Seven questions with ... John Daniel aka Forest Management

Photo by Andi Rucker

I love it when an artist gets in touch with me after I've written about their work and we strike up a conversation ... such was my experience over the last couple of days with John Daniel aka Forest Management. I wrote about his upcoming EP on Twice Removed and he contacted me with some kind words (Thanks John!) ... turns out we share more than our love of ambient music in common.

While we were chatting via Facebook I asked if he'd consider completing my wee blog interview ... I'm delighted to say he agreed. This is what he had to say:

----------

1) Who are you and what do you do?
My name is John Daniel and I'm an electronic/experimental musician.


2) What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on a documentary film score for my talented friend Mina Danic - I'm also preparing to network with filmmakers at a local festival next month.


3) Who inspires you?
- Name an artist who has inspired you.
Sol Lewitt, and his incredible wall drawings. They expand the ideas of space and utilization.

- Name a place that has inspired you.
Lately, the rapid transit/metro line in Cleveland (USA). It provides one of the best views of the city.

- Name some "thing" that has inspired you.
The lamp on my night stand. Its one of the few objects I’ve always had after moving around.


4) What drives you to do what you do?
The recognition of beauty and the knowledge that beauty is infinite. “Infinite” doesn’t just happen - that calls for created purpose. To me, that purpose comes from being in a relationship with a real, forgiving, creative God, who doesn’t need man or religion to add to how incredible He is.


5) What values do you wish your creativity to express?
That the simplicity of reality is enough to be in awe – real life is so much more satisfying than an HD 1080p-XR9, auto-tuned, Instagram'd false universe.


6) What role does community play in what you do?
Community is crucial – without it I’m isolated. Without community, I’m just one piece of what is meant to be a complete whole. Community provides accountability, growth, and the humble reward of being a part of something bigger than yourself.


7) What is next for what you do?
I’m planning a 2-week tour with my friend Jeff Hatfield for this September – we’ll be traveling through Canada and New England. I’ll also be starting to work on another release for a new tape label run by Brooklyn resident Max Mellman. It’s going to be a more planned recording process, involving a hotel room and probably multiple energy drinks. I’m looking forward to it.

----------

Thanks for that John.

While you are waiting for John's EP to drop on Twice Removed, you may wish to check out another of his releases - "The Contemplative Life" - over on Cathedral Transmissions. It is available as a download or as a lightscribed CDr on a recycled card envelope with artwork by Ryan Samples.