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)
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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www.tomcolontonio.com
www.myspace.com/djtommyboy
www.facebook.com/tomcolontonio
www.twitter.com/tomcolontonio
www.myspace.com/djtommyboy
www.facebook.com/tomcolontonio
www.twitter.com/tomcolontonio
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Thanks for the interview!
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NJROCKSTAR.COM Management
NJROCKSTAR.COM Management
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