John Askew at Ora

John Askew is one of the tech producer/DJs in the world. Over the last two decades his high-octane records and powerful live performances have captivated fans across all corners of the globe.

From his early days signed to Discover Records where John released hits including “The Door”, “New Dimension”, “Fade To Black”, “Vandalism” and “Chime”, John has gone on to deliver a catalogue of big singles, remixes, artist albums and compilations for the coolest labels in the scene – including VII, Skullduggery, Armada, Subculture, Vandit, Perfecto Fluoro, FSOE, Black Hole, Captivating Sounds, Euphonic, Pure Trance, WAO138 and more…...

Today John’s VII label collective is the most forward thinking entity in tech. VII exclusively releases music from the seven artists signed to it (Simon Patterson, Will Atkinson, John Askew, AA Meeting, Greg Downey, Orkidea and EverLight).

After multiple Beatport number 1s John’s recent releases on VII act as a perfect showcase of his trademark, tough, driving sound. “These Dogs Trust No One”, “Escapism”, “Mezcal”, “Midnight Oil”, “Raven”, “A Million Stars”, “Black Coffee”……these are the tracks that define the sound of John Askew. Powerful, dynamic and high energy tech with deep emotional overtones.

In 2021 John released his 13^th mix compilation – Dusk Till Dawn. This album on VII sat at number 1 on the Beatport main album chart for five weeks – eclipsing all house and techno albums released during that same period; a testament to the formidable force and sound of the label.

VII have hosted stages at a number of the world’s hottest Festivals including EDC Las Vegas, EDC Orlando, Tomorrowland and Unkonscious as well as selling out their stand-alone shows in Manchester and Amsterdam. This year they hosted their own stage at Luminosity Beach Festival and are now poised to announce a VII arena show in Europe for Q2 of 2023.

John is deep into work on his highly anticipated 3^rd artist album which is due to land in March 2023. The first singles of this album are already locked and loaded for release on VII and Blackhole Recordings.

In 2019 John teamed up with legendary producer and friend Activa to form a new live act – AA Meeting. This completely live band features a perfect fusion of their two distinct sounds. Having already written some 18 new original tracks – AA Meeting performances are the epitome of forward-thinking electronic music as they exclusively feature unreleased music nobody has heard. Their debut live appearance – closing out the Saturday night of Dreamstate So Cal 2019 left fans and peers blown away, as did their set at this year’s Luminosity Beach Festival. Their debut single – Summit – marks the first single from an artist album promised for 2023.

John’s debut artist album “Lower the Tone” (released 2006) received critical acclaim and within 4 weeks of its release sold out – having to be repressed not once but three times. This was a testament to John’s die-hard fan base that relished the diverse and meticulously compiled 3xCD box set format.

In 2008 John released his second artist album “Z List Uber Star” which was met with amazing reviews from the most respected dance music press (Mixmag, M8, DJ Mag, IDJ, Harder Faster….)

John has mixed seven compilation albums – most recently “VII Vol I” for VII and  “Resident” for Subculture. He has also recorded and released three live albums - recorded in London, Beirut and Los Angeles.

Pete Tong asked John to do an Essential mix for BBC Radio One. A rare honour and one that confirmed John’s status as a member of the global DJing elite.

For two years (09 / 10) John hosted his own weekly show on legendary London FM station Kiss 100. 

From exclusive residencies at 2 of the World’s most influential clubs (The Gallery, and Ministry of Sound in London) to a constant stream of high profile guest slots playing the coolest dancefloors and festivals around the world, John is now enjoying the fruits of over twenty years hard work.