International Fame + Local Talent + Mac

DJ Dick Johnson (aka Magik Johnson/Magik J) is well known for his inspiring sounds throughout the dance scene both in New Zealand and overseas. With a career that spans the world over Dick Johnson is widely acknowledged as a premiere Producer/DJ who can rock any party.

Electric in AucklandJohnson says he has been using Apple since the first G3 came out and continues to churn out awesome sounds with his Power Mac G5. He says,

“The music I make today is virtually all based around the computer, all the synths, effects, sequencing and mixing is run 95% on my Mac. It therefore has to be quick and solid as a rock which it has never failed to be.”

While praising the performance of his current machine, Johnson always looks forward to what Apple will bring out next.

“ I find I get about two years out of my Mac before I update, I could push for much longer but it’s so much fun getting a new machine! And they are incredibly more productive as they become more powerful”, says Johnson.

After huge success in the UK, Johnson relocated to New Zealand in late 2001, and wasted no time making his mark on the local music industry. His move actually seems to have benefited Johnson’s international career as a producer/remixer. His remix of Amillionsons’ ‘Misti Blu’ for London Records/FFrr was a summer anthem in the UK and Ibiza and was picked as Essential New Tune on Pete Tong’s Essential BBC-1 radio show. Johnson’s holiday collaboration with Ian Pooley, patriotically titled ‘Piha’ released by Honchos/NRK Records, was another hit track, featuring on Essential and being played at the Berlin Love Parade.

Dick Johnson continues to DJ worldwide and is currently recording an album for Bristol (UK) based label NRK, due out in Feb 2005, which features several NZ artists. Johnson says he will also continue doing remixes for labels such as Tango (San Francisco), Pooled (Germany), Soulsonik (Italy), EndRecordings (London) and for artists such as Human League, Ian Pooley, Joey Negro(Akabu) and DJ Sneak along with local producers like Soane and Greg Churchill.

Check out Dick Johnson’s website for more info, DJ mixes and demos of new material: www.magikjohnson.co.nz