Interview
(by Stephen the Northern Monkey)

Stephen - How long have you been producing for?

Thomas Datt – I think it has been about 6 years or so now. Though back then of course when you're starting out you dont know much, and everything you do pretty much sounds awful.

Stephen - When and what started your interest with trance music?

Thomas Datt- I always had an interest in some sort of electronic music. Mid 90s I was very into euro dance, that was my trance at the time. Later on I progressed into better music. I think it was around 97-98. Listening to a local college radio station, they had a dj there that would play some great trance and house from that era. Thats what got me into it. After that I would head to the only record store selling this kind of music and I was hooked.

Stephen - When did you make your breakthrough in the industry?

Thomas Datt – I think it all kind of started with Matt Hardwick playing some of my older stuff. And most important my first vinyl release was the North Pole remix competition on trance.nu. I was one of the 6 winners so everyone was about to know Thomas Datt in one way or another. After that it was the 2 Vandit remixes I did.

Stephen - Whats your favourite remix and why?

Thomas Datt - Thats hard to say, I like most of them. But it would probably be the new Deep Voices remix I just did. It is a step up for me in a way. I think the production of that track sounds better than any I have done to date as I was pushing myself.

Stephen - Whats your favoutite original production and why?

Thomas Datt - That will have to be without a doubt Alone. It just has a lot of sentimental value for me. There are rumors or facts being spread around the internet that it had to do with a girl, which is true. That is why the track is so emotional. Its a Thomas Datt track at its purest form.

Stephen - Who is biggest inspiration when writing original material?

Thomas Datt - I always look towards PVD. He was the reason I wanted to write music in the first place. I love what he does and what he plays, so I always wonder will he be playing this new track of mine? What should I do so it will sound good enough for him to play? Things like that. But cant forget how I am feeling at the time.

Stephen - What is your studio setup? (For the anoraks!)

Thomas Datt – My studio setup isnt much to be going crazy over. Its probably as simple as it can get. I tend to use mostly FL Studio and many vsts since they own Sometimes I will mess with Ableton, Reason, Cubase and Acid Pro.
I have an Edirol midi keyboard, and mostly work with headphones. I am very much looking forward to buying new gear, but that wont be for some time.

Stephen - Your remix of True Form was included on the flipside, will be seeing any collaborations with Mr Nickson in the future?

Thomas Datt - Ahh good question. Just like Mr Nickson did a remix of 2v2 What do you think will happen? Actually me and Robert have started on a production together, but havent had time lately to continue with it. When we have more time we will surely get back on track with it.

Stephen - Any projects on the way you can us a little exclusive gossip on?

Thomas Datt – Right now Im finishing up a "Two Roads" remix with my friend Kenidel Lopez.
We are remixing the old Peter Dafnous track "From Here To Eternity". A new Two Roads single will be in the works for another Technoclub release. I will be doing rework of 2v2 for Discover and also a new single titled "Evaporate". All in the works, in one way or another.

Stephen – Your a DJ also, what has been your favourite venue so far, and what have you got planned?

Thomas Datt - As far as Djing goes, it only has started. So I dont have many venues to be naming as my favorites. Its unfortunate how in Ny I am a nobody simply because the trance scene here sucks! So I get booked in other places outside NY where people want me to play and know who I am. As of now I will be getting a lot of California gigs, and there are also plans to be going to Asia. Will keep you posted on my site.

Stephen - What is your 'Get out of jail' record, when the crowd is reacting how you want?

Thomas Datt – Havent had this experience yet.. but I would probably play an old favorite track that everyone knows and loves. Such as my edit of the V-Ones remix of Seven Cities. Its an amazing track and a great edit by me, Im sure everyone loves it when they hear it.

Stephen - Have you any musical interests outside of Trance?

Thomas Datt – Of course! Im an 80s freak, and I can def jam to some pop, or rock. One of my favorite bands is U2.

Stephen – Lastly, your ambitions for the future?

Thomas Datt - Probably the same thing everyone wants. To be a techno rockstar! I would like to be known all over the world,and have an established label which I
would be very picky with, as far as releases would go. I want to start my own trend of what track is good rather than have it set for you as it is now. Top jocks play a track, even if its bad, and you're forced to like it just because of that reason alone. It would be the other way with me, Id make sure to play the goods all the time.

Thomas Datt official site

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