As Tipper prepares for the final year of his music career, we are reminded through Tipsgiving that the scene is in phenomenal hands after his retirement.
Friday’s “Bangers” lineup consisted of performances by Denver-based artists Duffrey, Sortof Vague, and a direct support performance by Denver’s own Omnist. With a ‘blackout’ theme for the night, there were no visuals – an unorthodox essence that typically falls on the opposite side of the exceptional audiovisual experiences we usually see at Tipper events.
Saturday’s “Beats” lineup consisted of a stacked cast of artists such as Kuhlin, Bread Winner, turntablist Chris Karns, and a closing performance by Tipper himself. Joining them were VJs Seity, Michigan-based SH1ELDS, Anti-Alias who joined his Pretty Lights turntablist colleague Chris Karns, and Fractaled Visions.
Sunday’s downtempo conclusion included performances by Hoopla, Zonra, Cualli, and a closing performance from Tipper. Joining them was another all-star cast of VJs, including Psybernautics, Oneirogen, Jonathan Singer, and The Void.
While the entire cast were all-stars, Omnist is one act River Beats has had their eye on for quite some time
Recently, we were fortunate enough to sit down with the man behind the project – Johann Harshmann. In our conversation, we chat about his meteoric rise and sudden reclusivity, his father’s battle with ALS, working with the Tipper team, the southern bass music scene, nature, the purpose of making art, and so much more.
Omid Eghbal: I noticed you only played a couple of shows in 2023; could you share the reasons why?
Johann Harshmann: I wanted to take a step back and reassess why I was making music and playing. At the end of the day, I started making music cause I love music, the community, and the people in the scene. As I got older, I realized I wanted to dial it in and play shows directed at the right audiences instead of just playing whatever came my way. At the same time that was going on, my dad was battling ALS, a horrible disease, and I had to go back and forth to take care of him. It made me realize that I want shows to be meaningful things that I’m looking forward to, which meant preserving the reasons I started making music in the first place.
OE: Do you feel like that mindset and freedom allows you to pursue some of your passions outside of music?
JH: Definitely. It’s allowed me to spend time with my fiancé and spend more time outdoors. I’m a huge outdoorsman. I love hiking, fishing, and getting back to the things that inspired me to make music in the first place. Aside from that, my brother-in-law and I recently took over the company my father owned. It was a huge decision for me. As much as I love music, I wanted to be cognizant of my kids and grandkids and pass on the opportunity. So I decided that I’ll take things as they come, and if the project blows up to a point where I’m incapable of keeping up with music, then we can approach that as it comes. I just don’t want to approach it so hard to where I run it into the ground.
OE: Can you talk about the culture shift you experienced moving from the South to Denver and how that’s molded or inspired you?
JH: Growing up in Texas I was really into rap and hip-hop at a young age. Then I moved to Alabama which was a culture shock for me because it’s very different than Texas, even though they’re both in the South. Alabama was cool because I went to school in Tuscaloosa and it’s a bubble. You had progressive music students, lots of jam bands, and the electronic scene was on the come-up. It’s where I met my friends VCTRE and Black Carl!. Also shout out to Groove Cartel! After my senior year, I moved to Canada and decided to continue making music solo and started the Omnist project in 2016.
OE: Now we’re seeing you play Tipper & Friends events; how did you get introduced to the Daves (Dave Tipper & Dave Veler) and have you always wanted to play a Tipper event?
JH: I think the most influential experience in my career was when I went to Tipper & Friends Suwannee in 2015. After that, I told myself, ‘I want to play here someday.’ In 2023, Dave Veler gave me the opportunity and it all came full circle.
OE: It seens like the Daves definitely take an interest in your music and even you as a person, care to add some color about any mentorship or coaching they’ve given you?
JH: My experience with Dave Veler has been awesome. We have a lot in common so we hit it off right from the jump. His son plays basketball and is dealing with recruiting stuff which I went through myself so I was able to share some insight on that. Dave also spent time in Alabama like me so there’s a cool connection there. We chatted about pretty much everything in the world when I got the call for TnF 2023. Right away, it felt like I was working with someone who really knew who I was right down to the street I used to live on – because he actually did!
OE: It also sounds like they’re offering some really detailed feedback on your music too?
JH: One of the things that really stands out about working with Dave’s crew is that there is a clear, set intention with each project. The Daves hope to create a vision and ‘vibe.’ Whether it’s with TnF, Kings, or Mickman in Atlanta, they want a set direction of what the night should look like artistically. There are no directions on what you’re supposed to play and they have full faith in the artist to do what feels right to them.
JH: There’s also a high standard of professionalism: After my set at King’s, Dave Veler introduced me to Ron Lorman who runs the sound and used to work with Miles Davis and other legends. He gave me some pointers about my set and how I can improve acoustically and sonically as far as my mixdowns go. That was eye-opening to me because there aren’t a lot of promoters who go the extra mile to introduce you to people like that. It didn’t feel like just another show, which really meant a lot to me.
OE: In adjourning to this Tipper crowd, you’ve worked with some of the hottest VJs in the game; DR01D, The Void, Oneirogen – is there a path that led it to this point, or do you feel like you’ve always had an eye for visuals?
JH: Dude, those guys absolutely crush it. I wish I had the ability to say that I chose those guys, but they’ve been paired with me via the visual mind of the Daves. Here’s how it shook out – they’d tell me who I was paired with and put us in contact, and from there I’d give them a rough rendition of what my set would look like. Before Tipper & Friends 2023, I gave one to Oneirogen and he made this whole custom opener that went along with my music. I didn’t even get a chance to see it so it blew me away when I saw it for the first time. The people I’ve worked with have been some of the most talented individuals I’ve ever worked with. It’s out of my scope, but watching them put visuals to my music and taking it to another level is crazy.
OE: Is there a VJ out there you haven’t worked with you want to work with?
JH: I’d love to work with DR01D. It’s sick because I feel like VJs are getting more of the spotlight now where they used to be seen as afterthoughts. It’s awesome to see them get the attention they deserve because they really transform the experience.
OE: Let’s talk about The Boys your collaboration EP with Alejo. What is your relationship like with him and how did this project unfold?
JH: The first time I met Alejo was when I played a show in Oregon in 2021. I had been a big fan of his music and I told him that he was welcome to stay at my place whenever he came to Denver. He ended up coming to visit and stayed with me in 2022 which is when we cooked up “Thug Season.” The music came so naturally and organically so we planned another session the following year during which we put together “The Boys.” Alejo is just a really humble and down-to-earth human who is great to work with.
OE: Aside from Alejo, you’ve collabed with notable acts like BackLeft, Duffrey, and NUEQ. Is there anyone else you’d like to collaborate with?
JH: I typically don’t feel inclined to collaborate with someone just because of who they are as an artist. While I admire people’s music, I typically like to let friendships happen first and let the collaboration follow naturally. NUEQ, Duffrey, Alejo, and BackLeft, are all people I’ve become friends with who also happen to make sick music. The friendships always came first, not the intention to collaborate. It feels weird collaborating with a stranger.
OE: To whatever degree you’re comfortable with, can you share how tough your father’s battle with ALS was?
JH: It’s been a really rough year dude. I’m super blessed to have a dad like I did. I was really grateful to have someone in my life who’s always been there for me and supported me. Growing up, he showed me that the limit of what you can achieve is a reflection of how much work you put in. This mentality has helped me accomplish a lot of things in my life. In 2021, he got diagnosed with ALS – a disease that slowly and painfully paralyzes you. He played football at Wyoming and was an extremely strong man, so seeing my best friend get his life taken away by this monster was really hard. The first few years were alright, but it progressed really fast in the last year which made it really tough for my whole family. It was easy to set the music thing aside because you start to realize what’s truly important to you. I didn’t really process it until it was over since I tend to be a very live-in-the-moment person. But I’m so grateful for the things he taught me and for being able to carry the lessons he left me. To spread that love to other people, and continue my journey with that part of him beside me.
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
JH: It’s a matter of growing up, taking the things your parents teach you, and applying them to your life. Trying to live each day to be your best person. Whether it’s music, business, or whatever you’re working on – the amount of effort you put in is what you get out of it. [My dad] really hammered that into me. When my fiancé and I start a family of our own, I want to take the lessons he gave me and pass it on. I want to provide a pathway for them just like he provided for me. Nothing I accomplished in my life would have been possible without him and I recognize that not everyone gets a father like that. That’s a big part of my journey here; trying to honor the opportunities provided to me because of the path he paved.
Want to follow Omnist? Follow him on socials for updates and announcements!
Connect with Omnist:
Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud
As Tipper prepares for the final year of his music career, we are reminded through Tipsgiving that the scene is in phenomenal hands after his retirement.
Friday’s “Bangers” lineup consisted of performances by Denver-based artists Duffrey, Sortof Vague, and a direct support performance by Denver’s own Omnist. With a ‘blackout’ theme for the night, there were no visuals – an unorthodox essence that typically falls on the opposite side of the exceptional audiovisual experiences we usually see at Tipper events.
Saturday’s “Beats” lineup consisted of a stacked cast of artists such as Kuhlin, Bread Winner, turntablist Chris Karns, and a closing performance by Tipper himself. Joining them were VJs Seity, Michigan-based SH1ELDS, Anti-Alias who joined his Pretty Lights turntablist colleague Chris Karns, and Fractaled Visions.
Sunday’s downtempo conclusion included performances by Hoopla, Zonra, Cualli, and a closing performance from Tipper. Joining them was another all-star cast of VJs, including Psybernautics, Oneirogen, Jonathan Singer, and The Void.
While the entire cast were all-stars, Omnist is one act River Beats has had their eye on for quite some time
Recently, we were fortunate enough to sit down with the man behind the project – Johann Harshmann. In our conversation, we chat about his meteoric rise and sudden reclusivity, his father’s battle with ALS, working with the Tipper team, the southern bass music scene, nature, the purpose of making art, and so much more.
Omid Eghbal: I noticed you only played a couple of shows in 2023; could you share the reasons why?
Johann Harshmann: I wanted to take a step back and reassess why I was making music and playing. At the end of the day, I started making music cause I love music, the community, and the people in the scene. As I got older, I realized I wanted to dial it in and play shows directed at the right audiences instead of just playing whatever came my way. At the same time that was going on, my dad was battling ALS, a horrible disease, and I had to go back and forth to take care of him. It made me realize that I want shows to be meaningful things that I’m looking forward to, which meant preserving the reasons I started making music in the first place.
OE: Do you feel like that mindset and freedom allows you to pursue some of your passions outside of music?
JH: Definitely. It’s allowed me to spend time with my fiancé and spend more time outdoors. I’m a huge outdoorsman. I love hiking, fishing, and getting back to the things that inspired me to make music in the first place. Aside from that, my brother-in-law and I recently took over the company my father owned. It was a huge decision for me. As much as I love music, I wanted to be cognizant of my kids and grandkids and pass on the opportunity. So I decided that I’ll take things as they come, and if the project blows up to a point where I’m incapable of keeping up with music, then we can approach that as it comes. I just don’t want to approach it so hard to where I run it into the ground.
OE: Can you talk about the culture shift you experienced moving from the South to Denver and how that’s molded or inspired you?
JH: Growing up in Texas I was really into rap and hip-hop at a young age. Then I moved to Alabama which was a culture shock for me because it’s very different than Texas, even though they’re both in the South. Alabama was cool because I went to school in Tuscaloosa and it’s a bubble. You had progressive music students, lots of jam bands, and the electronic scene was on the come-up. It’s where I met my friends VCTRE and Black Carl!. Also shout out to Groove Cartel! After my senior year, I moved to Canada and decided to continue making music solo and started the Omnist project in 2016.
OE: Now we’re seeing you play Tipper & Friends events; how did you get introduced to the Daves (Dave Tipper & Dave Veler) and have you always wanted to play a Tipper event?
JH: I think the most influential experience in my career was when I went to Tipper & Friends Suwannee in 2015. After that, I told myself, ‘I want to play here someday.’ In 2023, Dave Veler gave me the opportunity and it all came full circle.
OE: It seens like the Daves definitely take an interest in your music and even you as a person, care to add some color about any mentorship or coaching they’ve given you?
JH: My experience with Dave Veler has been awesome. We have a lot in common so we hit it off right from the jump. His son plays basketball and is dealing with recruiting stuff which I went through myself so I was able to share some insight on that. Dave also spent time in Alabama like me so there’s a cool connection there. We chatted about pretty much everything in the world when I got the call for TnF 2023. Right away, it felt like I was working with someone who really knew who I was right down to the street I used to live on – because he actually did!
OE: It also sounds like they’re offering some really detailed feedback on your music too?
JH: One of the things that really stands out about working with Dave’s crew is that there is a clear, set intention with each project. The Daves hope to create a vision and ‘vibe.’ Whether it’s with TnF, Kings, or Mickman in Atlanta, they want a set direction of what the night should look like artistically. There are no directions on what you’re supposed to play and they have full faith in the artist to do what feels right to them.
JH: There’s also a high standard of professionalism: After my set at King’s, Dave Veler introduced me to Ron Lorman who runs the sound and used to work with Miles Davis and other legends. He gave me some pointers about my set and how I can improve acoustically and sonically as far as my mixdowns go. That was eye-opening to me because there aren’t a lot of promoters who go the extra mile to introduce you to people like that. It didn’t feel like just another show, which really meant a lot to me.
OE: In adjourning to this Tipper crowd, you’ve worked with some of the hottest VJs in the game; DR01D, The Void, Oneirogen – is there a path that led it to this point, or do you feel like you’ve always had an eye for visuals?
JH: Dude, those guys absolutely crush it. I wish I had the ability to say that I chose those guys, but they’ve been paired with me via the visual mind of the Daves. Here’s how it shook out – they’d tell me who I was paired with and put us in contact, and from there I’d give them a rough rendition of what my set would look like. Before Tipper & Friends 2023, I gave one to Oneirogen and he made this whole custom opener that went along with my music. I didn’t even get a chance to see it so it blew me away when I saw it for the first time. The people I’ve worked with have been some of the most talented individuals I’ve ever worked with. It’s out of my scope, but watching them put visuals to my music and taking it to another level is crazy.
OE: Is there a VJ out there you haven’t worked with you want to work with?
JH: I’d love to work with DR01D. It’s sick because I feel like VJs are getting more of the spotlight now where they used to be seen as afterthoughts. It’s awesome to see them get the attention they deserve because they really transform the experience.
OE: Let’s talk about The Boys your collaboration EP with Alejo. What is your relationship like with him and how did this project unfold?
JH: The first time I met Alejo was when I played a show in Oregon in 2021. I had been a big fan of his music and I told him that he was welcome to stay at my place whenever he came to Denver. He ended up coming to visit and stayed with me in 2022 which is when we cooked up “Thug Season.” The music came so naturally and organically so we planned another session the following year during which we put together “The Boys.” Alejo is just a really humble and down-to-earth human who is great to work with.
OE: Aside from Alejo, you’ve collabed with notable acts like BackLeft, Duffrey, and NUEQ. Is there anyone else you’d like to collaborate with?
JH: I typically don’t feel inclined to collaborate with someone just because of who they are as an artist. While I admire people’s music, I typically like to let friendships happen first and let the collaboration follow naturally. NUEQ, Duffrey, Alejo, and BackLeft, are all people I’ve become friends with who also happen to make sick music. The friendships always came first, not the intention to collaborate. It feels weird collaborating with a stranger.
OE: To whatever degree you’re comfortable with, can you share how tough your father’s battle with ALS was?
JH: It’s been a really rough year dude. I’m super blessed to have a dad like I did. I was really grateful to have someone in my life who’s always been there for me and supported me. Growing up, he showed me that the limit of what you can achieve is a reflection of how much work you put in. This mentality has helped me accomplish a lot of things in my life. In 2021, he got diagnosed with ALS – a disease that slowly and painfully paralyzes you. He played football at Wyoming and was an extremely strong man, so seeing my best friend get his life taken away by this monster was really hard. The first few years were alright, but it progressed really fast in the last year which made it really tough for my whole family. It was easy to set the music thing aside because you start to realize what’s truly important to you. I didn’t really process it until it was over since I tend to be a very live-in-the-moment person. But I’m so grateful for the things he taught me and for being able to carry the lessons he left me. To spread that love to other people, and continue my journey with that part of him beside me.
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
JH: It’s a matter of growing up, taking the things your parents teach you, and applying them to your life. Trying to live each day to be your best person. Whether it’s music, business, or whatever you’re working on – the amount of effort you put in is what you get out of it. [My dad] really hammered that into me. When my fiancé and I start a family of our own, I want to take the lessons he gave me and pass it on. I want to provide a pathway for them just like he provided for me. Nothing I accomplished in my life would have been possible without him and I recognize that not everyone gets a father like that. That’s a big part of my journey here; trying to honor the opportunities provided to me because of the path he paved.
Want to follow Omnist? Follow him on socials for updates and announcements!
Connect with Omnist:
Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud
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