GET HYPED WITH WILL SPARKS

It's always fun to check in with those that we enjoy listening to their songs when we're working out, getting work done or simply passing the time. As we begin to add more events to our schedules from music festivals, concerts of our favorite artists and those that we can still enjoy virtually, it's exciting to see how we're continuing to transition into a new normal about the past 18 months that we have navigated.

We caught up with EDM DJ/Producer, Will Sparks to talk about the Melbourne Bounce, how he connected with music and made it his career, his upcoming EP and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music?

WILL SPARKS: I became properly obsessed with heavy metal at around 14, then Dance music at 16.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to produce/DJ?

WS: Back then, many songs were unattainable. I was so fixated on the Melbourne Underground sound, that I figured, if I can't have them, then i'll make my own.

As a DJ, experimenting on my friend's set of decks. After a while I finally beat matched and transitioned a song perfectly. That's when I knew.

AM: You’re known for pioneering the “Melbourne Bounce” sound. Can you tell us more about what this is?

WS: Melbourne had it's own nightlife community. It was a family. There were so many clubs, none which tried to compete. The DJ's made their own music, unique to them. The sound was like nothing else in the world, ahead of it's time. The guys I look up to Kalus, Orkestrated, Stevie Mink, Joel Fletcher, Chardy & Heath Renata just to name a few. They influenced me to how I approached my sound. They were the real creators and pioneers of the original Melbourne underground. You can identify it as a 'kick & low bass, driving leads and large builds' but you have to hear to fall in love with it. I was in love with it - but I also had my own taste and swing on what it then evolved toward. I was placed in the perfect timing when the Melbourne sound became global and tracks i was making were getting played by the biggest DJs in the world.

AM: What’s it like when you are producing? How do you approach creating and ultimately creating a new sound? Where does your inspiration come from?

WS: What’s it like? There isn't a better feeling in the world when you're onto something you're absolutely loving.

I tend to blur out anything else that's going on, i don't listen to any music. I have my original hero's & always reminisce on my favourite records. This allows me to always create something that no one else is doing because it organically comes directly from within. People are so distracted by 'whats working' and therefore make what everyone else is making.

AM: We all have our COVID stories in terms of what we did while we had quite a lot of time to focus on various areas of our lives, what did you do during this time musically as well as staying in contact with your fans?

WS: I made an EP. I changed my sound completely. It was grounding having so much time instead of being away constantly. I always respond to as many fans as i can on Instagram but in terms of live streams, I like to keep them at a low. As I said, I don't really listen to any one else's music, so my sets are very unique and mostly full of ID's. I'd rather save it for the live shows to come.

AM: You released “Nothing More, Nothing Less” via Armada Music – tell us about this EP and what we can expect from it?

WS: As I said, I changed my sound. You would call it very techno inspired. I love the genre, but I also love being different to the genre, but I also love being different to the pack. If you like getting hyped, than expect some energy.

AM: Do you have any projects that you’re working on that you can share with us?

WS: So many, it's an endless roll out of records when you make music every day. It's too bad releases have to be a minimum of 4 weeks apart. If you see my catalogue you'd notice I don't collaborate much. I've decided to change that.

AM: What’s your schedule look like in terms of hitting the road as there’s nothing like being able to play live with an audience?

WS: I'm in Australia. It's never a certainty of what's ahead. I am so over it. shows come up and are then ruined by lockdowns. I just hope the whole world is back to normality as a whole ASAP.

AM: When you’re not making music, clearly you’re in great shape, what are you go-to workouts that you enjoy doing?

WS: Lifting heavy & eating like a freak. To be honest, I've had some injuries lately due to working out too much! I have too much time on my hands these days. My go to work outs are strength training but I tend to enjoy the odd HIIT.

IG: @Will_Sparks

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Will Sparks

Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see Get Hyped with Will Sparks in mag.

CHATTING WITH COUNTRY STAR, JOHN KING

With a busy summer ahead, we took some time to talk with country star, John King while he was prepping for CMA Fest. We talk about his newest single “Try Saying Goodbye”, performing at the Grand Ole Opry, the importance of family and where he goes in Nashville.

 ATHLEISURE MAG: Your newest single “Try Saying Goodbye” is quite a hit. What inspired you to create this song?

JOHN KING: “Try Saying Goodbye” is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever released. I’ve been blown away by the reaction so far. I feel like what makes it special is everybody can relate. The inspiration for this song came from my relationship with my wife, Hannah. We started dating when we were 15 and grew up together. There were moments in our relationship, where we could have gone different ways but instead we decided to work through the hard times. When we wrote this song, I started thinking about everything I would have missed out on if we had chosen a different path – our love for each other, this wonderful life we’ve built together and our precious baby girl Scarlett.

 AM: You’re juggling a lot between your career, family and Scarlett – how do you ensure that you’re present when you are with your family and that they get the time that they need?

JK: There is nothing more important to me than family. Luckily, my wife and baby girl get to join me on the road a lot! When they can’t, we’re always sharing photos, texting and video chatting. My partnership with Straight Talk Wireless makes it really easy to stay connected on the road with their new Ultimate Unlimited 2-line plan.

 AM: A fanbase is essential, how do you interact with your fans and make it feel fresh to them?

JK: I’m fortunate enough to have amazing fans who have been following me for years. Recently we had the idea to give my cell phone number out so they could text me directly anytime they want. So far, I’ve literally received thousands of texts – anything from people reaching out about “Try Saying Goodbye” to folks who are in disbelief that it’s actually me texting them back! The support has been overwhelming and exciting!

AM: You’ve partnered with Straight Talk Wireless. Why is this a synergistic partnership and why is it important to find the best ways to communicate in order to stay on track professionally and personally?

 JK: One of the most important things to me as an artist is communicating with my fans on a personal level. I’m a Straight Talk Wireless user myself and I can attest to the affordable and reliable service, so this partnership was a no brainer. For more info on Straight Talk, visit www.StraightTalk.com.

AM:  When did you know that you wanted to be a musician and specifically wanted to be a country artist?

JK: It’s really been my passion since I was a kid. I grew up singing in church, school talent shows, county fairs, you name it. I’ve always loved getting up on that stage and entertaining a crowd. It’s one of the best feelings in the world!

AM: How do you get inspired when you are creating your songs?

 JK: Writing a song is such a fun process for me because there really is no formula for how it’s done. It can happen a million different ways at unexpected times. Sometimes the inspiration can be triggered from a melody, a conversation or something I’ve lived firsthand, so I use my smartphone to easily keep track of all my ideas when I’m on-the-go. It’s different every time and always exciting.

AM: You recently played at CMA Fest, you’re on a national tour and you’re returning to the Grand Ole Opry stage – what excited you about doing this and what are you looking forward to?

 JK: Touring is one of my favorite parts of what I do. I love every aspect of being an artist – writing songs, recording and releasing music but there really is something special about performing for a crowd that paid their hard earned money to come see a show. CMA Fest is always such an exciting experience because the whole week is about the fans. This year was especially great because we got to play The CMA Spotlight and Spotify Hot Country stages and the energy was unreal! To top off an amazing month, I’m so honored to be playing the Grand Ole Opry. Just doesn’t get any better than that!

AM: What are your goals this year in terms of awards, those you wish to collaborate or play with etc.?

JK: My goal this year is to continue the success we’re already having with touring, writing and releasing new music. So far it’s been my biggest year to date with the impact of “Try Saying Goodbye.” I’m just excited for as many people to hear this song as possible!

AM: As someone who is on the road quite a bit, what are 3 things that you always have on your carryon that make you feel at home?

JK: I’d say my go tos are 1. My Bible 2. My smartphone, so I can look at family photos at all times 3. My band (don’t wanna forget them haha)

 AM: In Nashville, where can we find you grabbing a meal/cocktail, working out and shopping?

JK: Nashville is such a great town with limitless options, but my go to place is Blake Shelton’s bar Ole Red! I do my daily workout routine using my smartphone at the house with Baby Scarlett! She loves to work out with Dad so that’s our time together.

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