Hanover's Arman John is at the sharp end of the hard techno scene as both a DJ and producer. He heads up Phased Records but also releases on labels like Obscuur and Ismus, often with elements of Euro dance and trance sitting next to his love of acid, bouncy beats and alluring vocal hooks that keep his tracks emotionally as well as physically charged up.

Fresh off finishing a Master's degree in Science, Arman has put together a mix that invites you into where he is at right now. It's “good vibes only” from him ahead of a busy run of shows around Europe and then his appearance at Terminal V Croatia in August. Read on to get a perspective on how he approaches production, balancing fun and functionality, and plenty more.

You're big into hard house at the moment. What triggered the move in that direction, what pulled you in?

I always loved housy influenced music! It's really nice to see that it makes a comeback and I'm glad to take part in it.

How long does it take to start producing your own take on a new sound like that? Do you have to learn new production techniques, build tracks differently, or is it easy to switch things up?

I would say it depends how similar it is to your usual sound and if you already have some experience with it. So it's very hard to say something like „it takes a month“ because it can go way longer or shorter depending on your circumstances. You definitely have to learn new techniques and think differently while arranging the track. But a lot of times you can also use the techniques you already know and apply them on the new sound.

How hard is it to find the balance between serious groove and fun? Is that important to you, to make sure your sets and records don't take themselves too seriously?

I like my tracks to have more of a „serious“ sound, but of course I like to have fun while producing them.

How often do you write new music, and what's your studio like? What are some key tools in it?

I try to make music every day but it's not always possible because sometimes there is a writer's block or you don't really have the time. I'm a typical bedroom producer — the most important parts are my Neumann KH120 pair + KH750.

Tell us about your mix, the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say.

Good vibes only.

What gear did you use? Is that important to you in any way, whether in the booth or studio?

For DJing, the mixer has to be a Xone! For producing, I like to have my VST collection since I'm very used to it.

What are you working on for the rest of the year?

New music!