John Engstrom is an Illinois-based composer and producer with an affinity towards working within organic and absurd sonic environments. A versatile musician, he has created works for the speaker, the stage, and the stairwell. A diverse body of work, John applies contemporary music composition to popular music practices: three private studio albums centered around exploring various forms of electronic music, improvised for electric bass with delayed reverse reverbs, and designed midi input for organ & synthesizer. He has also collaborated with various artists in different mediums, such as experimental ambient jazz trio, Disco Behemoth, choreographer and dancer, Nirvan Singh, & director and videographer, Nicholas A. Talamantez. Former Vice President of the Western Student Composers Alliance, tasked with raising awareness for local composers at Western Michigan University. John worked at Broughton Music & Art Center in downtown Kalamazoo, teaching drums, percussion, & piano, along with operating in music retail. Often, John is creating music at his private studio: working on compositions, producing new tracks, or creating content with peers. In summation, John is a musician and collaborator invested in his craft.For the past few years, John has been arranging, composing, and performing his pieces for small and large ensembles. John was awarded 3rd place in the Illinois Music Educators Association composition contest for his Avant-Garde / Electronic composition, Reverie. John was the winner of the Jank Guitar Store’s, The Road Song Challenge for his arrangement of ‘The Road’ by Casely and the Jank. This earned him an award & notability in the Kane County Chronicle. He was most recently presented a scholarship in recognition of his accomplishments and potential as a musician and student at Western Michigan University. John continues to pursue his goals of becoming a better creator, colleague, and musician.