Premiere: John Monkman – Mad Hatter (Original Mix)

by: Michael Sundius Nov 16, 2017

John Monkman has proven himself one of house and techno’s most capable producers. From two standout EPs on Crosstown Rebels, to snagging a Beatport #1 with his enchanting remix of Anaphase’s “Disconnect,” the UK producer has raised the bar for himself in 2017 and doesn’t appear to be slowing anytime soon. In fact, in what may result in his biggest release of the year, Monkman is primed to join Sasha’s Last Night on Earth imprint this week with a brand new three-track EP titled Make Noize.

“Mad Hatter” from the EP, which Dancing Astronaut is exclusively premiering, is the kind of enchanting progressive gem which has become a staple of Monkman’s catalogue. With darker tones and a mesmerizing central arpeggio, it’s bound to become a favorite in the arsenals of many of the underground’s more mystically-inclined artists.

Monkman said of the new EP: “Inspiration for this EP came from the incredible energy felt from all the dance floors this year…I keep getting blown away. From a technical/production stand point, I was fortunate to borrow a Yamaha CS-80 for a few days..what a beast. This is where the main arp in ‘Mad Hatter’ is from.”

The CS-80 of course is the legendary analog synth famously employed by Vangelis on the original score for Blade Runner. On “Mad Hatter,” it proves to be the central element that elevates the track into one of Monkman’s top contributions of the entire year.

Listen to John Monkman’s “Mad Hatter” below, and pre-order his new EP on Last Night on Earth here.