While being completely humble and not disclosing too much about his own work and music, John McCourt is a musician whose causes sometimes reach beyond his art. Having grown up on the 80s synth music he still holds his roots dear but is keeping an eye for the new genres, new developments, and new trends in music, which not always make it to the ‘Top 40’ of the day. Here’s our brief but inspiring chat with him.

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Making and listening to music not only gives me a great pleasure, but it also plays a very big part of our world.

What is your music dream?

I just like to make others enjoy what I make.

If you could change the world what would you start with?

I would certainly make sure there are no homeless people. I’d make sure no offender who did a serious crime gets unpunished and will try to stop poverty. I’d basically try to make things better instead of worse.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

That would be Erasure’s “A Little Respect”. First heard it back around 1989 and it was so catchy it became an instant favorite of mine and it still is to this very day.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

There is so many to choose from. Well, I enjoy lots of 1980’s synthesizer-based music since I grew up hearing that often, thanks to my parents. I’m into Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, O.M.D. plus many others from back then. Also, like some 1990’s techno and rave acts like The Prodigy, The Shamen, Utah Saints and more.

What inspires you to make music?

I would say whatever is going on at the moment more or less gives me the ‘kick’ to go and make something, or things from back in the day, that gave me joy.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Be yourself and try not to sound like the others out there. Make sure you stand out.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Haven’t done it in ages. I was okay since I knew they were liking what I was doing. As long as you make something that is listenable, you’ll be fine, plus make sure you rehearse a lot as well before playing live.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

The Top 40 these days is basically so bleak. Too much auto-tuned R&B out there, and no more others genres, like indie, rock, dance like it was back in the day. Should have a blend of genres. I think music needs a serious shake up and lots of people will agree on this.

What do you think of Drooble?

I am enjoying it here. Plus mentioned it to others.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

I would say how hard it can be to get noticed them days, since most are focused on ‘The Top 40 Music’ these days, and no one is really paying any attention to the ones who are trying their best to get noticed. So many great musicians are out there simply struggling to get things going for them.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

By giving them ‘Feedback’ plus follow them, and give them advice if they are struggling. It’s always nice to be nice.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Just keep going at it, and never listen to any criticism or never take it to your heart if you get rejected. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.
Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of. ‘Michael J Oakley’ is definitely one of them. He is doing very well in the electronic scene plus is one of my friends as well. Check him out, please. you’ll not be let down.