Emotion and mayhem
An interview with Tobias Thomas

Tobias Thomas is Editor of German pop culture magazine SPEX, globetrotting DJ ambassador of Kompakt records, producer/remixer, classic romantic. Last month Tobias came back to Osaka's wildest tech-house night quop with Justus Kohncke. We had scheduled an interview, but, appropriately, the club mayhem forbade civilised conversation and we were compelled to continue at a later date in quieter circumstances.

KS: Being a writer and DJ you must be very busy. Can you tell us a bit about your average week?
Tobias: I'm an editor to SPEX magazine, so I am at the office from Monday to Friday more or less, then I usually play in Studio 672 at Total Confusion on Fridays, then Saturdays I go traveling somewhere as a DJ. I return normally Sunday evening ...

KS: When did you first start DJing, what was your music of choice and influences?
Tobias: I started in a serious way in 1990. I come from an independent, alternative and as well a very strong pop music background. I was always fascinated by clubs and nightlife. And I wanted to be on the "giving/making/entertaining/working" side of the show, I think this comes from my father, he used to direct theatre pieces and he whole family had to help.

KS: How did you get into writing?
Tobias: I thought I was a good writer even before I was one, as a child. But it came the day when I got feedback that people liked the way I wrote, especially because it was very personal and emotional. I broke with university so I didn't get any real education — same as most music writers.

KS: As a writer in the music industry, what fad would you say has impressed you the most in dance music in the last few years?
Tobias: "Fad" — does that mean something like a fashion or a hype? I guess I'm still impressed how big the influence of the so-called minimal techno/house is on the whole world meanwhile.

KS: Any ideas as to what the next big thing is going to be?
Tobias: Me! Or maybe something from China ...

KS: You have played in Japan quite a few times, any memorable performances?
Tobias: Most memorable still is that daytime party in Kyoto, when I came there for the first time. I love Kyoto! [The International house in Kyoto held a New Germany day organized by the Goethe Inst. Word spread of a free rave and hundreds of party people along with families who were there for the day's activities filled the auditorium for a stand alone four-hour set. — KS] WIRE [the biggest indoor techno rave in Japan] was impressive as well, although it is a bit über-organized and so full of regulations. But it's a great rave, better than the ones in Europe.

KS: Is there any difference in your approach to DJing in Japan compared to Germany?
Tobias: In my approach, no. It's always the same intention. I long
for communication, social interactions, mind extension, emotional confusion, physical liberation.

KS: When can we expect you back?
Tobias: New Year's Eve at Unit.

Text & Photo: Luke Le Mans