Apr 2012 11

Tocadisco Interview

Posted In Interviews

When I posted the Artist Spotlight of German born and raised Tocadisco yesterday, I explained how he seemed as though he “came out of nowhere” to myself and other Americans, unfamiliar with his incredible international success. “Came out of nowhere” I said? In 2007, Tocadisco played at the historical and infamous Love Parade to around 1,200,000 people. Sure did “Come out of nowhere”…. Tocadisco is known around the world for his big house sets and plays at some of the biggest festivals and events. After reading my post, Tocadisco, or, Roman, as I know him now, tweeted at us, explaining how it “gives me a different perspective of my 20yrs career…”. Needless to say I felt awful for misrepresenting him and not knowing his past as an artist before I chose to feature him on our website. On a whim and in an effort to mend my ways, I tweeted him back, asking if he would give me the time to send him a couple questions so I may write something that properly represents his past and current work. He direct messaged me and was generous to give us his time to answer a plethora of questions I gave him. I explained to him when we emailed back and forth that I was so grateful and humbled by his willingness to give us his time and I can’t reiterate how truly whole-hearted he was throughout our interactions – this all happened yesterday, mind you, not many artists would be this straight forward and generous and for that – I thank him, thank you Roman, you truly are in this business solely for your love of music – I wish more artists shared your mindset. Below are the questions I asked him via e-mail and his responses:

GMS: I know this is so cliché, but how did you come up with the name “Tocadisco”?

Tocadisco: “I was looking for a DJ name and everybody had english artist names back then… so I started to look in other languages and found “el tocadiscos” means “turntable” in spanish… I fell in love with the word… since then I’ve been using it…”


GMS: If I am correct, it has been 16 years since the start of your professional DJ career at UNIQUE in Germany. I understand you have played many instruments and were in several bands growing up, how and when did your focus turn to DJing and electronic music?

Tocadisco: “Being a DJ and electronic producer gives me the opportunity to produce and perform by myself. I never found anybody that was creatively on the same wavelength. I love to work alone.”


GMS: When did you start producing electronic music and how do you think the genre has changed since then?

Tocadisco: “I started to make music when I was 10 ten years old. I concentrated on electronic music in the year 1995. Basicly everything has changed since then. How the music is produced, marketing, and sold. Nothing is like it was back then. But it’s still music and I love that it’s constantly changing. So it never gets boring.”


GMS: Do you believe the occupation as a DJ or stimulus to be a DJ or producer has changed since you began? If so, how?

Tocadisco: “Its more about the money now. Most of the DJs are neither musicians nor producers. But everybody has to have productions to get bookings. Now its a huge market with producers, managers, agents etc. When you have so many different people that are mostly interested in money. The business becomes much harder. Everything is about contracts and lawyers. its much less fun. But when you go on stage you have to forget all that and just be the performer and make the people happy.”


GMS: How has your music changed since you started, do you think your music changed as a product of its environment (the genre) or as you grew as an artist?

Tocadisco: “I was always interested in all kinds of music. As a DJ I played at wedding parties, student parties etc in the beginning. So I really had a long school of knowing what which people like and why. Whe I started to play house everything was about disco house, then I started to play more electronic and techno stuff and the people didn’t get it. Now its normal to have a rapper from the US to rap over an electro track.So basically everything has changed and nothing is like it was before.”


GMS: Are there any sub-genre’s you would like to explore as a producer? Or do you like to stick to your own style?

Tocadisco: “Like I said I’m always open for everything. I’m also remixing a lot of different artist. Because its fun. Managers will tell you a strategy who you should mix to get a bigger name. But this is all only for money and fame. I enjoy music. I have that is much more important to me than business structures and future strategies.”


GMS: If you could collaborate with any artist worldwide, who would it be?

Tocadisco: “I actually just got an call from Moby to produce a track for him. Its a dream come true. I always loved Moby for his versatility. I’m so happy that he chose me to work with him. Means a lot to me.”


GMS: How would you compare the difference between playing in the United States and Europe?

Tocadisco: “I had really good and really bad gigs on both continents so its not so easy to answer. I think Europe was always more interested in the underground side of electronic music and America is more into the pop and commercial side. But this is not a rule like I said before everything is constantly changing. I already played in great underground clubs in the US and spin on some commercial festivals in Europe. There is not real gone answer to this.”


GMS: Electronic music has been blowing up with the United States, do you think it will hit a climax or “peak” because of its rapid growth, or do you believe it will only continue to gain momentum?
Tocadisco: “I hope people get interested in all electronic music styles. Techno and house were also invented in the US in the 80′s but I guess it was an underground thing back then for fears and night people and based in the gay scene . So probably not so interesting for the average person. But now it has a crossover moment. Maybe that means that the people dig deeper and fall in love with different vibes of electronic music …who knows…”

GMS: What is one of the best things about being an international producer and DJ and what is one of your least favorite things?

Tocadisco: “traveling has been great so far. I have traveled all continents and been around the world five times. I saw amazing places and realized that despite all religion and other problems we have. humans are all the same. Just want to have a good time and make the best out of our lives….”


GMS: Playing so many gigs and shows every month, what keeps you excited and happy?

Tocadisco: “Its the music. I just love it. There is nothing more excited than bring a bunch of brand-new track to a club or festival and see the peoples reaction to it.”


GMS: What is your personal life like? Hobbies, sports, other interests?
Tocadisco: “hahaha… 80% of my life is filled with music. I love movies and this would be my alternative career if the music don’t work anymore in the future. I love to spend time with my wife. I also love to eat at restaurants, cook myself, see concerts, hang out in bars, go to the movies, I own a Harley and love to ride it…”

 

          GMS: My website is focused on the philosophy that good music should be shared, it was created because of the wonderful feeling you describe in seeing someone react to a song, when someone share’s the excitement, energy and feeling you get when you listen to the song. That wonderful feeling of sharing with someone a song you love and them getting those same feelings and sharing them with you – the love of music – I’m just trying to share with people that love I have for music and the happiness it provides me with. So if you could share any one song with people, what would it be? A song that makes you happy, feel good, etc. any genre. It can be one most people don’t know, an emerging artist, or a household name – anything.
Tocadisco:

-Dan
Dan (137 Posts)

I like music.