‘Like A Roller’ – the big interview by Matt Caldwell
He’s been a staple in the diets of electronic music fans for well over a decade and continues to grow his discography into 2013. Those that grew up on Tomcraft’s hypnotic beats and unforgettable melodies recall his greatest success “Loneliness” – which stormed to #01 in our UK 10 years ago this month. “Like A Roller” could only be Tomcraft – who else could be behind the mysterious, yet blissful synth lines and unnerving female vocal stabs that pulse through with the kick-drum in beautifully robotic syncopations. The production is pristine, clearly the work of an electronic music production architect. The drums are expertly crafted with perfectly filled frequencies that still hint at Tomcraft’s classic style whilst retaining a modernistic 2013 spirit to the production.
It’s a fitting time for us to speak to him as he unveils his new album and leading single “Like A Roller”.
Hey Tomcraft, thanks for talking to DMC today. Where in the world are you and what’s happening?
“Hi Matt, today is one of my rare days at home as this May is a tremendous tour month with gigs in Montenegro, Croatia, Belgium, Russia, Macedonia, Netherlands and Germany. During the week there is a lot to do. For example I just came back from a meeting with my record company Kosmo Records as we have already started planning for the next releases for this year. Even though my new album is just two month old, together we have the aim to present the audience every month with fresh and new Tomcraft tunes.”
“20 years” dropped this year to a huge reception. What’s the idea behind the album?
“Originally I planned to release a pure best of album, but in the end I produced so many new tracks, that I decided to release a double CD album. Two discs, first with 18 tracks, 15 of it completely new and the second CD with 14 of my biggest hits of the last 20 years, completely re-mastered. Huge package!”
Would it be safe to call “Like A Roller” the album’s big single, or are you planning more single releases from the album?
“I would say “Like A Roller” is ONE of the big singles. The previous singles of the album we released were “The Noyz”, “Supersonic” and of course “Loneliness 2k13”. The feedback for every one of these singles was amazing, but I’m really looking forward to the feedback from the people for “Like A Roller” as I personally think it’s one of the strongest tracks of the album.”
Tell us about the video, what’s going on!? It’s sexy and scary at the same time.
“Music videos always meant a great deal to me, because videos enable you not only to listen to the music, but look at it. My music is very emotional and it is just this energy, power, cheerfulness and sadness, which I intend to underline even more with these music videos. The video of “Like A Roller” is no exception. “Like A Roller” is a dark and pumping track. So also the pictures of the music video are dark with fast picture changes and crazy girls, which transposes the feeling of the music.”
What’s your take on the EDM explosion? Does it have any place or relevance to your life?
“Of course I’m very happy that EDM music is currently so famous, especially in the US, but I’m also careful about such musical hypes – as hypes come and go. I’ve been in this business for more than 20 years now and already experienced a lot of electronic music hypes. But the most important thing I’ve learned over the years, is that it has to go on, even if a music style is currently hyped or not. Electronic music is such a lively and diversified music, which always develops, even if it’s currently charted or not. This is something the people, as well as some artists sometimes forget.”
10 years this month since “Loneliness” rocked the UK charts. There’s a 2013 edit on the album – how long has that been in the pipepline?
“Not that long. To make a 2k13 version was very spontaneous, even if I thought about this a couple of times over the years. I always had the respect about the track and its success over the last ten years. Finally we produced this new version as after a long time I wanted to present a new and exclusive version in my DJ sets. In the final production process it was our main aim to transfer the track into the year 2013 and I believe we have managed to do this quite well. Not cheesy, but with the same, timeless feeling that the original version has.”
You’ve always had an underground sound in your productions. How did you manage to enjoy commercial success with electronic music, which at the time was so distant from the charts?
“I think it’s as I’m simply having fun in the music I play and of course produce. This is something the people can feel in my music and see during my performances. No “have to do” cooperation with famous pop acts to be in charts, just simple and authentic Tomcraft music. I think the people appreciate this.”
Has your approach to making music changed with technology in recent years?
“Yes. Today it’s much easier and faster to record new ideas, melodies or beats. When I’m coming back from my gigs to the hotel, I’m always full of ideas I developed during the gig and now have the chance to record these ideas on my Macbook for example. But also in the studio it’s much easier today. You don’t need a huge mixer with hundreds of external compressors, equalisers, FX, etc., just a reliable computer, with the right software.”
Your label “Great Stuff” has become a go to imprint for quality underground electronic music and for many budding producers – a real target label. You guys celebrate 10 years this year – 2013 is a year of many anniversaries for you right?
“Yes, 2013 is huge, even if I decided to cut myself off a little bit from the label “Great Stuff” as the management just took up too much time. I wanted to fully concentrate on my own music. Furthermore I felt that my music developed in another direction to what “Great Stuff” currently represents. This is also the reason why my new album was released on Kosmo Records. But of course the label Great Stuff will still exist and you can expect a lot of huge releases this year.”
What are you personal favourite releases on the label “Great Stuff” from the last ten years?
“Two releases I really love are Mason with “Exceeder” and Coburn with “We Interrupt This Program”. Awesome tunes! But there were of course a lot of more Great Stuff releases, which influenced my DJ sets over the years.”
And if you had to pick one artist who you have developed within the label that you look back and smile at the most, who would it be and why?
“Lützenkirchen is becoming a real good friend of mine and we had a lot of fun together these last years. At the Great Stuff office for example we had our studios side by side. So there were a lot of funny cooperation and studio nights.”
What have you got planned for yourself as we move into the second half of 2013?
“Just finished a new EP, which will be release very soon. I’m really curious about the release, as these are completely new tracks, not from the “20 Years” album. I can surprise the people with some fresh music nobody has heard before. After the EP we will constantly release one of the next singlse of the album, of course with great remixes.”
Who’s on your iPod playlist at the moment?
“Chromeo, Cosmo Jarvis, Chase & Status and Depeche Mode.”
Finally – a top tip to the younger aspiring DJs and Producers reading who want some good solid advice from a guy who made it happen for himself:
“Be yourself, be authentic, be creative and don’t run after any musical trends. If you don’t have fun in the music you present, your audience will directly see it.”
Thanks Thomas and we wish you will with your future endeavours and hope to see you again soon.
“Thank you!”
