[Amsterdam, The Netherlands. January 28th, 2010] -- Tom Trago considers himself part of the new school of Amsterdam’s powerful electronic music front.
Well trained, well seasoned, and well connected, he’s probably most famous for the onslaught of R&B-does-Detroit-house flavored disco releases he’s put out on
labels Rush Hour (the undeniable pride of Amsterdam) and
Dekmantel (an upcoming powerhouse contender). While an obvious vibrant dynamo, you quickly come to
understand how generous and pleasantly modest he is. Trago is eager to divulge his inspirations, players he enjoys or aspires to work with, and projects
that he’s particularly excited about. Pay careful attention to him through 2010, as he promises a slew of his own new issues and remixes, deejay performances, and
miscellaneous other contributions. Representing the third tier of Made Like a Tree’s January tribute to contemporary Dutch talent, Trago softly strummed the
provocative heart strings via the following podcast.
You seem to be someone who embraces a certain element of child-like wonderment in the way you carry
yourself. Would you say that is true?
I would say I like to be amazed and stay enthusiastic about music and life. This means I try to
move forward and experience new sounds, I always try to listen open-minded to new genres. And I don't give too much about rules or
authority. I guess having fun is quite important in my life. This does not mean I am not focused on pushing my music forward. But
by having fun in things you reach higher grounds. So I try to move quick between genres when I'm making music. I love to make an
R & B track the moment after I finished a deep house thing, and then I can make a new wave/rock track the day after. I get a little
paranoid of making too much music that is the same. It makes me feel I'm missing out on something. I hope that one day I can make
all genres sound like Tom Trago. And what is a 'genre' anyway? We are talking about music.
What are some of your fondest memories from when you were younger?
From when I was really young, I can remember I loved sitting in the back of the car looking
outside listening to my walkman. Especially when me and my parents went on holidays to France. Also, I loved to build treehouses and
huts in the woods and I remember cycling through Amsterdam was really impressive for me. I also really enjoyed playing the piano,
when I was little. I remember my mom would go with me to the conservatorium where students needed to learn how to teach little kids
playing. So it was free lessons but the people there where really nice. Later on I always enjoyed skateboarding a lot.
Do you remember what you grew up listening to? Anything from your childhood that you still play out today?
My parents where a big fan of what is called "world music." So a lot of African music, south
American music, Portuguese fado music, salsa, and some blues. I still listen to some Portuguese records from my father sometimes.
Also I still have all the records from them. Alot of soul... I still play my fathers James Brown records too!
As a producer, what are some of the things that you are most proud of since you first started making music?
I am proud I now have a nice studio in a old newspaper building in the east side of Amsterdam.
It is a great building with only creatives so this means 7 floors filled with painters, photographers, designers, filmers, sound
designers, and a lot of producers. On the top floor there is a club, with the greatest view in Amsterdam. Anyway I now finally have
some nice analog stuff in my studio and I can slowly understand music better and make more balanced tracks when it comes to sonics.
It takes quite long to understand how to mix and layer sounds, and the work of reverb, compressors, filters, and synths. I like to
discover how to manipulate these machines.
If you mean a specific track I still like my first track, "Live with the BBQ"
a lot. it has a certain kind of raw energy I like.
I also like "On the Side" a lot.
I made it together with Maximillion when we where on the farm of my friend Bram when I just brought a MPC a synth and a laptop. In two nights
we just did some tracks and this was the last and I still like it because of its tension and suspension.
What's up with this San Proper guy? Can he be trusted?
Haha, well. He can be trusted for his musical knowledge and cooking skills. He can be trusted as
a great friend. He also can be trusted by the world as one of the dopest djs! His passion for real music is really
strong, and I think the world just experienced the tip of the iceberg. This is only the beginning. This guy man, this fucking guy.
You two are planning some upcoming projects together, are you not?
Yes we are working on a new wave project called "The Dirt Machine." A great project where we
played every instrument ourselves. It turned out great, and we also wrote lyrics to the songs. I am really happy we tried just to
do something different.
For you, what are the most stunning places to visit and share you music with these days? Are you fond of
any particular city or cities?
I like my home town AMSTERDAM. A great city with a good nightlife, a lot of serious djs and
professional venues who program great bands. I mean everybody plays in Amsterdam. Almost. Also the city is still not so big so you
kind of meet like minded people really quick. I can just buy some hash around the corner. I mean its great man. There is a
really nice scene of producers and musicians who all hang out together and stuff, people here inspire me the most.
I had great times in L.A. and Chicago & Detroit. Also, I started liking New York more and more. But I guess that Paris is the kind of the
place where I been the most next to Amsterdam. This city is always inspiring me and I just love the French kitchen and culture.
Its just 3.5 hours on the train from Amsterdam. I have some good friends there and the music scene has always been really lively.
The city has such a nice history and the architecture is really special.
And Berlin still has the BEST HOUSE PARTIES!
You don't do very remixes, do you? Or if you do (or have any coming), they're hard to find! Where are the
Tom Trago edits and remixes at?!
Last year I've been working on loads of remixes, I'll line m up for you:
1. Phillipe Zdar - Dream America [Cassius Records]
2. Franz Ferdinand - Can't Stop Feeling [Domino Records]
3. Kindred Spirits Ensemble feat Pete Philly - Shining Liberation [Kindred Spirits Records]
4. K'Bonus - Kliks feat Kissey Assplund [Love Monk Records]
5. zZz - Lover [Excelsior]
They will all be released this year I guess, so be on the lookout. Next to that, I released a CD called "Edit Niaf" with 17 edits
under the moniker "PSS" (ParraSoundSystem). Some are mine some are from my friend Parra. We made 1000 copies and gave them all away.
I think you can still get some, with a Rockwell shirt. I'll put them on my website real soon!
As far as production go, what's your muse? Are the same factors in play when you deejay?
I love so many different music it's hard to name just one. The guys from Rednose Distrikt were
my muses in the beginning. They really showed me music. I also like Steve Reich music a lot. Really a visionary with his own sound.
David Axelrod for his arrangements. Theo Parrish for his open minded approach to sound. I don't have one muse, they change everyday.
Not only musicians inspire me; also a lot off other artists like painters (Robin Wasch or Joan Miro or David Hockney).
When I dj I always try to really play for the people who are there at the moment. I don't like djs who educate too much but I love
when a dj goes deep when it is possible. I have been playing clubs on a weekly basis for almost 10 years. I've played for a lot off
different crowds and parties, so I know the most important thing is to find a certain groove where everybody in that room can relate
to. And then elevate from there to a collective higher level. This djing thing feels very spiritual to me.
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1. Newworldaquarium - Shine Eyes [Delsin]
2. International Pony - Unknown Track (Pépé Bradock's Remix) [unknown]
3. Smith & Hack - Falling Stars [Smith n Hack]
4. Legowelt - Day Sailor [Open Concept Recordings]
5. Ron Hardy - Liquid Love [Streetfire Records]
6. Mr. Fingers - Washing Machine [Trax]
7. James T. Cotton - Take 'em Off [Crème Organization]
8. Newworldaquarium - The Force (Ame Alternative Version) [NWAQ]
9. Genghis Tron - Board Up The House (Steve Moore Remix) [Temporary Residence Limited]
10. Hudson Mohawke - Acoustic Lady [Warp]
11. Ruth - Polaroïd/Roman/Photo [Infrastition]
12. In Flagranti - Erector Set [Codek Records Europe]
13. Theo Parrish - Love is War for Mile [Peacefrog Records]
14. Tom Trago - Dekmantel Anthem [Salsoul Records]
15. Unknown - Love & Happiness Bootleg [Not on Label]
16. Tom Trago, Steven De Peven & Young Marco - Physical Thrill [Not on Label]
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