News
Anjunabeats Introduces: J Ribbon
Progressive house producer Johnny Paul Newman signed to Pete Tong’s renowned label FFRR Records when he was just 15. Now releasing under his new alias J Ribbon, the 20-year old is already making waves in the Ibiza club circuit as a Hï Ibiza resident DJ. Johnny is also one half of dance duo Rathbone Place, whose 2021 single 'Be Free' saw support from Mark Knight, Jax Jones, Sigala, Bakermat and Martin Garrix, as well as BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong, Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Arielle Free and more.
J Ribbon recently made his Anjunabeats debut with 'My Habitat' as part of our Rising EP series, which saw spins from Adriatique, KREAM, Sam Divine, Don Diablo, Einmusik, Paco Osuna and beyond.
He followed that up with his thumping double-A side 'Palm / 808s', which earned support from the likes of Sander van Doorn, Marsh, Will Sea, Fatum and BOg. The emerging talent rounded off this summer with a show at Ushuaïa opening for Armin van Buuren and D.O.D, followed by a show at Ministry Of Sound last month.
Now, J Ribbon drops his progressive floorfiller ‘Lens / Thalassophobia’. Road-tested extensively by Above & Beyond at multiple shows worldwide, including their Group Therapy 600 Deep Warm Up Set in Mexico City, the single has also seen early support from Sebastian Ingrosso, Salvatore Ganacci, Kevin de Vries, Guy Mantzur, Argy and more.
Learn more about the story behind J Ribbon in our Q&A with him below.
Listen to 'Lens / Thalassophobia'
Q&A with J Ribbon
What first made you gravitate to dance music, and what inspired you to start producing it?
I’ve always been fascinated by music and the way a specific set of chords, sounds, lyrics or melodies can give a listener an emotional response. I started writing at a young age after I got my first guitar, and started learning about sound design during the recording process. I discovered effects and production techniques I could do to manipulate my sounds. Naturally, I fell in love with production.
I remember hearing many EDM artists growing up such as Skrillex, Pendulum, Deadmau5, Eric Prydz, San Holo and Chase & Status, and being obsessed with their production and the mystery behind how they made their tracks. This was a big motivator for me and led me into dance music.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on you musically?
So many artists have had an influence on my music. I feel like a lot of it routes back to watching cinema and the relationship it has with music. I always loved writers/composers like Thomas Newman, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer and Brian Eno growing up.
Do you remember the first track you made? When did you make it, and has your perspective on it changed over time?
The first track I ever made (that was released) was a song called ‘Piece of Mind’ released on Bit Bird Records. I made the track when I was around 13 or 14 and was still very new to everything, so I have developed a lot since then.
You were a resident DJ at Hï Ibiza over the summer opening up for Eric Prydz every week. What was that experience like?
It was crazy! I’m a massive Eric Prydz fan so to open for his shows at Hï was insane. I learned so much about the world of dance music, mixing and arrangement. I was also able to listen to Eric’s shows every week and was blown away every time!
What's been your favourite show so far?
I loved the last two sets with Anjuna as it was a bit of a smaller and more intimate experience with the crowd, and the people had such a supportive high energy.
Do you have a favourite Anjunabeats record? What is it and why?
I love the whole ‘This Is Not Our Universe’ album by Tinlicker. It's such a beautiful genre with a perfect balance of human and electronic elements. I love the combination of almost orchestral sounds, live elements, the use of vocals and songwriting all combined with a driving dance element.
Which other Anjunabeats artists would you love to collaborate with?
I’ve collaborated with a few artists related to the Anjuna world recently such as Leena Punks and XIRA. I’m also looking forward to doing more work with the likes of maybe and Yeadon, who were both on the Anjunabeats Rising 18 EP. But the dream for me is to work with Above & Beyond.
You rounded off this summer with a show at Ushuaïa opening for Armin van Buuren, and recently worked on his new track with Moby, 'Extreme Ways'. How did you and Armin first connect, and what's it been like to work with him?
It’s been unreal working with Armin as I grew up listening to him. I’ve worked on projects with him for the last year and half, and the things we’ve worked on together have been some of the most exciting music I’ve been part of. I first connected with Armin through my previous project ‘Rathbone Place’ which had tracks signed to Armada. I was given an a cappella he was working on to collaborate with; I sent back lots of different production styles and ideas that he really liked…and we’ve worked together ever since.
Where would you love to play in future?
I’m really looking forward to playing at future Anjuna events, wherever they may be. I would love to play at one of the Open Air events in London, as it’s my home city and would be very special to me.
Don't miss J Ribbon perform alongside Amber Stomp, maybe, and Station To Station this Friday December 13th at Lost In Light Lates: Anjunabeats Rising - a celebration of the label set within an immersive light exhibition in Shoreditch.