Johan Hugo (Karlberg) is a renowned music producer, songwriter, and mix engineer, splitting his time between Margate, UK and Sweden.

 

Known for his avant-garde approach to pop music, Johan's diverse sound has transcended boundaries, effortlessly merging genres and styles. He predominantly collaborates with artists on complete album projects, co-writing and producing each track from inception to completion. A prominent highlight in Johan's portfolio is his work with Self Esteem. He produced, co-wrote and mixed both her albums including ‘Prioritise Pleasure’ where he was instrumental in its critical acclaim and Mercury Prize nomination.

 

Johan's musical journey boasts collaborations with an impressive array of artists, from pop and rock icons like Mumford & Sons, Miguel, Bruno Mars, and Vampire Weekend, to African music legends Baaba Maal and The Very Best. Renowned for pushing artists beyond conventional realms, Johan’s dynamic touch can be felt on tracks he did with Santigold, Diplo, Skepta, Kano, and more.

 

As an ardent proponent of African music, his longstanding friendship with Senegalese star Baaba Maal is particularly significant. They've worked together on several albums, including 'The Traveller', and Johan consulted on the Oscar-winning film score for 'Black Panther' that Baaba Maal sang on. Further, as one half of the band The Very Best, formed with Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya, Johan's fusion of African and Western music won the band a MOBO award nomination.

 

Johan's passion transcends the studio walls. He thrives on fresh experiences, setting up custom studios in locales ranging from beach houses to remote log cabins, marrying music creation with adventure. This distinct method was highlighted in a documentary about Mumford & Sons' 'Johannesburg' album that Johan co-wrote and produced. Johan remarked "I love to do projects that really blow my mind and allow me to experience new things, projects where I get to travel on adventures, projects that I will look back on with a big smile when I’m lying on my deathbed.”

 

Apart from his producer role, Johan Hugo has directed music videos and produced documentary films. He's also scored movies and has an impressive list of syncs for film trailers and TV shows, collaborating with major film studios and streaming platforms. Additionally, Johan co-founded Acid, a film trailer music sync company. He runs Acid with music supervisor Will Quiney, representing a host of composers, artists, and producers.

 

Looking back, Johan saw early success as half of the producer and DJ duo, Radioclit, which he co-founded with Etienne Tron in 2004. Active during London's 'blog house' era, they worked with artists like M.I.A., Switch, Diplo, Sinden, and Bonde do Rolê. They toured globally as DJs and hosted the renowned club night, Secousse, at the Notting Hill Arts Club in West London, focused on showcasing dance music from across the globe. As Radioclit and Johan Hugo, he has remixed tracks for artists including Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, Emeli Sandé, Lady Gaga, Amadou & Mariam, Britney Spears, and more.

 

Outside of music, Johan is a fervent builder and gardener. He frequently transitions between his studios in Margate and Sweden. In Sweden, he's built a lake house with his father and fashioned a unique music studio inside a refurbished chicken coop on wheels.