Interview- Tocadisco

We caught up with German DJ and producer, Tocadisco, on the eve of the launch of his third record, FR3E.

You’ve been DJ’ing since 15 years now. How has the journey been so far and where did it begin?

I started to make little parties with my friends when I was 16 or 17 years old and a lot has changed since I started. I used to love and play vinyl and cherish every track that I had. Today it’s more of a consumer article and less people care about it. But for me it will always be very important.

Tech/ Prog is making major inroads as compared to say, Trouse, but is still less mainstream than bigroom. How would you envisage it going forward?

I was never a big fan of Trance. I like more edgy music and I’m no friend of easy melodies.

Which artists inspire you (doesn’t have to be electronic)?

Artists that are unique and go a different way inspire me. Someone that risks something to present something new even if nobody likes it in the beginning. I think it’s so boring to just do the same thing.

What’s a typical day in the life of Tocadisco like? Do you spend a lot of time in the studio when you’re not playing shows?

A regular day starts around 11 am. Contract, lawyers, meetings, taxes, invoices - all that bulls**t. Then I go to the studio and everything is fine! LOL, I hate doing other things, prefer making music.

Festivals you absolutely love playing at?

10 Days Off and I Love Techno in Belgium are amazing festivals.

Tell me a little about the new album-¬‐ the making of it etc. The promo video says it’s free because you wanted to give something back to your fans for their support through the years-¬ that’s a great gesture! What can we look forward to in this record?

There is also a MiniMix that shows every track for one minute- it’s a mixture of different kinds of club tunes, some with weird samples and some are hard electro. There are 9 tracks - very versatile, like all my albums. I love to explore and do things differently.

Of all the DJs that play the same style as you, are there any of your peers you love listening to?

I’ve actually never heard anybody play the same style as me. I mean I play at all kinds of clubs and festivals, from deep underground to big main stage sounds. Most DJs can either play the one or the other. I wish there were more DJs like me! Then I could go out more. LOL.

Your first time in India this December! Are you excited? Have you heard anything about the dance music scene/ Sunburn from other DJs?

I’ve heard about Sunburn. They say it’s good and has grown big. I’m very excited about coming to India! I have never been there but I’ve been a fan of Indian music for a long time. I used to play Jazz and 60/70ties Soul and Funk and there were a lot of tracks that used sitar. I wish I could play it- it’s just amazing.

Do you like to travel (when you’re not playing shows i.e)? If yes, where do you usually go on holiday? Mountains or beach?!

I like to travel but I’ve traveled so much these past few years that I’m happy to stay home. My wife and I went to the Maldives to make holidays. It’s amazing there. She is Brazilian. Brazil also has a lot of cool beaches. I like the ones in Florianopolis!

Do you have any favourite tunes from your personal catalog (one’s you’ve produced/ remixed)?

So many! I have thousands of tracks. It’s difficult to name one.

One artist you haven’t collaborated with yet but would love to?

I would like to do something with or for Lenny Kravitz or Jamiroquai.

Any young, up and coming DJs/ producers you support and recommend we listen to?

Nicky Romero will be big and a kid from my label TOCA45 - “OuiWack”

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Can’t wait to come to India! My wife will be accompanying me. I hope to have a great time there. See you soon!

Get your copy of FR3E HERE!