Exclusive Interview with Sean Tyas
Sean Tyas, a New York native, now residing in Switzerland, brings to the dancefloor a mix of melodic harmony and driving groove that is sure to be just as effective on the legs as it is on the heart. He got his start in 1999 with his first set of Tech-12s and started to learn how to mix music, but just for fun on the side and a good excuse to buy dance records. But for him, this was not enough. In the coming couple of years, he put together a studio and began producing records as well. By the age of twenty six, he has already remixed artists such as Christina Aguilera, Pink, Moby, Daniel Bedingfield, Christina Milian, and PPK. During this time he got his start into professional DJing with clubs in NYC such as Shelter and Exit. Moving to Europe proved to be a great move for Sean, doing all production for DJ Beam in Germany and building his experience as a studio producer. Eventually Sean decided to step away, concentrated much more on his own productions and remixes.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Sean Tyas, shortly before his performance at Sonic on 28th June.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music – especially Trance - in the first place?
Probably through going out to NYC club Twilo back in the 90s. By that spot I came into contact with it mostly by hearing many Paul van Dyk sets as we crossed into the new millenium. Amazing times!
You are from New York but live in Switzerland. What made you move to Europe?
The boring answer of love! My wife is Swiss so after we met in Germany (I was there for a production job for 10 months), it seemed logical we just move in together, as we were already very involved.
How would you describe your music in just a few words?
Powerful, emotional, and heavy.
Your highest ranked track on Beatport is “Arcobaleno”. Which other tracks of yours would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I would of course recommend them to check out Lift, as it was the most popular track I have had, it actually didn’t chart well because it leaked months (!) before release, quite brutally as well. Other tracks of mine I’d recommend would be Tingle, Seven Weeks, Zahi and Banshee.
What are you currently working on?
Several new originals, 2 of them being collaborations.
You run a popular weekly radio show called “Tytanium Sessions”. What can you tell us about the concept and where can people listen to it?
It’s just simply my own way of bringing to the fans some nice selections of new music each week. The easiest way to catch it is to simply go to iTunes and search out Tytanium Sessions (with a Y) and Subscribe. Then you’ll automatically have each new episode.
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
Essentials are pretty easy as a true geek at heart: iPad, Macbook Pro, phone, headphones (I now carry 3 different pairs, the apple stock ones, Sennheiser HD25’s for DJing and V-Moda m100 when I actually want to enjoy producing on a laptop). I miss my home cooking most of all when away. My wife is an amazing cook.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
Best gig I’ve ever played still to this day was a few years back in Argentina when they lowered me to the stage in a huge bubble from 3 levels up. Crazzzy.
What was the funniest/strangest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
The first time I had an audience sit-down during my set was quite strange. I thought it was in protest of something but was quickly told it was a sign of respect. It was a very humbling experience and one I’ll remember forever.
Your last performance here in Bangkok was in November 2012 at the Culture ONE Festival, alongside Dash Berlin, Paul Thomas and Arctic Moon. Did you keep the performance in good memory?
Definitely! Was nice to play an event like that over there!!
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Do you enjoy Thai food?
I actually do enjoy Thai food very much.. I love spicy, so that makes it easier, and in fact one of my favorite meals is Edamame and Gaeng Kiew Wan Kai
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Sonic on 28th June?
Expect some serious energy, and expect to be dancing!