Elevated Focusion has always had a knack for turning personal moments into musical odysseys, and their latest venture proves it once again. In this interview, we step into their world of mesmerising motifs and rediscovered treasures. The backbone of this LP, An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif, dates back to 2001–2004, a time when a Yamaha Motif Classic keyboard was central to the creative spark. Fast-forward two decades, and these tracks find fresh purpose in 2025, offering a glimpse into the old-meets-new synergy that fuels Elevated Focusion’s style. From the subtle jazz infusions to the nostalgic Nintendo echoes, their willingness to experiment breathes new life into these long-lost compositions.
Elevated Focusion, thanks for catching up with us to discuss the launch of your LP, An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif. With the tracks being made in 2001 – 2004, the project has been two decades in the making; what inspired you to release the collection of tracks in 2025?
The studio I mix my music in has an old Motif. So while mixing my 3rd album, I have been taking all my old music from my memory cards. I already released the album ‘Elevated Focusion’ under the name Jonny Rythmns. I would say that album was 20 years in the making. This was probably 5 minutes in the making…lol.
I am an impulsive artist and in the moment it seemed like it could be cool to do something with some of the mixed music from my old memory cards.
All the tracks were brought to life on a Yamaha Motif Classic keyboard; how did the instrument influence the creative process behind these tracks?
I bought this keyboard when I was 19 years old. With the Motif, I used to play a lot more piano. A lot of my songs would have piano in some way or another. Which is funny, because I never use piano at all anymore. So it really is like two completely different artists.
Do you feel its specific sound shaped the emotional atmosphere of the collection?
I love Jazz and 90s Nintendo music. At that time, I really wanted to be a jazz artist, but I just didn’t have the technical skills to do it. I was trying to make jazz, but it just ended up being whatever the hell it was…lol
I only ever had an original Nintendo and it was functional for a long time. So, I guess subliminally, I always had Nintendo on my mind. So Nintendo “wanna be” Jazz was my thing I guess.
What was the process of professionally mixing these songs like, and how did it transform the original tracks?
I honestly did the bare minimum on these songs except for the last song. I put a little time into that one because I wanted to see where the engineer could bring it.
I wasn’t planning on releasing these songs. I just was doing the bare minimum to get them ready for possible use in TV & Film.
I mixed the song that is the final song on the album last week. I really wanted to do something with it. So, I decided to put together an LP with my favorites of the songs I recently mixed.
Since creating this collection, what do you feel are the most noticeable ways you’ve evolved as a musician and composer?
I definitely feel like technology has made it easier to develop a song and collaborate with other artists. My music was a lot more introspective back then. I was just stuck in my own head. I have a lot more life experience now. It is a lot easier for me now to step away from my music and try to create from a third-person point of view.
Were there any specific life events or personal moments during 2001–2004 that particularly influenced the themes or emotions of these songs?
There is no doubt about it, that it was a difficult time in my life. To be honest, I don’t really remember it. Those memory cards are really all I have.
I always want to create an experience with each release. It sounds crazy, but this release really isn’t personal. I wanted to create an immersive experience of what memories I took from those old memory cards.
Is there a particular track in this collection that holds the most personal significance to you?
I would definitely say the final track. It was my attempt to create a symphony just using that keyboard. I recorded each sound on its own track and filled up the 16 tracks on the keyboard. It was really difficult to do at the time.
Now with having Logic Pro, all the things that were impossible on the Motif are now extremely easy. But I am still really proud of that track for what it is.
How do you hope this collection connects with listeners, especially those who might not have experienced your earlier music?
This is an invitation to an intimate moment. It is almost like sharing memories. Most of my old music is poorly mixed. These songs are professionally mixed. So maybe someone would give this a chance, where they normally couldn’t get into my old music.
What’s next for Elevated Focusion?
I am working on the mixing for my 3rd album which I hope to release by Fall 2025. It is a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to sharing it. Where ‘Dark Nights’ focused on dark themes, this is a lot lighter.
I honestly love doing this. I am already working on my 4th album. Each album will always have its own vibe, and I will always try to challenge myself to do something fresh.
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Listen to An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif on SoundCloud now.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
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