Interview- Thomas Gold

Since Germany has such a diverse electronic music scene and you’re based in Berlin, let me start by asking you how you ventured into the dance music scene in your home country?

Well,I´m just privately part of it as it´s totally different from the rest of the music scene in Europe. Berlin is quite underground but of course it´s great to be here as it´s a very creative, inspiring city that never sleeps. Apart from some big music labels and of course Beatport., there’s also a number of cool music software companies based in the city - like Native Instruments, Ableton and lots of smaller innovative firms like Sugar Bytes for example. So all in all a great and exciting city to live in and many things to explore! If you have the time for it :-)

You are a part of the excellent ToolRoom Records repertoire. Can you tell me what a typical Toolroom Knights party experience is like for you, as a DJ?

Great vibes and good music! It´s kind of like a big family throwing a party and just having a good time!

Is there any one festival you love playing at and would do it over and over again?

There isn’t really just ONE, there are so many good festivals happening at the moment! This year’s highlights for me were to play Creamfields, Electric Daisy Carnival and of course Escape from Wonderland where I played last weekend at the Size Matters stage - this was just insane…I can’t wait to play one of those again!

Are there any modern day Djs that inspire you? If yes, who are they and why do they inspire you?

For me, Axwell is one of the most inspiring producers. I love how he makes his music, he has a very musical approach and his tracks are always banging! As a DJ I get a lot of inspiration from Steve Angello, I’ve watched him playing a lot of shows (when I played gigs with him) - I love how he drives the crowd!

Record of 2011?

Actually I don’t like to pick my own tracks, but those were really “my” 2011 ones…the remix I did with Axwell on “Blow Up” (Hard Rock Sofa & St Brothers) and my track with Dirty South “Alive”.

Are you looking forward to playing at Storm Festival? Have you heard anything about the Indian EDM scene before?

Yes, I’m looking forward and I’m quite excited! I have been to India only once before but it was a great experience and I could see that the people were really into the music, so I can’t wait to finally get back and explore a bit more of how the EDM scene is there!

What is your opinion on the annual DJ Mag poll? Necessary? Unnecessary? Or are you indifferent to it?

I think it’s a nice thing to have but it’s not THAT essential. It’s just a part of the whole EDM scene, it’s been there now for quite a while, many people are looking at it and there’s a lot of discussion about it. In my opinion it’s nice to have it but you shouldn’t get too serious about it.

5 things you must have with you on tour?

1. my technical stuff like USB sticks, my little portable keyboard, laptop, iphone

2. ear plugs

3. aspirin

4. sleeping pills for the plane

5. instant coffee (so I can make myself espresso whenever I fancy it, lol)

Where do YOU party? Djs are always making the world party, but it’d be nice to know what you guys do and where ya’ll go to have a good time.

I’m a big fan of Watergate Club in Berlin and I love to go to ‘Bar Tausend’ to have a nice drink and to listen to some cool and groovy music! Other places I go are the ‘Solar Lounge’, and of course those open-air electro/techno parties spread all over Berlin during summer.

Have you been spending much time in the studio? What can fans expect in the coming months?

Yeah, I’ve been in the studio in the past weeks and months whenever I had time in between all the touring and there’s a lot of new stuff coming! I just got back from Los Angeles where I finished a new track together with Dirty South, I will have my own track “Sing2Me” release on Axtone soon and there is some other stuff and remixes coming up.

Are you a complete geek when it comes to technology? What gear can you absolutely not live without?

I wouldn’t say I’m a geek - I love to have my music production gear around me but rather as I make music with it than getting too much into the technical details! I couldn’t live without my laptop - for me it’s my whole studio and I have to take it with me wherever I go.

What according to you, is the best thing about being a DJ?

I think it’s about getting an immediate feedback from people when you play music to them. Seeing a crowd in front of you, having fun and jumping to your tracks is so exciting! There is nothing better than that, there is so much energy in that!

Your favourite dance music labels would be…?

Axtone and Size

Where did your stage name, Thomas Gold come from?

My second name really is Thomas, so that was one thing. As I was looking for some catchy, easy-to-spell name, I thought Thomas Gold would sound nice.

Any young, new talent you’ve discovered and would recommend we listen to?

Alesso and Arty

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Thomas Gold will be playing three dates in India.

: 9th November 2011 : Miami, Marriott : Pune :

: 10th November 2011 : China House : Mumbai :

: 11th November 2011 : Storm Festival : Napoklu, Coorg :

Many thanks to Submerge for this interview. Follow them @submergemusic .