Minimar Interview with Tommy Four Seven

December 05, 2006

We caught up with one of London most exciting new talents Tommy Four Seven to chat remixes, Djing and what it?s like living the life a DJ.

Recently tipped by DJmag as ‘Gotta Be Big,’ it was evident from his first professional gig aged just 17 that the young DJ/producer Tommy Four Seven was going to be one to watch on the House and Techno scene. Now regularly playing at leading London venues like Turnmills, Fabric, Egg and The End alongside the likes of Josh WInk, Justin Robertson, FC Kahuna, Tom Neville and Mike Monday, things just keep getting better.

More recently Tom Neville was so impressed with Tommy’s latest showreel that he signed up his debut EP, ‘The Invisible’ to his label Love Minus Zero, describing Tommy’s work as ‘absolutely awesome.’ If that’s not enough he is already working on his debut artist album which he’s scheduled to release on Brique Rouge in early 2007.

Despite so much going on, this is only just the beginning for Tommy, . We caught up with him ahead of his latest London gig for Minimar @ Heaven.

Give us a brief introduction to yourself…

Not wanting to sound like a contestant from one of those TV shows but my name is Tommy, I?m a 20 year old DJ/Producer and music technology student from South West London.

So how did you first get into DJing ?

It?s something that?s always excited me since I was 12. The older kids at school used to listen to Drum n Bass, Jungle, and blare it out the school classrooms. I soon got into collecting mix tapes, began listening to different genres, my local youth club had decks and I?ve been hooked ever since.

Has there been one particular moment in the last year that really stands out?

Playing in Paris alongside Josh Wink and David Duriez was very inspirational.

I bet that was an experience. What do you think has been central to your success so far?

It?s not something I think about and I couldn?t give you an exact answer. I?m lucky to have played gigs, make music and people respond positively to it. I suppose one aspect that could be central is my determination.

So what have you been up to recently?

Busy remixing, writing solo work and writing essays!

It sounds like you have been busy, what sort of tunes and remixes have you got coming out?

My next release is due out December on Tom Neville?s new label, Love Minus Zero. Titled, ?The Invisible? EP it features 3 tracks ranging from the Deeper end to the more Electro Techno tip. Also out this month is my remix of Tom Pooks, titled ?Moon H,? on Kill Brique. Future releases include a 4th EP for Brique Rouge, an EP for Catwash Records and remixes for Mike Monday, Mark O Sullivan and FEX.

Moving away from your own productions, which artist?s feature in your DJ sets the most at the moment? What labels and artists are doing it for you right now?

Artists doing it for me right now and that tend to feature a lot in my sets are, Abe Duque, Mark O Sullivan, Tom Pooks, Hardfloor, John Tejada and Perc. Labels doing it for me, Pokerflat, Brique Rouge, RZ Musik, Spectral, Kompakt and Ovum.

Do you think DJ’s really have to produce nowadays?

Unless you?re a radio 1 DJ, promoting or a resident of a huge club, I think producing has become almost essential and probably the fastest way to help a DJ?s career. It all comes down to exposure and selling records around the world is likely to increase this. Nowadays, this also seems to be fundamental in gaining international bookings too. However even before a DJ has signed or is selling their tracks, producing is still beneficial as you are able to add a more of a unique element to your live set.

Who is your hero and who do you take inspiration from ?

I definitely admire people with a lot of passion such as David Duriez. He runs 10, if not more labels, produces and Djs around the world and never bandwagon jumps. Other Djs such as Josh Wink inspire me and live acts such as The Chemical Brothers. On the other end, acts like the Vegetable Orchestra are very inspiring. It?s amazing what they produce from hollowed out aborigines!

Your still so young and are already having success in this industry. What does the future hold for Tommy Four Seven ?

Hopefully more releases, more remixes and more gigs, especially international.

Is there anywhere in the world where you would love to play

Beurre Aires, Chicago, Hong Kong would all be amazing to play!

DJ’s are renowned for having a glamorous lifestyle. If I were in your shoes for the day, what would be the harsh realities or disappointments of the job?
Sleep deprivation would be my only complaint, although having an unusual social pattern is also sometimes hard.

For those not yet familiar with your DJing, how would you describe your style? What can we expect from you at your forth coming gig for Minimar @ Heaven on December 8th?

I like to blend House and Techno, with plenty of dark moods and injections of acid. I like to make the room sweat and dance you shall!

www.minimar.co.uk

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