We are excited to present to you our new interview series! Despite the title “Artist Of The Moment”, this is not only about recent releases but also about artists that withstand trends, that are no one-hit wonders if one could say so. It's about musical moments that last and that should be discovered.

The purpose of this new series of smaller features is to introduce an artist and give visibility to the whole scope/ oeuvre through the lens of the artist, rather than the author of the feature. We invite them to tell the story their way, in a short and simple manner.

Swedish born, Berliner by choice Johanna Knutsson has come a long way in the past few years, and slowly established herself as a versatile artist, refusing to be pigeonholed in one specific genre. When we first discovered Johanna a few years ago, it was all about house and techno, melodic, hypnotic and atmospheric. However, in recent years Johanna has shifted her focus to the more ambient side of electronic music. Joining Sebastian Mullaert’s project - Circle Of Live, and performing alongside some of the most prominent artists from the scene, has given Johanna the opportunity to develop her skills to another level. Get to know Johanna in our inaugural edition of Artist Of The Moment series!

How would you describe your oeuvre as a DJ but also as a producer from the beginning until now?  Can you identify certain phases for yourself?

I think I started off a bit too excited back in 2008, sort of learning by doing. I’m still learning certain things but in a different way, not trying to figure out what my sound is but actually trusting what my sound is instead if that makes sense? I was more all over the place in the beginning as we all are, but even if I'm still diverse in my sound I think you can now at least hear that it is a track (or set) from me whether it’s ambient or dance music. Does that make sense?

How does that relate to Circle of Live which you are part of? To what extent did the Circle influence you?

Joining Circle of Live sort of forced me to get my production up to speed, which has been great because spending the last years in the studio almost full time has made me work much faster and not have so many doubts about myself or my work.  It’s incredibly influential to work side by side with major artists who have been doing music for 20+ years, to just watch them and get inspired up close like that. 

Looking at your career so far and the live and DJ gigs you played - which ones are the most important ones to you personally, the ones that stand out?

I have to say the first time opening Berghain was such an out of body experience for me, it’s been my dream ever since I started with digging records.  I don’t know why but when I buy music and imagine a dancefloor to feel if the track would work there or not; it’s always that floor hehe. Berghain, and the C.oL tour we did last August covering the whole world in 3 weeks. Every gig was extremely special and I got super close to one of the artists I traveled with. I made a new best friend that tour so that has stood out a lot for me personally.

An interview question you really wanted to be asked but never were and the answer to that?

I can’t answer this question without sounding bitter, so pass ( hint; it has to do with my views on social media people/ industry techno ruining our scene and how it is killing my fcking vibe by being connected to this business when having a genuine interest in music and human connections. But I won’t go there, I promise ;)

Tell us about an artist you really want our audience to discover. What music or art are you inspired by yourself?

There are SO many talented people I know, and I’m sure you’ve probably heard of them already but I really want to lift Gigsta, Kate Miller, Dorisburg, Minor Science, Thomas (InterGritty) and Hans Berg, just to name a few.
I am really inspired by all of the above, and all kinds of the emotional deeper side of music, no matter what genre. It has to be made out of love, you can always hear when it’s genuine instead of “practical”

Who were important people on your path that mentored/supported you?
There are too many to mention, but I’ve always had a lot of support from my agent Jo (since day 1 basically), and all of my other amazing friends who show up even if it’s 05.00 and I’m just about to start a 4 hour set haha.

For someone that never saw you playing, what would be the perfect description of your sound in your own words?
Esoteric dreamy space and underwater trips

We also would like to include a small playlist (a few mixes/ tracks of yours) that you would recommend as a good reflection of your work, for people to dive into and discover.