Justin Mylo on Maintaining Balance with ON/OFF Mentality [Exclusive Interview]

Justin Mylo on Maintaining Balance with ON/OFF Mentality

8/17/2019

Congratulations on the successful release of "Won't Stop" with Shaylen! What can you tell us about the creative process behind this one?
Thanks a lot! I started off the song with just the vocal sample and the chords that play in the break and built the whole 'instrumental' from that. At first, when I wanted to write a topline for this song, the idea was to follow the melody of the sample but fill it in with words, but that didn't really work out. So in another session with songwriters, we came up with the idea to leave the sample as it is and write the original vocals around it which worked out so well!

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You released the track on your own imprint, ON/OFF which is also the brand you use for your tour name among other things. Can you expand more on what ON/OFF is and represents for you?
The name ON/OFF really started with me being a tech fan! But it also stands for my balance being a touring artist my ON mode - playing, partying, and working on music and my OFF mode which is when I'm with my friends and family. I think in this crazy busy world we live in, we should all have balance. In the distant future, I hope to one day build a platform for other artists as well with the ON/OFF brand.

Like many of your fans, I've been hooked on your alliteration series starting with "Bouncy Bob" all the way up until the latest one, "Funky Freddy." In your mind, what connects these songs together and what can we expect next?
I feel like all the songs in the 'series' kind of have the same DNA in some way. They are all clubby, bouncy songs with melodic breaks which I love to make. It actually all started as a bit of a joke, but after Groovy George, it was amazing to get all my fans involved on picking names for my songs.There's currently not really a plan to move forward with the series, but who knows what the future will bring!

You've mentioned in another interview that you have a background playing the flute and guitar. How have your experiences with real instruments affected your music-making process?
Yes I have! Must say that unfortunately nowadays, I'm not that skilled in both anymore but I do really believe that it gives you a feeling for melodies and chords. I have played some simple guitars in my own song, "Not Afraid" as well as some upcoming releases!

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What have been some of your most memorable moments on-stage?
One of my most memorable moments definitely was pretty recent in Tokyo. I did an intimate club set and the whole night was just a dream! The whole crowd was able to sing along with my songs and that feeling is just so crazy. Thinking about when I'm just in my studio making music because it's one of my hobbies, and then being on stage. I'm really realizing, "Wow. What I do in my studio cave really has an impact on people and people really love what I do!" is so crazy and really makes me feel so happy!

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Outside of the studio and DJ booth, what do you enjoy doing to pass the time?
I must say music really takes up most of my time, but besides music, I'm a pretty big nerd. I'm really into gadgets, electronics, a bit of gaming, and a big car fan. (I really sound like a typical guy don't I?) Currently hooked on "The 100" on Netflix since I am a very big sci-fi fan.

Lastly, what do we have to look forward to with the Justin Mylo project? What can you tease about the future?
A lot is coming up! I just released a remix for Tropkillaz, Anitta and J Balvin. After a couple years, I'm back on Tiesto's label Musical Freedom again with a club banger with Reggio called "More Of Your Love." I'm planning on an EP later this year with a song that I've been teasing for quite a while! Besides music, I'm also back with my own ADE night this year and hopefully we'll finally be able to have some of the clothing I've been wearing the past year available for all the fans!

Kind regards, / Met vriendelijke groet,

Justin Mylo

Thanks so much to Justin Mylo for taking the time to answer our interview questions! Be sure to follow him using the links below!