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NJROCKSTAR.COM recently had the privilege of interviewing the fast rising Trance music DJ and Producer Tom Colontonio. Tom is a NJ native and is currently on the pinnacle of breaking through to super-stardom!

Tom was recently dubbed as “the man of the moment” by Armin Van Buuren and has appearances on most major radio shows such as PVD’s VONYC Sessions, Tiesto’s Club Life, Armin’s A State of Trance, and many others.

Be sure to read on!!!

Tom thanks for taking the time for this interview!

NJR: First, how would you explain your sound to our readers?
Tom: I make uplifting/Driving trance. Its comprised of powerful basslines and uplifting melodies.
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NJR: How did you get started in this business and what brought you towards becoming a producer?
Tom: I got involved back around 1996 by going to clubs and listening to the local djs in Philadelphia. I was a dj first then a producer. I started producing around 4 1/2 years ago and have made leaps and bounds wih my sound over the past few years.
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NJR: Are you currently working on any new material?
Tom: Yes, I just finished a remix for John O’Callaghan and also a collaboration with Giuseppe OIttaviani from Italy. I also have 5 new tracks that will be released shorly on Labels such as Vandit (Paul Van dyk) Spinnin and Discover records. I a have also started some material for my upcoming artist album as well.
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NJR: Are there any specific artists who you feel have helped to influence your sound?
Tom: I was influenced by artists such as Paul Van dyk, Armin Van Buuren , Sean Tyas and John O’Callaghan to name a few. I draw alot of influence from all over though.
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NJR: What are your current 3 favorite tracks to listen to? (It could be your music or another artist)
Tom: Andy Bluemen – “Sea Tides”
John Ocallaghan – “Broken”
Sean Tyas – “Seven Weeks” (Tom Colontonio rmx)
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NJR: Do you still enjoy mixing live at venues or do you prefer production only these days?
Tom: I love playing live and traveling. Its such a great feeling to be able to meet new people all over the world and have them enjoy your music.
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NJR: Do you spend a lot of time on sites like Beatport to see what other artist are up to or, is your time more focused on your material without outside influences?
Tom: I def do alot of music research all the time. Im fortunate to receive a lot of promos at this point though so I get the best of both worlds!
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NJR: Based on your experiences, what is your favorite city in the world to perform in or visit?
Tom: I played the sunrise festival in Poland and it was incredible. THere was over 30000 people at the event and it was surreal standing up there djing. It def was a beautiful place too being right on the Baltic Sea. Truly an amazing experience!!
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NJR: What is your current equipment setup that you have been working with this year?
Tom: I use a Mac Pro and Logic Pro 8 to produce. I use a lot of soft synths .. the only hardware im using now is a Access Virus ti. I also use Mackie speakers and M-Audio Axiom keyboard.
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NJR: Are there any artists that you would really like to collaborate with?
Tom: Steve Vai… he’s an incredible guitar player. I started playing when I was 11 yrs old and he was one of my early heroes!
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NJR: Are there other styles of music that you enjoy listening to that would totally shock people? (Such as rock, etc) Anybody specific artist?
Tom: I love metal… The Autumn Offering and Bullet for my Valentine are 2 of my all time fave groups! I was in rock bands when I was younger so I still love to rock out at times.
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NJR: What are your goals for the next year?
Tom: I def want to do more touring around the world and drop more tracks too. Im am really looking foreward to 2010.
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NJR: Being a local NJ native and having a place in the global dance scene how does that make you feel?
Tom: It’s a great feeling….. I really worked hard to get further in my career and Its finally paying off at this point. People always ask me ” Oh are you from italy?” and im like NO man, I’m from New Jersey! lolol
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NJR: Where can our readers go for more information about you?
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Thanks for the interview!
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NJROCKSTAR.COM Management
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