Manic Focus, the electronic music project of John “JmaC” McCarten, is once again blurring genre lines with his latest full-length album, Other Side of Paradise. He fuses electronic, funk, soul, and hip-hop into a sound that grabs attention instantly. The album pushes his style forward while keeping the groove that fans know and love. Each track feels intentional, layering rich textures and emotional bass design that’s both raw and refined.
Manic Focus’ 10th studio album showcases his evolution as both a producer and performer. “Candy Apple” opens with lush melodies and midtempo basslines that glide effortlessly. “In The Dark” crashes in with distorted synths and sub-bass, delivering a thrilling rush. “Let Up Waves” takes a bold turn into deep progressive house, proving Manic Focus isn’t afraid to experiment. Every song stands on its own while contributing to a cohesive, adventurous story.
Beyond the studio, the 15-track LP highlights his versatility. Other Side of Paradise translates seamlessly into the live space. Collaborators elevate the project further. Phyphr, Borahm Lee, Megan Hamilton, and Marvel Years add depth and texture. Their contributions enhance the emotional range and stylistic breadth. Tracks like “River Road” and “Hey Boom Boom” blend blues-inflected riffs with electronic grooves. The result is an album that feels alive, unpredictable, and heartfelt. John shares,
“Over the past two years I’ve tried to come up with a more solid definition of the sound of Manic Focus, but I often find myself exploring more and more the enormous musical landscape before us and can’t stop experimenting with various synth elements and genres. I’ve always leaned more on the production side than the DJ side, but this album has a lot of good mix in/out points for DJs wanting to showcase the MF style. I hope you enjoy it. Much love! -John “JmaC” McCarten”
With Other Side of Paradise, Manic Focus proves he masters genre-defying electronic music. He experiments boldly while maintaining his groove. Fans can stream the album now and catch him live this fall. His high-energy sets merge improvisation and electronics, creating a living, breathing experience. With only three stops left — Lincoln, Iowa City, and Dallas — don’t miss your chance to feel every drop, rhythm shift, and melody live.
