Manila, Philippines — As excitement rises for the forthcoming Sinulog festival this January, the progressive techno Filipino DJ John Odin gears up for the daunting task of a 8-hour, non-stop DJ set. In a special interview, he discusses his motivations and the preparations required for this remarkable performance.
Rekindling His Passion
Odin reflects on his initial inspiration, noting that he used to perform marathon sets but lost some of the joy as he grew older. However, after numerous international shows, a spark was reignited. “After the numerous shows outside of the country, there was some sort of rejuvenation,” he explains. With Sinulog as the perfect backdrop, he decided to return to his roots with an all-night-long set, which he sees as a unique opportunity to engage with the underground music scene in Cebu City.
The Venue
He describes Last Cebu as the "last frontier for underground music" in the area. Originally a small bar catering to after-hours patrons, it has grown into a vibrant venue that now attracts a dedicated audience for late-night performances. “Last was the perfect place to actually play my stuff,” he shares, emphasizing the venue's commitment to underground music.
The Challenge of Longevity
Preparing for such an extensive performance requires more than just musical skill; it demands meticulous planning and self-care. As a type 2 diabetic, John must carefully manage his diet and energy levels leading up to the event. His strategy includes avoiding unhealthy foods and incorporating endurance training to ensure he can sustain the energy needed for a 10-hour performance. “I have to watch what I eat... get some runs in, get some endurance training in,” he explains. The energy transfer between performer and crowd demands a lot, and he knows he must be at his best to maintain the performance.
“The challenge of staying awake or using too much energy within 10 hours... I have no choice but to fall asleep or eventually pass out,” he admits. His preparation includes managing his energy levels and ensuring he is mentally ready for the marathon session.
For this unique event, John planned to deliver a variety of music, from unreleased tracks to favorites from his full discography. He described the experience as a chance to weave a story through music over the course of the night. "With the all-night-long set, I'm playing floor killers... There's a lot of time to actually weave a story," he shared enthusiastically.
Mental Preparation
The mental aspect of performing is crucial for Odin. He compartmentalizes the event into manageable segments to avoid feeling overwhelmed. “Just not to think about it as one full show... you’re just doing the first three hours as an opening DJ,” he explains. This mindset helps him remain focused and composed throughout the night.
Balancing Personal Life
The demands of being a DJ often take a toll on John's personal life. He acknowledges the strain it places on family relationships, with loved ones sometimes struggling to understand his commitment to music, saying, “You’re not spending time with us or your head is hot.” However, he believes that once they see the fruits of his labor, they will appreciate the sacrifices made in pursuit of his passion.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, the reward for John lies not in proving anything to anyone but in the satisfaction of creating a successful show. "If I get the reaction that I'm expecting... then, okay, I can sleep," he says, hinting at the fulfillment derived from connecting with his audience.
While this performance is positioned as a potential swan song for his all-night sets, Odin hints at future possibilities. “This could be another arc in my career,” he reveals, contemplating a regional tour and new music releases. He emphasizes the importance of continually pushing boundaries and exploring new concepts in his work.
As John Odin gears up for an unforgettable night at Sinulog, he remains committed to delivering a unique musical experience that resonates with his audience. With his passion rekindled and meticulous preparations underway, fans can expect nothing less than an extraordinary show.
With plans for more albums, EPs, and innovative concepts, he remains driven by the pursuit of the next big idea. As he reflects on his experiences, one thing is clear: the music never stops.
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