Exclusive Interview with Tomoki Tamura
London based DJ & Producer Tomoki Tamura is probably one of the most successful Japanese DJs in the world. In 2004 he moved to London where he has continued to rock the floor in top venues such as Fabric, Ministry Of Sound and Plastic People to name but a few. His own party HOLIC has quickly become one of the most important events in London, every month bringing a wide range of quality house,techno DJs from around the world. HOLIC is not only for London, his party has got a permanent residency at Japan's top club - Womb which is now recognized as one of the best clubs on the planet. He is the main underground music ambassador between London and Japan. Tomoki’s trademark fusion of deep, tech, electro, minimal and soulful influences has won him many admirers and he was the first ever Japanese DJ on Ministry of Sound Radio.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Tomoki Tamura, shortly before his performance at Glow Nightlcub on 23rd May.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I was a young kids interested in the underground, deep house scene in NY. So I went to Listen lots of legendary djs there in early 2000, it was just WAOOOOOOOOO.
How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Japanease black deep house music.
Your Debut EP “VOICES” was released in 2008 and was ranked #1 in Beatport’s Deep House charts. Which other tracks of yours would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I have to say that since I launched my own record label HOLIC TRAX last year, I’ve got lots of great feed backs for all the tracks released so I would like you to check these tunes.
Also I have started new project "DOUBLET" with Tuccillo, I am very happy about these tunes too.
You run an eminently respected club night called HOLIC which has a permanent residency in London as well as Japan's top club “Womb”. What can you tell us about the concept of this club night?
We always keep good balance between “OLD and NEW”, “TECHNO and HOUSE” which makes all kind of music lovers well-come for our night. On other thing is that we don’t really follow trends in music. We really do and play what we feel like. I tend to leave the artist who play with us free to play whatever they feel at that moment. And that is what makes it successful! I guess!!
In 2012 you have launched your own record label HOLIC TRAX. Releasing on your own record label grants you more creative freedom, besides that what other pros and cons are appreciable?
On the good side we could spread our “music philosophy” all over the world. That allowed us to attract artist from London, Berlin, Tokyo, anywhere. Then I have the chance to have loads of unrealized killer tracks, some of them only for my self. That is an important feed for my sets.
On the other hands even if I ma very happy about my label, this keeps me very busy. So is very difficult, even if exiting to find a balance. Unfortunately a day is only 24 hours!!
What are you currently working on?
Planning our HOLIC parties at SONAR,IBIZA,BERLIN,LONDON & JAPAN and getting ready for lots of great releases for the next summer. And of course studio work everyday.
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?
Earplugs which I always use on the plane and my fav sweatpants for relax.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
The best one it was last Feb when I did my open to last set at Womb Tokyo, it was was amazing. The Club was about to explode!!!!
The worst was my party on last NYE in London...... we got more than 2000 people and police forced to close down the party. It was mental.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
My mum came to dance lol.
On 23rd May you will perform live here in Bangkok at Glow Nightlcub. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
Ye!! Will be my first visit and debut show in Bangkok and I have to thank the With Love for that! I have also heard a lot of good things about Glow, can not wait. I am super excited about it!
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to? Do you enjoy Thai food?
Of course I alway want to do. I love Tom Yum soup.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Glow Nightclub on 23rd May?
Tough house beats with emotional music journey haha.
The best way is to come to listen to my set and get feeling whatever will be!