“Funky and fat driven drums with emotional Japanese synth sounds.” Tomoki Tamura introduces himself.
Who are you?
I am Tomoki Tamura from Japan, now living in Berlin (I used to live in London for a long time). I am a DJ, producer and I run my record label Holic Trax, and I am also one half of Doublet with Tuccillo.
What do You sound like?
I love the sound of old school house, dig music from vinyl, and sample it on my MPC. I could say my sound is something like funky and fat driven drums with emotional Japanese synth sounds.
Why should we listen to you?
I do not want to say that my music is incredible, but I make some fresh and strange house music, so if you are bored and need something fresh? Come and check me out.
What have you released so far? What else have you got coming out in the near future?
I have released some EPs and remixes on several labels like Four:Twenty, SAW, Classic, Nite Grooves, Unblock, etc. Finally, my solo EP, which is coming via my label Holic Trax very soon, and a few more EPs are ready to go. I’m really looking forward to showing these to you guys.
What song sums you up? Why?
Super hard question… I would maybe say Shigeo Sekitou – ‘The Word II’. I found this tune by chance. I felt so comfortable when I listened to this the first time, and also it’s from Japan. I often listen to it in order to make me calm down before starting studio time.
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
There are so many great artists who I respect but influence comes from all of my life. Listening to great music, seeing great DJs, eating good food, meeting great friends and family – all good experiences and time brings me great energy and inspiration to make music.
Where can we hear your music?
I am often DJing in the EU and Japan, and also I am thinking of starting a live set of Doublet soon.
Where will you be in five years’ time?
I never know… I did not think I was going to stay in London for a long time, and now in Berlin. When I moved from Japan to London, I was planning to go back after two years, but no!
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I always have neck pain on the next day of my DJ gig – it is kind of serious! Maybe because I might shake my neck more than Derrick May.
Tomoki Tamura’s ‘Three Thousand Stars’ is out now on his own Holic Trax. Find him on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.