Are you a fan of 12-member K-POP group EXO? If you are, then I bet you followed the success of their recent hit track ‘Growl,’ an R&B song off their latest ‘XOXO (Kiss&Hug) Repackage.”
HypnoticAsia brings you an exclusive interview with the producer of “Growl”, John Major.
This up and coming producer has already co-produced a number one hit in South Korea after working on just three K-POP songs. John Major has co-produced f(x)’s “Pretty Girl” alongside another EXO track, “Don’t Go.” His most famous being “Growl” which has taken South Korea by storm with its catchy R&B sound that has you humming to the song endlessly. However, John Major is currently co-producing records with the president of Capitol Records, Ron Fair, and developing an artist who is currently on X Factor in the top 10.
At KCON 2013 in Los Angeles, California, HypnoticAsia visited the “Writing The Next K-POP Hit Song” panel which featured writers and producers of the K-POP scene. John Major caught our attention as he mentioned the success of EXO’s song “Growl” and the original lyrics which were along the lines of “put it on put it on put it on me” (versus what it is now, “I’m growling, growling, growling”).
We at HypnoticAsia wanted to find out more about John Major and that’s where this interview comes in! Read our exclusive interview with the producer below and be prepared to laugh at his fun and witty answers.
HYPNOTICASIA: Please introduce yourself to the readers at HypnoticAsia.
JOHN MAJOR: Hi guys! John Major here. Thanks for reading!
HYPNOTICASIA: How did you get started in the music industry? Who has been your biggest inspiration or influence in music?
JOHN MAJOR: I started as a rapper (a long time ago when dinosaurs were still alive) and then I became a sound engineer to learn how the technical aspect of producing music works.
HYPNOTICASIA: How were you introduced to the music scene in Asia?
JOHN MAJOR: My friend Hyuk Shin [CEO of Joomba’s Music Group] introduced me to the scene. I honestly knew nothing about it until he started showing me YouTube videos and such. I fell in love with it!
HYPNOTICASIA: As an up and coming producer, what do you wish to achieve?
JOHN MAJOR: What all of us producers want – TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!
HYPNOTICASIA: How would you describe your music to those who haven’t heard it before?
JOHN MAJOR: A mixture of genres for sure. I’m influenced by a lot. Could be a 60’s tinged tune or just a full on hip hop 808 heavy beat. Just whatever sounds awesome!
HYPNOTICASIA: You’ve co-produced EXO’s number 1 hit track “Growl” off their “XOXO (Kiss & Hug) Repackage” album, how did it feel seeing the success of this song?
JOHN MAJOR: It’s still sinking in so I’ll let you know in like…a month. Tops…
HYPNOTICASIA: How do you celebrate when you see music you’ve worked on climb high on the charts?
JOHN MAJOR: I pop a bottle of Sprite and let it fizz all over the place.
HYPNOTICASIA: In Korea, you’ve produced tracks for K-POP idols f(x) and EXO, who else have you been interested in producing for?
JOHN MAJOR: I would LOVE a G-Dragon and 2NE1 tune! They’ve got so much swag!!! Someone should make a call and make that happen! Tell your readers to send tons of emails! Hahaha!
HYPNOTICASIA: You’ve produced a hit song, what would you say the process is to fully produce a hit song?
JOHN MAJOR: First…you hire a magical leprechaun…just kidding! It’s almost always different every time. It always starts with an idea. Whether it be a melody, a drum beat idea, a chord progression, or just fooling around in the studio and something just sticks out and ends up having a really cool sound! After that initial phase, you write a song, make sure all the melodies fit with the beat and are all really catchy (that’s important! K-Pop fans LOVE a good melody!). And then you demo the song and send off to an artist’s management or record label, or the artist themselves. If they like it and record it, then you pray for the label to make it a single. Lol!
HYPNOTICASIA: You joined KCON 2013 as a panelist alongside Sean Alexander, Automatic, Joe Lee and more; how did it feel talking about your music and success with fans at the event?
JOHN MAJOR: It was a really awesome feeling. Everyone was so nice and appreciative. I felt so welcomed!
HYPNOTICASIA: Did you attend KCON 2013’s concert? How did you feel seeing EXO perform your song, “Growl” and was there another artist who has caught your attention at the event?
JOHN MAJOR: Yes, I attended. M-Net was so accommodating to my team and I. It feltso great seeing all those fans react to the Growl record. It was an emotional moment.
HYPNOTICASIA: Do you have any other K-POP projects lined up for the future? If so, tell us more about it.
JOHN MAJOR: YES! I have a few things lined up. Can’t talk about who yet but it’ll be great!!!
HYPNOTICASIA: We’ve heard that you are currently co-producing records with the President of Capitol Record, Ron Fair; what’s it like working with him?
JOHN MAJOR: Ron Fair and I are working on his new boy band Los 5. They’re going to be massive! Ron Fair is a genius at what he does. Though he is a legend he is so complimenting to my style. He really appreciates the modern edge new producers bring to music.
HYPNOTICASIA: You are currently developing an artist who is currently on X Factor in the top 10, can you tell us a little more about it?
JOHN MAJOR: Yes her name is Kristine Mirelle. Please look out for her! Can’t talk too much about it until the show is over but she is an amazing singer/songwriter and pianist. She brings a bit of Amy Winehouse and Adele with an old soul. Distorted guitars, crazy piano riffs, slap reverbs. Just good music!!!
HYPNOTICASIA: Do you have an artist already in mind when you produce music?
JOHN MAJOR: I mainly only start a song from scratch for whichever artist requests music. I find this the best way for me to work. Keeps the song focused.
HYPNOTICASIA: What are some equipment/instruments you use when producing tracks?
JOHN MAJOR: My main instrument is my Macbook Pro! I use Pro Tools for software and I run a bunch of software synths as well as live guitars, live drums, keyboards, etc. Whatever makes a cool sound!
HYPNOTICASIA: What’s the hardest thing about producing music for artists around the world?
JOHN MAJOR: Knowing exactly what they want or what they’ll like. Sometimes what you like as a producer and writer isn’t always what a client will like. It takes convincing sometimes.
HYPNOTICASIA: If you weren’t doing music, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
JOHN MAJOR: I think I would still be in the music industry in some way. I also book artists for concerts around the world. So the music industry will always be home for me.
HYPNOTICASIA: What types of songs are on your playlist right now?
JOHN MAJOR: I love Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Lourde, this new artist named Banks, and of course Kristine Mirelle!
HYPNOTICASIA: Is there a motto or saying you live by?
JOHN MAJOR: GO HARD OR GO HOME!!!! Hahaha
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