Meet John Hohnhorst | Music Producer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Hohnhorst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I started off on my musical journey for a few different reasons. After attending my first electronic show, and having a profound out of body experience, I immediately dove into the musical world. While I was at my first show with what I now call my OG Rave Fam, I had a moment where I closed my eyes, opened them, and I was the only one at the concert. I then looked up to see the artist (Zomboy) looking at me nodding his head yes at me. I felt this strong warmth take over my body and it brought tears to my eyes. I knew on that day that I was meant to make music but the journey of “why?” began. With a background in Psychology, I have a strong pull towards learning about human development. We truly are a wildly beautiful creature on this planet with SO much uniqueness to each of us and yet so much that makes us like one another. I always loved to hear people’s stories and how they became who they are. I decided to take this drive of understanding and turned it on myself. Through my journey of learning and finding myself, I have found great reward and comfort in sharing my story with those around me. When I saw rewarding in the aspect of empowering myself and bringing ease to others. It started with just my friends and then I started to share my journey with my 50 or so followers on my socials at the time. Through my vulnerability, I began to reach more people but most importantly, find myself. I began to realize exactly why I am suppose to pursue this style of life. I am meant to vulnerably and truthfully share my story to encourage others to dive deeper into themselves and their journey to the self. This is not an easy route to take. It takes lots of patience, strength, and vulnerability.
Of course I want to stand on stages in front of thousands but because I want to empower and motivate people to do a few things. One, to love themselves and their beautiful journey. Two, to dive deeper into who they were so they can figure out who they are. Three, to choose love. I truly believe that The Power Of Love Can Change The World. I’ve seen it happen and I want more people to see it because I truly believe that once more people see that, our world will become less chaotic.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Cinematic, Hip-Hop, Bass music. When people ask me what type of music I make, this is my answer. I have found a very unique style of music that I like to create. As I have started to incorporate my own lyrics on top on my cinematic like soundscapes, I have started to get some amazing feedback. I truly enjoy my story based music that has some Hip-Hop elements in there as well. I truly love contrast in art which is why I like to have some very melodic elements on top of some more aggressive elements. This leads to the bass drop part of my music. I truly love the journey of my music as many have told me they create their own movies in their head while listening.

The world professional is something I strive to be and that is exactly how I got to where I am today. I feel this scene is very over saturated and I run into a lot of people who don’t take it as seriously as I do. I see myself as a business on a mission. I know that taking yourself to a professional stance separates you from a good majority of the crowd and I think that is a good reason why I am where I am at. I have put in COUNTLESS hours on my music and on the behind the scenes things. Of course it wasn’t easy but that’s what separates those who see it as a hobby vs those who want a career. Truly, I think that if it wasn’t for my own self journey of learning to believe in myself and my mission, I wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to? A lot of people get confidence mixed for arrogance. Finding that balance of being humble while whole heartedly believing in yourself is VERY important. This process is what helped me get to where I am today.

Some lessons I’ve learned a long the way is this. Here is one I wish someone would have told me sooner. GET IT IN WRITING! It doesn’t matter if they are your good friend, always have a contract to say what both parties expect and need. Words really don’t mean much in business. Everyone is scraping up their loose change and throwing it at an event as they are getting things rolling. If you want anything, ask for it. If you need something, demand it. No one is going to take you seriously if you don’t take yourself seriously. Get everything organized, think about what you would like to happen and go for it. Just as you should in your personal life, please ALWAYS communicate. When you communicate you squash a lot of problems that don’t need to exist. Lastly, just be a good person. You will be presented plenty of opportunities to climb over people and if you want a prolonged career, I recommend you stay professional and real. No one wants to work with someone they can’t trust.

In this time of my career, I feel the most important thing to know about me and what I am building is though I like to protrude light and love, this does not make me “positive”. The reason I can be the way I am is because of honesty. Trust me, I slip a lot on this because it is unbelievably scary to be truthful all the time. Especially with ourselves but this is why I am the way I am. Through wearing my bad days on my sleeve when they happen and feeling what is present, I can then let these bad days work out of my body faster. If you don’t allow space for all your feelings, they will become an emotional block and you will find yourself yelling at a cashier, your partner, family, friends, or whoever is unfortunate enough to see your explosion of emotion. So yes, I am a rather positive person but this is from the power of truth through vulnerability.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Depending on the friend, I have a couple places I recommend for some fun. I always recommend Meow Wolf for a fun day adventure. If they are feeling a little more of a relaxed vibe, I always try and get people to go see the Denver Symphony. If my friend is looking for a little more of an upbeat night I would always recommend getting to a few venues. Black Box, Beacon, Knew Conscious, and Sugar Kube.
As far as food goes, I would love to take them to Watercourse and City-O-City. After dinner I feel we would have to stop bu 1UP for some drinks and arcade games. I would also say depending on the weather, a good Cheesman Park day would need to happen as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Alright, buckle up. This is going to be a long one! There are so many important people that have been a part of the Wolf Pack. I would like to start from the very beginning and work my way until now. I would like to start with my Idaho family, my Idahomies! I would like to shoutout my first real chosen family who brought me into the electronic community. Without all them showing me so much love as I first said “I want to do music” I don’t think I would be where I am at. You all believed in me and loved me. I truly thank you all!

I would like to also shout out my music school KMG and a few people from there. A huge thank you to Mitch Zonnefield who helped me move out here to Colorado. He helped me get a job lined up, a place to live, and open arms as I moved my entire life to Colorado by myself. I would also like to thank my teacher Zaak Kerstetter who truly helped me find my sound and idea of what I wanted to do musically. Constantly pushing me and letting me experiment with my wildly different approach to music.

A huge part of this last couple years growth would not be possible without my beautiful Denver family. These guys have helped me believe in my mission and have gone above and beyond to help push my project. Showing up to all my shows, rocking march, and most importantly providing a space for me to experiment and find myself. My love for you all runs deep. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I would also like to shout out the Wolf Pack community! The most important part of this whole mission is those who have joined this wild mission with me. Showing up to shows, buy merchandise, and spread the message of love. None of this would be possible without the Wolf Pack and I truly can’t thank you all enough. I can not wait to continue to expand with you all and spread love throughout the world. Love you all!

Now I’d like to shout out those behind the scenes. I have recently took on some management that I will be announcing soon, A HUGE shout out to Morgan Jones. We’ve just begun and we are already creating some beautiful waves. I can’t thank you enough for believing in me and helping push my visions. Love you! Another person behind the scenes is my friend/mentor Jason Hachigian. This is someone that has helped develop some beautiful foundation and helped me believe in myself. TRULY thankful for you!

Website: https://blackwolfsound.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_wolf_sound/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BWSound23

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwolfsound23

Image Credits
LifeTap Media Braxx Photography FUNKJiCE Photography