1. Hi there Tom, how's everything, how have You been so far, how's 2009 for You ? Please tell me a few words about Yourself nowadays.
Tom Colontonio: Things have been going very well this year. I've had some good release and remixes, I'm very proud of at this point. I feel as though I have grown as an artist , DJ and producer as well. I have done some great gigs this year and was extremely pleased having the chance to tour some countries and play my tunes! I also signed to a great agency , Djlinks.com in Vancouver which have done a wonderful job for me thus far taking care of business etc.
2. There have been talks of Your debut artist album for quite some time now. What has actually been holding up the process ? Was it just not ready to come out yet ?
Tom Colontonio: I have been toying with some tracks for the album and gathering ideas together. It will definitely see the light of day in 2010. I think it will be a mixture of down tempo and some vocal tracks as well as having some of my guitar throw in!
3. I reckon that I know a few, but I would better take it from the master himself. In terms of production, who all did You work with ?
Tom Colontonio: I have worked with guys like Activa, John O'Callaghan, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Sean Tyas and more. Me and Giuseppe have a collaboration coming out soon on his album later this year I'm very excited about. It was great working with him as he's been a friend for quite a while.
4. When You are in the studio with someone such as the names listed above, do You usually work together with them on the track or do You just kind of let them do their own thing and then You follow with Your own personal feeling and "retouches" ?
Tom Colontonio: Well usually it involves sending files back and forth since I am in America. I'll send some ideas they'll send some and it begins to come together and grow into a track. It's a really fun process and rewarding when its all said and done. I have definitely learned some great tips from working with them as well.
5. Explain the process as to when You are coming up with Your melodic concepts and ideas for Your tracks, what inspires You the most ?
Tom Colontonio: Melodies are a strange process for me... hahaha I don't want to sound crazy but there's been times when I dream weird shit and run downstairs to put it down. This happened with the pads in the breakdown for me and John O'Callaghan's track "Through the Light" on his album. Sometimes I'll sit there and try to come up with something and can't. It can be tough but usually I end up coming up with something good.
6. Through some of Your old Facebook pictures we could discover that You had a rock band. How has this influenced Your music today ?
Tom Colontonio: Yes, I started playing guitar when I was 11 and stuck with it all these years. I don't play as much as I would like but still get the occasional session in. I actually played the guitar for John O'Callaghan's new version of "Big Sky" on his artist album. I definitely think guitar has helped me in making music and with theory as well. I sometimes will come up with something on my acoustic and then transpose it to the keyboard. I always said if I wasn't a Dj I would be playing in a band.
7. Speaking of that, how would You describe and define the style of music that You create and perform nowadays ? Had been changed ever You first started ?
Tom Colontonio: I would describe it as driving, uplifting melodic trance. I try to get a good groove and some good percussive elements going and then have a powerful b***. I try to get that in all my tracks. As far as my sound changing I would say its evolved a bit. Some new stuff I have coming out on Spinnin records will be different from the normal stuff I do. I think my sound has gotten better over the past year. I really try and take my time now when making tracks... Much more than before.
8. Couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to add one of the latest news for June, related to You and GlobalTwist Music. How did You made it and tell me about their support please.
Tom Colontonio: I was taken on by them through DJlinks.com due they negotiated the whole thing for me and I was signed. It was great news for me because I still haven't had a chance to play in that area and I really would like too!. I'm hoping some good things come about from it.
9. In terms of production, I would say You are busy lately, remixing "7 weeks" from Sean Tyas, the collaboration with John O'Callaghan for "Through the Light", what else can You tell me ?
Tom Colontonio: Well I just released an EP on Monster tunes with a Sean Tyas remix. The main track "Sparkover" did nicely and the Tyas remix was a banger! I also have just signed an EP with Spinnin and that will include a John O'Callaghan's remix and two other tracks. I am extremely happy with this one and can't wait for it to hit the streets! I am also working on my first vocals and one will have me producing it and singing it!
10. How does the summer of 2009 looks for Tom Colontonio ? Busy enough ? Any future gigs around the word ?
Tom Colontonio: There is some good stuff in the the works including the UK, Argentina and more. I love touring and truly enjoy meeting new people who support my music.
11. What's to be expected from a Tom Colontonio show ?
Tom Colontonio: I've been trying to mix it up as of late. Some uplifting , some tech etc with the occasional vocal. I really try and focus on putting on good show when touring by getting proper rest etc. Traveling can take a lot out of you so I always try and get some sleep before a gig too.
12. Coming from an artist like You, when it comes to music, we all know that "times change, music changes", what can You tell me about it, where the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) goes nowadays ?
Tom Colontonio: Well I think trance for example is evolving. You will always have the core sound of it but the production techniques have changed. I have been hearing a lot more clarity in tracks (well some of them) and more gritty elements. Tech has made it's way into the style a lot too as of late which really brings a nice edge to the sound. I think people accepting the EDM sound is very important and it lies a lot within radio support of the music. The younger generation is the future of EDM!
13. As far as I remember, lately You have been in the headlines more for Your mixing skills than for Your own music. What can You tell me about it ?
Tom Colontonio: I hit a wave of really good remixes this year. I wasn't keen on remixing last year but pulled some good ones off. I find it stressful at times to finish a remix as opposed to a original. The Sean Tyas "Seven Weeks" remix did great and gathered some huge support which was great. I also have just done a remix of "Through the Light" which will be out soon! I'm starting to enjoy remixing a lot now the more I do it.
14. Please tell me further details about one of Your latest EP called "Sparkover".
Tom Colontonio: It was recently released on Monster Tunes as a 3 song EP including the track "Walk through Berlin" which I was inspired to make when I was in Berlin Germany. Germany is such a nice place with culture and I was very excited to stay there and play there last year. "Sparkover" the original mix was a concept I had been working in for a long time and finally brought together after over 6 months!. I then spoke to Sean Tyas and he really liked the original mix and decided to remix it. He delivered a smasher of a remix and the package was complete.
15. Before we wrap up, are there any thoughts You would like to share to all TranceSound.net community or anyone else reading this exclusive interview ?
Tom Colontonio: I would just like to say thanks to everyone for the great support. It's been a great year so far and I hope to finish it off even better!
16. Thank You very much mate, I really appreciate that little time You had for me in order to have this interview, but one of my last question would be: How do You find the idea of being invited again to this annual TranceSound Festival, 4th edition around late September, early October 2009 ?
Tom Colontonio: Absolutely!!! Thanks!
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
Tom Colontonio official website
Tom Colontonio @ MySpace
Cosmin Lukacs official website
Cosmin Lukacs @ MySpace
Dj Links official website
