Berlin native Nico Stojan returns to Crosstown Rebels, this time teaming up with Italian native Tooker. The two track EP entitled Frisbee is true to the label, taking the listener on a melodic journey perfectly set for the beaches of the Mediterranean or the jungles of Tulum. Having also recently embarked on a solo career, Italian Christopher Tooker is probably best known as one half of KMLN which has seen him playing exciting parties across the globe including; Wonderfruit, Meadows in the Mountains and Birning Man to name but a few. DMCWORLD grabs a world exclusive…
Can you tell us where in Italy you are from and what the music scene was like there when you were growing up?
I was born in Turin, a very beautiful and cultural city with a vibrant art scene, amongst many things. The surrounding area known as Piemonte is also home to my favorite wines, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and Dolcetto — as well as my favorite chocolate Gianduia. And yes, there is an obligation for you to try all of them. Growing up, I jumped around several Italian cities and was very active in the live music scenes. I’ve lived in the States for many years since then, and now that I’m back, I’ve realized once again that Italy has tons of talent packed in a tiny country.
How would you describe your DJ sound and style?
I’ve always shielded away from genres, but some words stand out, such as subtle, hypnotic and organic. You’ll often hear real instruments recorded and a focus on percussion that I play both live and in the studio.
You have a long history within the music industry. Tell us about your journey from starting in bands to where you find yourself today.
I started playing the drums at a very young age, and guitar and bass followed soon after. I put together my first band when I was 14. Music was everything to me; there was a phase where I played in four bands and would spend every hour after school practicing, recording and composing. I was in high school at the time and would find myself studying for tests after band practice late into the night before exam day. I was so tired the next day that I’d sometimes fall asleep in class. I guess some would call it drive or discipline; it was just love for me. Music became full time, and after ten years of bands and a couple of dreams coming true, it felt like it was time to expand, so I packed up with a friend and we moved to Berlin.
This is where KMLN (said “chameleon”) was born, and 2011 marked the start of a new project and a new decade, this time focused on electronic music. We were wide open and excited to try anything and everything. After long weekends we would go back to the studio and translate all the feelings into music. After six months of fun and hard work, we became regulars at places like Sisyphos, Kater, Goldengate, Renate and Watergate. A couple of years later, I was flown to Burning Man (one big gift and a crazy story for another time!), and that’s where I met Shawna. We became very close, and she then joined KMLN. Together we brought it to the next level and began touring worldwide. There was a year when our eclectic music and wild personalities had us traveling and discovering cultures, music and food in over 25 countries. So much fun!
Just before the pandemic, my mom was coming from a very hard year with several health issues and the loss of her partner, so I felt it was time to go back to Italy to be by her side. I’m now taking over the bed & breakfast she created on the island of San Pietro in Sardinia, bringing the dream forward and naming it after her “Alba B&B”, which also means “dawn” or “new beginning” in Italian. It hasn’t been an easy transition, and for the first time in my life, I found myself needing to put music in second place. With all the new responsibilities, I’m not able to tour like I used to and not seeing the music community has been challenging. On the flip side, slowing down, working with the land and processing years of fast-paced experiences has been a blessing in disguise as I’ve been getting to know myself for what feels like the first time. All of this coincided perfectly with starting my first ever solo project, “Tooker”.
Who has been your biggest influence along the way?
I’ve had so many influences in different times of my life, but if I have to choose one in music, it would have to be Michael Jackson. No other artist shaped, inspired and accompanied me like him into my teens. His contributions to dance, music, showmanship, fashion and humanitarian efforts set the bar to new standards. From the age of 10 to 14, I did several talent shows imitating his dancing, and If you put your investigator hat on, you might still find some videos online.
Your latest release coming out on Crosstown Rebels entitled Frisbee sees you teaming up with your long-term friend Nico Stojan. Explain how your friendship resonates in this EP and the story behind it.
When Nico and I met, we were both in important phases of our lives and striving to become better versions of ourselves. As life often shows us, time and time again, when the moment is right, we naturally gravitate towards each other. It took little time to realize we had so many things in common and that we were born the same day and only a few hours apart. This kind of connection made the creative process effortless. We had long sessions in his beautiful studio in Berlin, and to break them up, we’d enjoy amazing food and wine, psychedelic nature walks, bike rides and playing Frisbee that gave its name to the EP.
How was it working with your close friend for a release on such a renowned label?
In the studio, there were no “let’s make music for this label” talks, we were just two little kids at the playground having fun. We made a lot of music together, and we were both pleasantly surprised with the two tracks that Damian chose for the vinyl.
Where can our readers expect to see you playing in the coming months?
There are a few shows in Europe, including Paris and Ibiza, and I’ll be organizing and playing events where I live now on the island of San Pietro, Sardinia. It’s still an undiscovered jewel of the Mediterranean, and it fills me with joy sharing it with the world!
