Exclusive Interview with Tom Middleton
Tom Middleton is no ordinary DJ. Classically trained in piano and cello he understood music’s essential rudiments and theory long before he could grow those iconic whiskers on his chin. He helped Aphex Twin secure his first record deal and founded labels such as Evolution, Universal Language, Heard and E3. He’s flirted with chart success with the 2002 club smash ‘Take Me With You’, hosted his own show on Kiss FM, been resident at Ibiza’s most super of superclubs Manumission and tutored the winning DJ Ryan Shaw in ITV’s cult DJ challenge The Joy Of Decks. As a DJ he’s performed in almost every corner of the globe to crowds as large as 150,000 and has toured with the Smirnoff Experience performing in Moscow, Paris and Shanghai alongside high profile acts such as Kelis, Faithless, Duran Duran and Mark Ronson.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Tom Middleton, shortly before his performance at Bed Supperclub on 23rd August.
You were introduced to electronic dance music and schooled in music production by none other than Aphex Twin himself. How did that come about?
Met by chance on our shared Birthday.. he was playing tapes of his own tunes. What I heard blew my mind. We got chatting, I went to his place, he showed me how he produced his tunes, i watched and learned. Add that to my Classical Piano/Cello/Orchestral training and rest is history.
You are one part of the two electronic dance music acts and production duos, which released several highly respected singles, albums and compilations over the last 20 years. One is “Jedi Knights”, the other is “Global Communication” which was headlining the main stage at last year’s SonarSound Tokyo. How does your solo work differ from those productions and how would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Well, everything I learned from working with Richard and Mark set me up with the skills to engineer and produce anything I want. Always been a Techno and House head so the majority of my productions are 4/4 mid tempo. But the Lifetracks project was a direct evolution from GC, where I continued the 'emotions in sound' ethos adding live Orchestral String arrangements and session musicians.
So the difference is perhaps generic rhythmic context but the motives and philosophy haven't changed. It's still all about exploring "rhythm, melody and harmony with emotional integrity".
You can listen the Live Set of Global Communications at SonarSound Tokyo by following this link:
http://www.rbmaradio.com/shows/global-communication-live-at-sonarsound-2012
Your track “Take Me With You” - which was released in 2002 - was a nameable chart success. Besides that track - out of all tracks you have made - which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Check Global Communication - 'The Way', Jedi Knights - 'Solina', The Modwheel ' Spiritcatcher' the whole Lifetracks LP and Glasstracks collection.
Over time you worked with several aliases and avoided being confined within particular genres, you produced from Techno, to IDM, Electronica, Ambient, House, Breakbeats and even Drum & Bass. What are you currently focusing and working on and what is on your agenda for the near future?
I have a Liquatech project for Anjunadeep which spans deep, emotive House combined with liquid Drum & Bass textures and Basslines and Ambient. Plus our label Sound Of The Cosmos is about to launch, and I'm also working on my experimental scientific music research project. Pictures converted into spectral/granular sound, brainwave monitoring the human reaction to frequency stimulus…
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?
I've refined the travel process now.. super lightweight carry on wheelie, thin layering clothes, global psu for gadget charging, nano keyboard for making music on planes, custom fit ACS earphones for incredible in ear sound, and custom sleeping ear plugs! Oh.. beard trimmer and co-ordinated caps and sneakers! Blue tooth speaker. I miss my Nasa Tempur neck pillow right now!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Too many best gigs.. perhaps Tokyo for the purest human reaction to music, Sonar for the finally getting to hear GC tracks on a massive Sub Bass system. Some of the corporate shows can be mind numbing clangers, middle aged men in suits/finger food & Champagne and no one even listening..
For my inaugural set at Manumission /Ibiza residency I had to try and Dj whilst one of the show girls demonstrated her Thai ping pong technique sitting on a podium directly in front of me. Didn't know where to look!
You made your Bangkok debut at Q Bar in 2010. On 23rd August you will return to Bangkok for an exclusive performance at Bed Supperclub. Did you keep your performance in good memory? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
Really great vibes and a super fun party at Q! So very excited to be back, honoured to be spinning at the last ever Bed party. Have 3 hours to explore the Sound of the Cosmos! See you on the dancefloor.