to , but I’m happy and I’m no longer chasing fame. My kids can just take over my studio when they’ve grown.
It's not about the pursuit of happiness, but happiness in the pursuit. You're gonna be all good, man. You figured it out!
Is the travel, sleep day work night worth the glam? Thanks for your thoughts, Jon.
I can totally relate. In my late teens I was producing music for artists and also was in an original band in Australia. We made great music and were hungry (well, a majority of us were) and we sent our demos to many labels and managers.
We got some interest but one major producer wanted us to come to the US and work with him. We had a band meeting. The drummer and bass player didn’t wanna do it (job security, girlfriend etc).
So that day (as tough as it was) we made the decision to dissolve the band. I felt it was the decision that was made for me to pursue making records and writing songs. This was 20+ years ago. Now I’m a US Billboard Hot 100 record producer and songwriter with a Grammy attached to my name. Oh, and a family too :)
Yes I was dead broke at a certain time in my early 20s but ended up celebrating my brokeness rather than be depressed about it because the up side was I will never be able to see that place again.
Lesson in life is to find the most authentic lane, go hard and stick to it!
I congratulate you on your decisions! ❤
I know it hurts, but it’s also important to realize when to stop going mad for achieving the goal, it just ruins your life after a certain moment. When I stopped I just said to myself “it was about time!”
P.S.: Especially when you don’t enjoy anymore..
We are biased by design and the system exploits it. I think taking a good look at one self and identifying who you are is the most productive and positive thing you can do for your self. One door closes another one opens.
"Do not go into that good night"
You hit the nail on the head in a bunch of ways, I just mentally retired for all the same reasons
I feel you! Back in 2009 when I started producing your channel and music was Inspiring to me! I'm also tired of djing, and all that social and i fluencer stuff that I always hated, now I am juzt focused in my music! Hope one day we can make something together! Cheers mate!
I think a common theme is learning how to stay inspired, and not wavering too far from doing what you truly love. Creating music and DJ sets from the heart is a great feeling, and I think highly creative people should always keep an eye on their internal inspiration battery levels to make sure that energy stays in a healthy state (eg. avoiding burnout, spending your time wisely, having personally gratifying goals, etc.).
When I first started, I was young and wanted to be famous in this music game. Especially as a rapper/singer. I still write songs and release music on my own timeline, but I can agree with everything you're saying. Because I find more joy and fun in being a producer and engineer. I realized that I don't want the spotlight and the baggage that comes with living that life and playing that role. I want to travel but not be on tour. Many forget that at that level, it's a job and possibly a career. I just find more joy and peace working as a producer than an artist. I connect deeply with this one. And I'm glad I'm not famous like that. I would not be at ease with no privacy like a ton of celebrities.
It's really great that you know yourself so well. A lot of artists are unaware of what they want. I am glad that you are able to prioritize the things about music that are important to you and do just that.
Hi. My 2 cents worth, what u did in your early days and then "hitting walls" as you said is part of your path. I can understand you being frustrated at someone else going in a career direction that you wanted and wished it was you, know how u feel, been there. However, I want to say this in a very POSITIVE way, you were a great DJ/Artist, but now you are a FABULOUS music Producer/Creator !! We stand by you, in this art we call music. Feel Great at the people in this community you brought together. All the best in the path ahead. Stay Cool. Cheers
All the best Jon
The music will never leave you because its deep within your heart.
Some times you need to go kind of backwards for a Future elevating dream
So many people resonate with this. Congratulations. You are free
I've been following your TH-cam channel since I first started using FL Studio, and you've been a big inspiration for my dream of producing music. I understand the personal and financial considerations you've shared from your life story. However, I feel that you stepped away from live shows too soon, especially since that's often where significant financial opportunities lie. While it's great that you're also pursuing mixing, I believe your music is more than good enough to shine in live performances as well.
I hope you can read this message, I always felt that you are al;l about Music and that you were an artist first than anything else, also I felt you were trying to hard to show that entrepreneur/youtuber/trendy image.... anyway I think is great that you are now focused into making your music, so just relax, enjoy the ride..and I would not be surprise the path would re-calibrate into something great and unexpected... just be true to your heart and your music...best luck
all you say reminds me of my best friend.... he is also producing for a bunch for underground headliners beeing feed up by touring and social media. you saying u started out on get physical and then u moved over to the commercial stuff without having a hit wich makes it quite difficult...
You're doing fine bro'. Keep as much love/health in your life, for as long as you can. The outcome of that won't be regretful. And the way you're headed musically is very fulfilling (especially since you decided what you wanted overall).🙂❤
Its not a failure. I sold my dj gear couple years ago I felt empty. Focused on production.
There is no reason you have to "give up your goal". You can always just put it on a lower shelf and attend to it when you feel like it. The algo is so interesting. I started watching your vids when you first got your studio and had interns start working for you. I was talking you up, but then slowly your vids drifted out of my TH-cam algo... and not just as you are quitting your vids pop up again. hahah WTF...I MISSED THE WHOLE JOURNEY. I'm gonna check out your past logs and catch up. Ppl like u inspire to start uploading "vlogs" "practice logs" of my musical journey and not be scared of ppl might think. I appreciate you my friend. I see you
Man, i´ve heard some of your tracks and they were mixed really well, thick and wide, after 5 years in this and 10k hours i realised how important is to be in that zone and vibe from which music comes and it is a place hard to be in if you´re obsessed and want to "work" because it strikes when it wants and not when we want....and i think forced production is not recognised as "true"....so hopefully you´ll find the zone and have a track pop off from that original inspiration and not the struggle and chasing ghosts and trends.
cheers
Woah I'll miss having new jon sine music in my playlist .Good luck producing hit songs and taking over the charts.
this is the first video ever I witnessed from you. I think your points are valid and if you feel that way, just follow your heart. I think you could say you are/were sucessful artist, from what you are saying you are a great man my dude. I hope that if you still like performing in front of a crowd but not wanna deal with the BS that comes with it nowdays, you could take your dj setup into a small local clup or a pub or some place where you play for free drinks and spreading love. Like, I am a complete noob when it comes to music. But I think it would be sad if you ended this completely if you still love it deeply inside you. Whatever you decide to do, follow your gut man. Wish all the best luck!
I'm 40 now, with a wife and a kid!
I'm so like you!
Everywhere I go, people likes my music and my sets, but it actually demands a lot from me because I need to dig a lot of music that I don't like and perform in a way that I'm not so comfortable.
In my country, if I don't do that, I don't perform...simple has that! There are very few events that does not focus on Brazilian Funk or Reggaeton music with a guy screaming to a microphone.
In used to love performing, but the night scene since COVID shifted a lot...it is just impressive how the world changed by stopping a couple of months!
I'm actually sad about that...I'm sad because I do no longer enjoy the spirit of the night, and I'm sad to have to abandon a carrear that brought me so much joy!
We are in a world where the strongest are not the ones that prevail, but the ones that adapts, and I'm not adapting.
Just like you, I focus my energy by making music that I really enjoy, and all the little challenges that it brings.
Social media ruined the DJ like it used to be, a new type of DJ's emerged, they are crowd entertainers now.
Its OK to take a break bro. But dont END or Quit. We all have to have an outlet wether it be sports, video games, cooking, gardening, music or whatever. God Bless You.
That is very good Jon, let me know if you need anything. Its more focused, and less volatile i believe in the long run as you focus on production of content which is value, and it will drive revenues. The other stuff is expensive, and too unstable in my option anyway.
I live in Germany since 2009, to be successful in Germany, it's all about visibility, you do not have to be the best or the most talented, simply visible and also maybe socially competent. This is applicable in every department be it engineer, sportsman or artist. That's why majority of the Germans are successful only in Germany and German speaking areas, only a very very few make it big on international stage.
Making decisions to help you focus on your strengths is a great move. I totally emphasise with you and wish you all the best focusing on making beautiful music
I think, when someone is waking up everyday feeling happy about his/her mission, is a huge success. The other stuff was the path of the ego.
For me my path is day trading, making music and relaunching my UK online hit radio, makes me happy.
I understand your situation, it happens to me as well. Since i started making music, i had the goal of becoming a dj because is the performance part of the business and its like a pack, you need to make music and perform it. With the time i have struggled with the idea of it because performing, in any way, its not for me but it feels like what you have to do. Now, as time pass by, i asimiliate it more and this goal is less my goal but it helped me to really find what i like. I think this is life, to get to your real place, you have to try and error
..omg, can't believe, i was at exactly the same situation right after the lock down, nothing is the same anymore, I stoped playing and focused more on production, and i don't regret, after 35years i'm done!!
Yes finally 🎉😂 just kidding…to be a successful artist the tracks have to be absolutely on point especially the looks and charisma…which not everyone is born with
This video actually gave me more clarity
Electronic music might just be the biggest addiction nobody warns us about. The industry has become so fake that genuine artists struggle to find their place. It seems like you either need wealthy parents or have to push some agenda to make it. I've seen countless talented people sacrifice their lives for an industry that barely returns a fraction of the energy they invest. They end up spending years feeding a system that doesn't care about them.
The best solution is to walk away and pursue what you truly love, finding peace in the process. Sometimes, when we stop obsessing over something, it happens naturally.
I can totally understand your point about the show. In the futur i'd like to play live but in front of small crowd, maybe local festival a bar, friends parties. But I know touring and all the shit is not for me, I hate the social part of it.
Sir you were the reason i started producing,
i have joined a mp institute
Honestly for me, I’m very unsure what I want, idk if you’ll remember me but you reacted to one of my songs a few years back called ‘breathe’ when I was 16, I am now 19 and still making music. Around that time my songs were being played on radio as part of BBC introducing in the UK, and my songs still do get played on radio sometimes. I’ve been getting more into djing but I love it on a smaller scale, in other words atm I just enjoy playing in front of friends - that could always change but rn that’s how I like it.
In terms of music production, I love it but I genuinely don’t know if I like the “influencer” part as you described it. I have to make shitty IG posts, pretending to make music in quick 15 sec vid for it to not really get pushed out. But I still love the process of actually making the music.
I am also currently backpacking Australia as that’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so the music has been put to one side rn (not completely though)
Anyways, just want to say thank you for the vids over the years and i especially liked your last project “against the ai”. This vid has made me think about what I want going forward, I hope all works out well for you!
God bless you Jon.
You take the right decision!!
Anyway, do some set stream every some time, here in TH-cam, something like a one per month or every 2 months.
We enjoy to listen to you every some time here, as a DJ! :)
i think you choose a right path ,just making Good Music
You are too honest for the music business. Wishing you the best in all future endeavors!