As one of the most intriguing and prolific artists around, John Beckmann holds a special place in our hearts here at Mesmerized. Trying to keep up with his musical output is an exercise in futility, but every new release is a welcomed surprise that keeps us on our toes and eagerly anticipating what he’ll do next.
Better known by his moniker of Mortal Prophets, it’s always an honour to catch up with John and hear what he’s been up to. This time he chats with us about his two latest offerings ‘Sleeping In My Bed’ and ‘HANUSSEN The Enigmatic Clairvoyant’, some of his biggest influences, and which three albums he’d take with him to a desert island. So, without further ado, please give another big welcome to our friend Mortal Prophets!
Hi John, it’s been a minute! Thanks so much for taking the time once again to chat with us! I’ve been absolutely loving your latest EP ‘Sleeping In My Bed’. It’s so eclectic and unlike anything I’ve heard recently. What do you want our readers to know about your latest offering?
It was a fun and challenging EP to make, as I was in New York and William Lucey (multi-instrumentalist and producer) was in Ireland and Boston at the time, so there was a lot of back and forth. I’m very happy with how it turned out, it’s right on the money in terms of the mood and vibe.
The EP’s opener ‘Bury Them Deep’ is a tune that I’ve been slightly obsessed with. It’s just such an addictive and intriguing piece of music. Do you remember the song’s “birth” so to speak?
Great, I’m so glad you like it! Usually, the songs start with the music first and then I add the lyrics, as so often happens, I hear the words in the sounds. The lyrics came rather quickly. It’s a song about the divisive political situation in America, in case you were wondering, but it’s a sentiment that can be applied as the listener sees fit.
Who would you put down as some of your biggest musical influences and who would you ultimately credit for helping shape and mould your overall sound?
Oh Gosh, I love so many types of music from German electronica, Kraftwerk, Bowie, Eno, Iggy Pop, Roxy Music, Joy Division, all the stuff I grew up listening to. Obviously, I’m obsessed with the early blues period too.
What, to you, is music’s role in society?
To unite, elevate and bring joy to the world. To question society, and to be revolutionary…
What is one thing about the music industry that you would change if you had the power to?
I’m not equipped to address that fully because I’m still relatively new to the music world. However, I genuinely see this as a remarkable time for music creation, with technology making it more accessible to everyone. It feels like we’re in the midst of a transformative period for creativity.
Einstein famously said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician.” If you were not a musician, what would you be?
I’m an architectural designer by trade, so I would stick to doing that. That’s my first love.
Alright, John – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you choose?
Now you’re sticking it to me!
‘Exile on Main Street’ by The Rolling Stones, ‘Ashes to Ashes’ by David Bowie, and maybe the first Velvet Underground album. Or ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ by Bon Iver.
Is there a show or concert you attended (or perhaps even played at) that just stands out from the rest? If so, please do tell us.
I saw The Kills a few months ago, at Webster Hall, and they put on a great show.
It’s been an absolute pleasure once again John! Before we say farewell for now, what do you have in store for the rest of the year?
A new album entitled ‘HANUSSEN The Enigmatic Clairvoyant: An Opera’ was just released on April 19th. Hanussen was Hitler’s psychic, who met a rather unfortunate death, but a fascinating story nonetheless. This is an instrumental album of haunting cinematic electronica. Then there’s an EP entitled ‘Brian Eno in Heaven’ that comes out on May 17th, and further unexpected twists and turns throughout the summer and fall.
