Article Contributed by Boulder Theater | Published on Friday, February 19, 2021 Manic Focus is the electronic music project of John “JmaC” McCarten, a Denver-based producer with roots in funk, soul, and new-era hip-hop. A multi-dimensional artist with a rowdy style that spans multiple genres, Manic Focus transcends sound waves by fusing soulful blues with heavy-hitting bass, creating a resonating tone that’s entirely his own. Originally hailing from the Twin Cities, McCarten grew up with classical piano lessons from an early age, developing a trained musical ear and laying the groundwork for his future in beat production. In his teen years, McCarten developed a deep appreciation for hip-hop music, citing musical influences such as Atmosphere, Brother Ali and MF Doom. In high school, McCarten would spend day and night in the basement of his family home teaching himself Ableton software, relentlessly trying to replicate the hip-hop rhythms he grew up on by making beats for his friends for fun. It was around this time that McCarten realized his music had a profound impact on those around him, and the self-taught producer began making his own music full-time.