Name: John Barera
Occupation: DJ, Producer, part time Record Salesman
Hometown: Boston

Tell us about your music…
I aim to make soulful dance music, I am influenced heavily by Detroit techno and I also love house music & disco. This makes up the foundation of my sound, but there are elements of electro, funk, reggae, rock, jazz & r&b as well.

What is your holy grail of records and why? Do you own it on wax?
I have a few huge cornerstones, but they are not obscure records. It’s always changing between Al Green, Sly Stone, Stevie, Marvin & Curtis but probably my most prized record is “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane. It’s likely the most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard. I have the wax and listen often.

Dead or alive, if you could pick anyone to dance to one of your sets who would it be and why?
Ralf Hütter, one of the most important electronic musicians to ever live, and seemingly one of the stiffest and most elusive guys out there. I just want to see this cat cut a rug, coming up to me asking for track IDs, almost spilling drinks on me and shit.

Who are some producers or DJs you’ve heard lately that have blown your mind?
My favorite house DJs are Derrick Carter and Tama Sumo, my favorite Techno DJs are DVS1 and Rolando. These people have all blown my mind with their sets recently. I love the Black Madonna too, Pittsburgh Track Authority & Carlos Souffront. A producer who blows my mind is Floating Points, his new ” Silhouettes (I, II & III) ” is an incredible piece.

Has dance music changed for better or worse since you decided to enter the business?
I think it has changed for the better actually, I have been DJing for 12 years now and since I started it feels like there is more of a scene, more of a community, more interesting parties and spaces for the music that I enjoy.

What would be your last meal on earth and to what soundtrack?
Italian food, wine, “A Love Supreme”.