John Joseph Holt

Founder, LAW — London

01Profile

A John Joseph Holt Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
John Joseph Holt, founder of LAW from the heart of the Fenlands.

Describe your style in three words?
Room for improvement (style is a lifelong journey and I’m barely at the brow of the hill).

A British icon that has inspired you?
I went to see David Hockney’s exhibition at Tate Britain the other day and it was amazing to see paintings that I am so familiar with up close and in the flesh. He was the first artist that I ever knew. An icon in his own lifetime, who stands out a mile and is not afraid of embracing the new.

What music did you listen to growing up?
My brother and his friend Stuart used to DJ at the local youth club disco in the Village Hall, before handing the reigns down to Stuart’s brother Tim and I. We would get high on Panda Pops and fade in Wamdue Project 'King of My Castle' over DJ Jean 'Are You Ready For The Launch', on single CD’s from Woolworths.

04Playlist Notes

What was the first song you played on repeat?
2Pac, Changes - My brother used to have it on cassette, along with Luniz, Fugees, Gang Starr and Dilated Peoples. Those opening piano notes will always transport me back to the paradise of youth.

A song from your favourite album?
Age of Consent from Power, Corruption & Lies.
First track and it’s a little ripper, New Order entering a new era.

Most meaningful lyrics to inspire change?
‘Did you ever stop to notice,’
Michael Jackson, Earth Song.

Best song to bring people together?
Gala, Freed From Desire - A Joyride end of night classic.

What is your all-time favourite gig?
Real lies at the LAW 7 launch at Moth Club. I twisted my ankle and ruined a brand new pair of Reeboks, but it was 100% worth it. I never wore the Reeboks again but kept them as a memento of the occasion.

Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
Do-Re-Mi from the Sound of Music, unbelievable lyrics.

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
John Joseph Holt, founder of LAW from the heart of the Fenlands.

Describe your style in three words?
Room for improvement (style is a lifelong journey and I’m barely at the brow of the hill).

A British icon that has inspired you?
I went to see David Hockney’s exhibition at Tate Britain the other day and it was amazing to see paintings that I am so familiar with up close and in the flesh. He was the first artist that I ever knew. An icon in his own lifetime, who stands out a mile and is not afraid of embracing the new.

What music did you listen to growing up?
My brother and his friend Stuart used to DJ at the local youth club disco in the Village Hall, before handing the reigns down to Stuart’s brother Tim and I. We would get high on Panda Pops and fade in Wamdue Project 'King of My Castle' over DJ Jean 'Are You Ready For The Launch', on single CD’s from Woolworths.

04Playlist Notes

What was the first song you played on repeat?
2Pac, Changes - My brother used to have it on cassette, along with Luniz, Fugees, Gang Starr and Dilated Peoples. Those opening piano notes will always transport me back to the paradise of youth.

A song from your favourite album?
Age of Consent from Power, Corruption & Lies.
First track and it’s a little ripper, New Order entering a new era.

Most meaningful lyrics to inspire change?
‘Did you ever stop to notice,’
Michael Jackson, Earth Song.

Best song to bring people together?
Gala, Freed From Desire - A Joyride end of night classic.

What is your all-time favourite gig?
Real lies at the LAW 7 launch at Moth Club. I twisted my ankle and ruined a brand new pair of Reeboks, but it was 100% worth it. I never wore the Reeboks again but kept them as a memento of the occasion.

Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
Do-Re-Mi from the Sound of Music, unbelievable lyrics.