Interview: Transform DJs
Denver based EDM (Electronic Dance Music) group Transform DJs independently released their acclaimed, full-length album debut, Never Alone. Made up of DJ Omni, DJ Jonathan Burgess and Taylor Franklyn, they travel the world using electronic dance music to reach a culture practically untouched by the church as they focus on sharing the gospel, defending pre-born people and other defenseless people and leading God's people into worship.
Tell us a little bit about this new album of yours?
Taylor: Well, we called this album “Never Alone” It’s a concept album based on the fact that with Jesus, you are never alone Matthew 28:20b. We wanted to make it a musical journey so, throughout the 17 tracks, we move through a few flavors of electronic music. We wrote it and arranged it to be a balance between “sit down and enjoy” and “get up and dance” and I think we achieved that.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
Jon: “Can’t Take it” A line in the lyrics are super important to me. And “Forever,” I love the Trance sound and the message of Salvation through Jesus is powerful!
Tim: Too hard. I love them all. I do enjoy other less known tracks on the album like “Fortress” and “Journal.” The chord progressions are really nice and contemplative.
Taylor: My favorite one to perform right now has to be “I Feel You,” but I bounce between favorites a lot.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Jon: Martin Smith!
Tim: If it is a worship song, Tim Hughes. Outside of worship, I wouldn’t mind collaborating with Stephen Christian (Anberlin) or Ryan Raddon (Kaskade).
Taylor: Aaron Stone from My Epic. His lyrics always give me chills.
Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?
Jon: Playing live all day every day. But I’d rather surf than either.
Tim: I like both, but I certainly lean towards studio. I also like playing in more informal DJ settings, where there is a bit more freedom to explore and experiment with new tracks and more underground sounds.
Taylor: I do love playing out, but I’m totally a studio nut. I love exploring new sounds and capturing an emotion.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Tim: Eclectic between various genres of Electronic Dance Music. Mainly high energy Electro and Progressive music; although the genres are shifting to more Deep styles. Personal influences include Kaskade, Miguel Migs, Disclosure and a host of other people in the world of House Music.
Taylor: I have a pretty broad pallet of influences, both electronic based and organic. On the electronic side I have always been influenced by Sasha, Way Out West and Michael Cassette. On the other side of the spectrum, I really enjoy Relient K, Hammock and Phoenix.
How would you define success in your career as a band?
Jon: Success hearing Jesus say, “well done.”
If people become genuine followers of Jesus, if lives are saved from abortion, if many decide to use their influence to help all defenseless people worldwide (Matthew 25:31-46 & Matthew 22:36-40) and if people are drawn closer to God through worshipping Him, then that is success to us.
Tim: Seeing the lost come to know Jesus. Seeing our music progress and gaining influence in people’s lives.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Jon: Delirious - Cutting Edge, MIC - Crazy World, World Wide Message Tribe - Jumping In The House of God.
Tim: Too hard to say, but I enjoy certain albums from Tim Hughes, MuteMath, Anberlin, Stryper and the Imperials.
Taylor: Ah, too hard to choose. Probably, My Epic - Behold.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Jon: World Wide Message Tribe - “The Year of The Lord’s Favour!”
Tim: The Imperials - “I’m Forgiven”
Taylor: Hammock - “Floating Away in Every Direction”
What does the next year hold for Transform DJs?
Jon: Besides changing the world... Radio Push for Never Alone, US Concerts & Europe Tour. We are doing a Remix Album for Never Alone and starting work on new music! And Surfing as much as possible!
Tim: What they said :)
Taylor: New music, always new music. We have a few new songs we are working on right now and we are also working on some new stuff for our live show. We’re always trying to improve and innovate, find new sounds and add new elements to our live show. I think this next year we are going to add more and more live PA elements and integrate our visual show more tightly with our music.
Band members collectively: Ultimately through our music, tours and interaction. We try to be about 3 things!
1. Sharing Jesus The massive love of Jesus and the Truth of The Gospel. We always want to share that there is a God that loves them! We are separated from Him because of our sin with hell as our future, but He sent Jesus, His Son to pay the price for our sin by dying on a cross. After that He rose again & He’s alive today! If we trust Him as our only way to heaven, we can be set free to begin a relationship with Him and one day be with God forever and ever in heaven. We want to give people an opportunity to make the decision to trust Jesus. (John 3:16-18, Romans 5:8, 6:23, 10:13)
2. Defending Life Encouragement to save lives... literally. We want to encourage pregnant girls and fathers to keep their child alive. We hope to inspire this generation to be like Esther, to use their voice and use their influence to save their generation. At the end of the day we hope to inspire people to love our pre-born neighbors as ourselves. (Proverbs 24:11, Esther 4:16 & 8, and Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 22:36-40)
Leading God’s people into Worship The Presence of God. We want to lead God’s people into His presence to worship Him! We want to celebrate all He has done, to dance with King Jesus, and dance upon injustice! (Revelation 5:11-13) If young people can experience the above, then it’s a successful show! We hope to bring joy! And all this... during a crazy-massive dance party!
Find out more at transformdjs.com
