DMCWORLD grabs a world exclusive with Stress Records’ returning favourite Tommy Farrow as he impresses with his new hedonistic trance anthem,‘Between Two Planets’. Sheffield-based Tommy Farrow is no stranger to Stress and his consistently strong releases are set to make even more waves in the dance scene. His debut single Let’s Just’ was released in 2020 and hit all corners of the dance community, picking up support from the likes of Duke Dumont, Fideles, Rufus du Sol, Oliver Heldens andmany more. The record amassed over 50x plays on BBC Radio 1 going all the way to the official playlist. We dive in…
Hi Tommy, thanks for talking to DMCWORLD today. How are you doing and where are you at the moment?
Hey guys, thank you so much for having me! I’m doing great, lots of exciting bits behind the scenes that I’m working on and I’m also in the middle of building a new studio in my basement. It needs a fair bit of work but it’ll be worth it once it’s finally finished. I’m currently in Sheffield, I’ve been living here for the past 4 years and stayed here after I graduated from university last year.
The lockdown restrictions are hopefully coming to an end soon. How have you found things during the pandemic and what have you been doing to keep yourself busy?
I hope so! It’s looking good in the UK so I have everything crossed. I have coped absolutely okay to be honest, it’s been boring but I have learnt lots of new things in the studio and the buzz from Let’s Just last year made it much more bearable. Apart from producing I have a part-time bar job which is very fun and gets me out the house! Gigs are finally coming in again, so that’s my main motivation at the moment as I have some very exciting ones in different cities.
Your recent release ‘Between Two Planets’ came out on Stress Records in April. It’s been getting massive support so far from the likes Annie Mac and Above & Beyond. Can you tell us a bit more about it and how it was made?
I actually made this track when I quit my full time job back in October. I was fed up and grumpy and I remember giving producing one more go late into the evening. It all came together so quickly and I remember so vividly the first time I played the whole song to myself – I just had my mouth wide open and text my manager straight away saying “brooo i’ve made something that’s gonna blow your mind!!” I was inspired by ‘Ayla’ at the time… I’m a sucker for trance gates.
Your debut release on Stress Records, ‘Let’s Just’, has amassed over 2 million streams along with over 50 plays on BBC Radio 1. Can you tell us what it means to have achieved so much with your first release?
Pretty mind blowing to be honest. It definitely set the bar high but I’m glad it did – as I want everything I release to be the best quality. It was incredible to see how many people were touched from all around the world, especially some YouTube comments explaining how it helped them when they were feeling their lowest in life… for me that’s what it’s all about when being a producer.
You seem to have found a home with Stress records, can you tell us more about that?
Yes the guys at Stress are great to work with and we get on super well. They allowed me to create my vision with artwork which I believe helps massively when it comes to painting a picture as a whole. I have lots more exciting stuff in the pipeline with them which I can’t wait to get out!
You are at the forefront of the new wave of UK producers. What are your thoughts on the UK scene and its upcoming artists?
Thank you! I think it’s seriously exciting at the moment with so much amazing potential. Everyone always seems to be supportive of one and other too and tastemakers such as Jaguar do an amazing job shining the spotlight on up and coming producers on her BBC Radio 1 show.
How long have you been producing music and did you always know this is what you wanted to do?
Seriously only for the past 2 years. I’ve always been into the business side of things prior to producing and was a promoter for 3 years. I did a couple of seasons in Ibiza and I believe that really kick started my hunger and motivation to become a producer and to start taking it seriously. I’ve been DJ-ing for 8 years now and have been obsessed with music from a young age. I believe it’s difficult to reach certain heights when you solely DJ, hence why I took the leap and put the hours in, producing 6-8 hours a day.
Who are your biggest musical influences and why?
Ejeca / Trance Wax is no1. I love his creativity. You never know what’s coming when you listen to his music and that’s what inspires me. I always believe I have to keep my listeners on their toes when it comes to the music. Bicep are a huge inspiration to me also because of their chord progressions and how emotional their tracks are.
What do you like to do outside of music, do you have any hobbies?
I love to cook! I love watching cooking programs – I pretty much watch them every day.. Especially Jamie Oliver!!
Do you have any upcoming music projects or gigs you can tell us about?
I have a couple really exciting collabs out this year and some amazing labels that I’m releasing on too. My next single that is out on Stress could be one of my biggest ones for sure…
