So Tommy, you’re quite the man of the moment, what has been the key turning point in your career so far?
That’s kind of you to say so but I think there are many others more worthy of that statement. I don’t see any key aspect that has been a turning point. For me, it’s just been about steady releases and remixes.

Who have been your biggest influences, and which DJs do you admire and look up to for inspiration?
Production wise, Minilogue, Domink Eulberg, Adam Beyer and Josh Wink have all been getting me excited and wanting to write more. On the more experimental tip, Four Tet, Murcof, Bjork, Autechre and greats such as Steve Reich, are also influences.

The one DJ that has truly impressed me and been a big influence is again Wink. I’ve been lucky enough to play before him and to watch him live is truly hypnotic, he uses looping to such a great effect. I also admire how he has stuck to his guns musically with Ovum and released some great artists and chooses spot on remixers.

Where did you grow up, and how did you first get into DJ-ing?
I grew up on the outskirts of London and first got into DJ at my local youth club when I was 13 years old. Back then I was listening to more Drum n’ Bass as tape packs got passed around school. Seeing people get hyped from a DJ was something I wanted to be a part of.

What kept you going making music and what tips would you give an aspiring DJ who is having doubts about if they will make it?
I feel you have to enjoy exploring music and spend time sound designing. For me, morphing one thing to create another is the most interesting part. So many people are using one hits from sample CDs. I think more people should record some interesting textures. Sometimes its good to fuck off the 909 and 808 and try something new!

For me personally, I think persistence and passion is the key. He who can stare at the computer screen the longest wins! Isn’t that right Del boy?

How are things going with your label Shooting Elvis, and what other up and coming artists have you signed to it?
Shooting Elvis has got off to a great start, with support from the likes of Davide Squillace, Len Faki, Perc, Joel Mull, Ewan Pearson and Dave Shokh to name a few. You can check out some of the music at www.myspace.com/shootingelvis. The first release called Strix by myself and James Kronier is out now on vinyl and digital this week.

The first artist apart from me to have a solo release is James Kronier. A friend from university, he is the mutts and is really going to shake the scene up!

Other artists involved include Remute, Mark Broom, Darko Esser and Sebastian Roya. These are people I all totally respect and doing great things.

Watch out for Shooting Elvis @ 54, Commercial St too. Featuring the artist’s involved and other people I feel London need to check out. It seems many promoters are being too safe, and frankly it’s boring!

What’s the best club you’ve ever played in?
This year I played Planet Rose @ Doornroosje in Holland, which definitely falls into that category. The venue is raw, the crowd were up for it and the crew were sound. It had a really comfortable vibe, like being a home from home. I also got to check out ‘2000 and One’ playing before me who is another producer I’m really digging at the mo.

In your opinion, what makes a good party?
See above! But I’m a sucker for a small venue with a low ceiling, you can’t beat deep techno in a sweat box!

What was the first record you ever bought?
RUN DMC vs Jason Nevis ‘It’s like that’ when I was 12 years old! I wanted to break-dance, as seen in the video! Alas, It remained the ridiculous thought.

What are your other passions, aside from DJ-ing and Music production?
Sadly not much, I really don’t have any time for it. I finish Uni in 4 weeks so maybe after then I’ll find something. Although, I really should make it cooking, that’s a department I could do with help.

If you had one week to live, what would you do with that week?
Gather all my friends and family and have one big fuck off party!!

What is your most treasured possession? (none music related!)
My bed! It’s my haven, my best friend, I love you bed! See you soon!

You’ve played in Lithuania, what is the clubbing scene like over there?
New, healthy and growing. The crowd are really appreciative and it’s pleasure to play there. A DJ called Ignas runs a few clubs, such as Exit and is doing some great things for pushing the scene. I think East Europe is very much underrated.

And finally, what are your favourite pair of trainers?
These bad boys, complete with Shooting Elvis branding! By Alex Marshall from www.beyondliquid.com

Words: Anna Wharton