We had the good fortune of connecting with John G. Stargazer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi John G., can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My name is John G. Stargazer, and I grew up in Denver, Colorado. I was born in the 1990’s to music-lover parents whom prioritized taking me to live shows, and listening to new music whenever it was available. My dad was an avid collector of vinyl, and eventually, CDs. He instilled into me a culture of sound that was more important than any religion ever was in my household. Concert venues were our church, music our messiah. We would go out as a family, sometimes multiple nights in a week, to see music from all backgrounds. Jazz, punk, folk, alternative, electronic, rock n’ roll, it did not matter. As long as it was groovy, and dance-able, we were happy.
I am thankful for this upbringing as it has allowed me to keep the thread of music alive well into my adulthood. Learning how important it is to dance at a young age had a profound long-term impact on me. I’ve never let go of dance, not once. It is so important to me, that I felt the need to be on the other side of it. As I grew older, I realized I wanted to share my own musical proclivities with the world at large. I’ve never had a grand plan, nor a dream of being a big rock star. My only goal in life is to dance, and help others dance as well.
During my teens, I begin experimenting in digital audio workspaces. I learned how to remix popular tunes into something entirely different. Finding songs with complimentary elements became a passion. Eventually, I began creating my own music from scratch. This is a process I am still learning 15 years later; the knowledge is endless and something new is always bound to present itself. For me, life will always be about the journey, not the destination.
Music is more than just a passion; it represents a timeless culture that has been passed down through the threads of linear time. Together, we have inherited music from the past that we continue to enjoy, manipulate, adapt, and honor as an age-old tradition. When a performer takes the stage, they become a curator. Every presentation is special, every event unique. Concert attendees put their faith in a performer the same way a church goer puts their faith in a priest. As an artist on stage, we become the tribal leaders of our community for a brief moment in time. It has become a rite of passage to bring people together for dance, and guide them through countless releases of energy all throughout the night. The culture of music will always be timeless, forever changing, and endlessly captivating. All we can ever do, is grab a hold of the magic in the moment.
In 2022, I launched my passion project, “Symstrata,” meaning; “together with, jointly; alike; a series of layers, levels, or gradations in a system.” I chose this name because it represents the many layers of us as individuals, how we interact with our community, and the power of collaboration with others. We layer ourselves together, to create something unique. I am currently working on putting together House, Trance, Drum & Bass, and other EDM events throughout Denver and the greater metro area. If you are interested in participation, collaboration, or just want to share ideas, please email; symstrata@gmail.com
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The pursuit of creativity and art has no defined borders. I truly believe that there is creativity in everyone, it just needs a little nurturing. That being said, I also believe that it will never be easy to pursue creative passions. It always takes hard work, late nights, intent focus, and a realistic mindset to achieve what is ultimately desired. I have personally tried to overcome these obstacles by being pragmatic with my pursuit of creative passion. Staying even-keeled over a long period of time is essential to making progress and avoiding burnout. It is important to put things down, try different approaches, and be flexible with the outcome you’re after. Nothing is ever finished in one sitting, and being prepared to pivot on an idea is invaluable. As my partner likes to remind me, if you’re not winning, you’re learning.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, we’re going to see a show at Red Rocks. It is an iconic venue of mysticism, and wonder. Check out the insane view from the top row, and get ready, because when the beat drops…the acoustics will blow your socks off! Once the show is over, we’re hitting up the afters all over Denver. The Black Box and Larimer Lounge are two of my go-to’s to party all night long, but take your pick! Temple, Beacon, Club Vinyl, or Reelworks, are all good choices. The next morning, we’re going to Snooze for fancy pancakes and mimosas. Then, an adventure throughout the Mile High City.
Before the after-glow fades away, we’re going to Meow Wolf for a psychedelic adventure. Look all you want, and touch! The place is full of hidden artistic gems. Perhaps we can even squeeze in a trip to the Denver Art Museum for a more traditional spectacle of art.
Later on we will get some sushi from one of Denver’s many amazing restaurants. Check out the 24-hour coffee shop that won’t serve decaf, and hit up a Sam’s No.3 for the late night diner vibe. The options are truly endless.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first shout-out will always go to my parents: thank you for enabling me to find myself. I would not be who I am today without your guidance and wisdom.
My second shout-out goes to my partner Cam: thank you for your patience, hard work behind the scenes, and unwavering support. Please follow her project @hardlight_fantasy
My third shout-out goes to Larimer Lounge in Denver: thanks for letting me shoot my shot and setting me up for next steps in my journey.
Last shout-out goes to this publication, and everyone who took three minutes out of their day to read about my project. Thank you.
Website: https://hyperfollow.com/symstrata
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/symstrata/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Symstrata/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxApYMwpu2X8heK0BX7bPag
Other: Twitch.TV
https://www.twitch.tv/symstrata
Spotify
Mixcloud
https://www.mixcloud.com/Symstrata/tracks
Image Credits
Cam Klinger
@hardlight_fantasy