Interview: Thomas Gold

Since being named DJ Mag’s Breakthrough Act of 2011, progressive, tech and melodic, beat driven producer Thomas Gold has been on the rise. Though not one to let the weight of the world’s watchful eyes put him off, the Berlin-based artist has kept his competitive spirit, the one that has so far fuelled dancefloor hits such as ‘Agora’ and ‘Alive’, at the forefront.

He's currently working on his next single release, so be sure to keep an ear out because Thomas Gold will soon be performing on a stage near you as a part of his impending worldwide Fanfare tour.

This Saturday he plays at Sankeys in Manchester as part of Cream's 20th anniversary celebrations. We pinned him down for a chat.

You started producing music in 2006 and since then have been signed to a number of labels, including Toolroom and now Axtone. How important is creative freedom and how do you ensure you maintain that when working with different labels/people?
It’s absolutely essential to me! When I produce music, I don’t want to have to think about - “will it fit for this label or that”? I’d rather just do the stuff I love and so it’s great to have different options. This opens up a lot of possibilities style wise and I love that!

Growing up, who were your musical inspirations?
I didn’t have THE one inspiration; I think it was just the music I was listening to, be it while I was going out or even on the radio or at home. But mainly I got inspired and influenced by club music, I loved to hang out in Ibiza - this was and still is one the most inspiring places of all!

In three words describe your music?
Energetic, emotional, uplifting.

How would your mother describe what you do?
(Laughs). Nice question! She would probably say “he is making music and he is never at home when I try to call him on the phone”.

After being named by DJ Mag as one of the breakthrough acts of 2011, did you see your fanbase expand? Did doors open up?
2011 (and 2012) have been very strong years to me, a lot of stuff happened - and yes, I think my fan base grew a lot! I think it was also that I did some of my key productions (‘AGORa’ and ‘Alive’) and remixes (Adele – ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ and Lady Gaga ‘Judas’, ‘Blow Up’) in 2011.

You are currently based in Berlin, is there another place in the world else that could be equally as inspirational to your work?
I’ve recently been to New York City quite a bit to both play shows and produce music in the studio. And I love that city! The energy is incredible, you can feel it everywhere. So this would be my second choice for sure.

Is commercial collaboration something that interests you? Has the Internet and in turn the decrease in actual sales made commercial ventures and collaborations with big companies, such as Coca Cola or Sony, more valid for musicians and DJs?
I think it’s interesting and it can make sense, if it’s the “right” collab. The music and product should fit together and the campaign (or whatever) should just make sense also for the artist.

Axtone Presents Thomas Gold was released in May 2012, how long was that in the making?
It took me around two months to put it together. I started with collecting the tracks and thinking of ways to create something special. Then I produced all those special versions of the tracks. After that, I mixed all the tracks together and I spent some time for the transitions between the tracks, as many of them are especially made for this compilation. At the end, it was all about tweaking things and getting the master sound right. It took a while, but I enjoyed it a lot!

What was the concept behind the album?
To give people an overview of Thomas Gold, of my style and to show people what I love. When you listen to the album, there is quite a lot of the music I produced myself, a lot of stuff I played in my DJ sets (and still do) and some of my favourite tracks of this year!

You have also enjoyed success remixing songs by Lady Gaga and Miike Snow. What are three things that you look for when searching for a song to remix?
I need to love the original! I have to get this special “feeling” about the track. I want to get inspired - if I do not have an idea of how the remix will sound immediately, I would rather not do the remix.

Last song you listened to?
Seeed, 'Augenbling'

First album you bought?
I think that was Michael Jackson, 'Thriller'

You’re performing at Cream’s 20th Birthday – in three words describe the setlist.
Full of bangers (3 words, yeah!)

What’s next?
I just finished a remix for One Republic ('Feel Again') and I’m currently working on my next Thomas Gold single! In December, I will start my Fanfare World Tour, which will take me to places all over Europe, Australia, USA, South America etc.

Interview by: Jasmine Phull

Catch Thomas Gold at Sankeys this Friday for Cream's 20th anniversary. Tickets are available below.

Tickets are no longer available for this event