Burning The Ground Exclusive
Hi-NRG DISCO FRIDAY
Nick John, born Nickolas Johnathan Kovaleski, emerged as a notable figure in the mid-1980s Hi-NRG music scene. His striking blonde appearance and multifaceted talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer quickly garnered attention, making him a prominent poster boy for the genre during that era.
In 1986, at the age of 22, Nick John released his debut single, “Planet Nine,” under the renowned Megatone Records label. This track showcased his ability to blend energetic rhythms with catchy melodies, characteristic of the Hi-NRG style.
Following the success of his debut, he continued to make waves with subsequent releases, including “All I Want Is You” in 1987. This 12″ single further cemented his status in the dance music community, offering club-goers an infectious beat and memorable hooks.
Despite his early promise and contributions to the Hi-NRG genre, detailed information about Nick John’s career progression and life after his initial musical endeavors remains scarce. His work, however, continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts of 1980s dance music, ensuring his legacy within the genre endures.
SIDE A:
All I Want Is You (Club Mix) 7:39
SIDE B:
All I Want Is You (Razormaid Mix) 7:07
Engineer – Joseph Watt
Remix – Joseph Watt
All I Want Is You (Rhythm Radio Mix) 4:04
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Megatone Records – MT-151
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Disco, Hi NRG
CREDITS:
- Drum Machine – Nick John
- Engineer – Devon Bernardoni, Ken Kessie
- Executive-Producer – Marty Blecman
- Keyboards – Nick John
- Mixed By – Ken Kessie, Marty Blecman
- Performer – Nick John
- Photography – Mark Guerra
- Producer – Nick John
- Project Manager – Karen Beason
- Written-By – Nick John
NOTES:
A1, B2 Mixed at Starlight Studio, Richmond, CA
Razormaid Mixed at: Alpha Omega Studio San Francisco, CA
Photography Mark Guerra Austin, Texas
Booking agent Jeff Lepie, 213-392, 1467
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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This is an absolute gem! LOVE this! Thank you.
I think I vaguely remember Nick John. Thanks for bringing this back, I can see it tearing up the dance floor back in the day. Thanks for a great week and so great to have you back. Of course, your health always comes first! Thank you Paul and have a great weekend. And of course you too Jeff, Martika, DJXREY and everyone else here!!
Thank you, Retro Hound, for your concern. I am still taking things slowly and only posting when I feel up to it. So far, my energy levels are steadily returning to normal. I hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
Hey, Paul! Big Nick John fan here. I remember when the dance music magazine, Dance Music Report, had Mr. John on the cover and touted him as Patrick Cowley’s heir apparent. I wish I still had the issue because I do remember that there was a nice interview with him. He seemed destined for mass success. He had so much talent and the looks that would make him a gorgeous male pin-up, too! I love that the Razormaid! mix is contained within because, as you know all too well, I am a Razormaid! fanatic. Thank you, Paul, for a great… Read more »
When I saw the Razormaid Mix I immediately thought of you Jeff! Have a great weekend!
I would have relished the chance to devour that magazine; it’s a shame that no one has taken the initiative to digitize those treasures for online enjoyment. Nick John’s music has always captivated me—his incredible talent shines through in every aspect of his craft, from producing and arranging to writing and playing an array of instruments. It’s a true feast for the senses! Have a great weekend 🙂
There are a few scans at https://ultramaroon.net/category/dmr-mag/
I have a couple issues from circa 1990 as well, just not scanned yet. I’ll put them on archive.org eventually.
Thank you so much, Paul. I only had the Razormaid remix, but not the other mixes! I love your Hi-NRG Disco Friday releases! You definitely know how to get the weekend party started. 🙂
Judging by the pace of your releases, you must be feeling a bit better! Continue to take of yourself!
I have to say, I really enjoy the Radio Mix! It dives straight into the action and encompasses all my favorite elements. There’s something so exhilarating about the moment when he exclaims, “It freaks me out!”—it always makes me smile and feel energized. Wishing you a fantastic weekend, Martika! 🙂
Love this track. Especially the Razormaid remix which I have on CD. However, simply brilliant to finally have a proper vinyl rip in high BTG quality. Thanks for posting this one!!!