You will find in this category each week, an interview or a biograhpy of a Dj or artist which is breaking the news. All styles are on the “menu” of this category: minimal, house, electro, techno or even trance in some cases.
The topic will be supplemented by other Djs following the latest electronic music news.
After contacting the German label Get Physical, one of the best and most productive labels of Berlin, we got an exclusive interview with Thomas Schumacher, who is a DJ for almost twenty years and mainly one of the pillars of the German electronic music scene. Sixth interview of its kind, notably after the one of Rodriguez Jr. and M.A.N.D.Y. recently, Actualités Electroniques will continue to interviews some producers, DJs and artists from the electronic music scene. Next one will be with Joachim Pastor, a new French producer. Have a good reading!
"Hi Thomas,
I’ve just seen on the website of Get Physical, that your next release will be “You got me”, with remixes of Onno and Emerson Todd. We can find too the original track on the new compilation you remixed: “8 Years Get Physical Music Compilation” and that will be released on October 29th. Can you give us more details about it?
> I feel honored to be the first artist to have been entrusted with a Get Physical label compilation. All of the predecessor's were compiled and mixed by the M.A.N.D.Y.'s. A label compilation is a powerful statement, distinguishing the sound of the label, past, present and future. From the beginning, I wanted to make sure that I showcased the wide spectrum and eclectic taste that Get Physical has become famous for. It was very challenging to incorporate all of these facets and I'm chuffed that it worked out so well.
Because Get Physical releases such a wide spectrum of music, it was clear to me from the start that I would have to break away from the tradition of the continuous DJ mix if I was to include some of the non-dance gems that Get Physical have released. I really respect the high risk that Get Physical takes by also releasing music that belongs in the lounge room rather than on the dance floor.
But, how to bring all of these desperate elements together into coherent mix?
> I decided to create continuity by being unpredictable, to create balance through irregularity. Very much the way I compile my DJ’s sets I wanted the mix to be a multi faceted journey. The opening track “Buddies” is a collaboration between Matthew Dear and Philip Jung (the other half of M.A.N.D.Y.) which they recorded together in New York. I love the lyrics and the whole charming, timeless kooky-ness of that song, it sets the tone perfectly. I was also excited to be able to work with tracks from some of my favorite producers like Noa Siano (Motor City Drum Ensemble) and Detroit's Kris Wadsworth. It was amazing to connect the deep house of “Deep down” with the Detroit techno of “It’s time” and understand that the reason they work so perfectly together is that both tracks are oozing soul, in very different ways, but soulful just the same. Imagine my smile when I realized that my song “You got me” fitted in perfectly with these two.
Knowing that you come from Germany and more especially from Berlin, could you please tell us a bit more about the German electronic scene, mainly knows for its underground and eclectic tracks broadcast in the nightclubs?
> As you may know, when it comes to underground electronic dance music, Germany has always been one of epicenters of the scene. And right know, Berlin surely is the global capital for Techno and House music. One of the main reasons why the scene is blossoming here so much is the fact that the most important clubs in town are owned by people who love the music. Plus, there is so much talent living here, from all around the world. The quality of nightlife is just amazing. From the design of the clubs to the sound systems and of course the eclectic choice of music. And don't forget that Berlin, after all, is a very liberal city. Clubs can be open almost 24/7 and the police gives the people space to do what they want to. It's pretty good. Believe me.
Do you have in mind an emerging artist of the German scene or one that has been signed under Get Physical, to introduce to our readers?
> The Australian producer and DJ Emerson Todd, who just did a brilliant remix for my new single "You Got Me" is most certainly one of the biggest talents in town. His musical taste is flawless and he is a kick ass sound engineer. Listen to his stuff and you will know what I mean. And moreover, he is a great DJ with a top palate for Tech House.
To conclude this interview, we have a few more questions to better know you.
The song you advice us to listen in your discography?
> You Got Me (2010, Get Physical). Showcasing my love for Deep House!
The track that helps you to become famous?
> When I Rock (1996, Bush Records). 90's Techno meets hip hop!
Who is the artist with whom you would like to work one day?
> Depeche Mode, without their music I would have probably never gotten into this!
Are you using vinyl or mp3 for your mix?
> I use WAV or AIFF files ripped to CD. I tried Traktor but it did not work for me. Working with CDs is so much more intuitive and I interact 100% more with the crowd.
Your next show in France?
> November 5th! Details to follow. Check my website for the latest news.
One word about France?
> Amour!
The software you use to produce?
> My sequencer is Logic Pro. I have been working with Logic for at least 15 years now. It's a very professional software. I also use Ableton Live sometimes but not as a sequencer. Just for it's possibilities to manipulate audio. Than I use a lot of the Waves plug ins. Everything they do sounds top notch. Pro stuff! Although I have not used a lot of soft synth lately the Arturia collection is always a first pick for me when I look for authentic analogue sounds. Worth checking out also is the Berlin based company Sugar Bytes. Their software is very unique and outstanding.
Your best souvenir of this summer: a place where you played for instance or an anecdote?
> Playing for the 2nd time in Beirut @ Club Basement was certainly one of the highlights of the European summer. Beirut is such a cool place and the people love electronic dance music. And they have the best food (apart from you French of course, haha).
The best club in Germany (club and city)?
> That's the Watergate here in Berlin for me. Clubbing does not get much better than there, trust me.
The best place (café, restaurant, nightclub, etc.) to go out in Berlin?
> Let me say this: German food is underrated! I love the tasty, modern and seasonal cooking of Oderquelle, a great German restaurant in the funky Prenzlauer Berg quarter.
Your favorite track these days?
> I can't get enough of We Love “Hide Me” (Ellen Alien Remix) on Bpitch Control
Thank you for the time you have devoted to Actualités Electroniques and particularly for this interview. We will wait for sure for your next productions and notably the compilation that will celebrate the 8 years of Get Physical and that will be released next week. We hope to see you soon in a club in France or abroad. See ya !
THOMAS SCHUMACHER - Get Physical 8th Anniversary compilation playlist
01. M.A.N.D.E.A.R - Buddies *
02. Lee Curtiss - The Disco Dub
03. Delete aka Sergio Muñoz - Lunchbox
04. Andy Cato - Bassline Track *
05. Noa Siano - Deep Down
06. Kris Wadsworth - It's Time *
07. Thomas Schumacher - You Got Me *
08. Emerson Todd vs Tim Green - Make Me
09. Steed Lord - You (Keine Musik Remix)
10. Elektrochemie vs. Tiger Stripes - Pleasure Seeker vs. Me & I *
11. Italoboyz - Stand Clear *
12. Booka Shade - Teenage Spaceman (Booka In Space Remix)
13. Nôze - Kitchen (Pop Version)
14. Damian Lazarus - After Rave Delight
15. Raz Ohara And The Odd Orchestra - The Burning (Desire)
16. DJ T. - Gorilla Hug (Nicolas Jaar Remix)
17. Nôze - You Have To Dance (Mathias Kaden's Mouthacapellapolka Remix)
18. Lopazz - Wasted Days
19. Adultnapper vs M.A.N.D.Y. - 201 *†