interview mit gummihz vom apirl 2009 + dj set

gummihz dj mix

tracklist:
1. Mr V - The drum [Vega records]
2. Grand High Priest - Mixdown [Strictly rhythm]
3. GummiHz - You and me feat. Ruxandra [Mobilee]
4. Shlomi Aber - Efrat [Be as one]
5. Kenny Dope, Franck Roger - Untitled flow [Vega records]
6. Mark Henning - Moody bastard (Ed Davenport remix) [Soma]
7. Radioslave - Grindhouse (Danton Eeprom remix) [Rekids]
8. Guido Schneider, Jens Bond - Baccara [Highgrade]
9. Clara Moto - Sancy cat [InFine]
10. Gel Abril - Spells of yoruba [Be as one]
11. GummiHz - Under the sun [Mobilee]


(IMG:http://www.fwd.dj/files/imagecache/w580/images/artists/gummihz.jpg)


GummiHz the is moniker of one Alexander Tsotsos, a decisively Greek export recently transplanted to Berlin and one of the fresh faces making waves in the EDM production and DJing scene. Tsotsos is best known for his dedicated releases on Mobilee in addition to his ever clever and functional, heavily charted dance tunes.


Tell us about your evolution from a university student with a career path to a trail blazing techno producer. What inspired you to make the leap over the fence?

I am thankful for being given the opportunity to study at university, as it was a great challenge for me which also aided me in developing my personality. My real passion though since a kid is making music. So after i finished my studies i focused completely on developing my sound.



Your focus seems to be edged towards making highly functional dance floor tracks. What makes a perfect dance floor song? Is it a traditional but re-interpreted rhythmic structure…. emotion and atmosphere…. intelligent noise sequencing…?

I think that all the factors above can contribute to a good dancefloor track. Every musical style has a general structure and there are some rules to follow or bend. Also, in my opinion, its a matter of taste. If your taste matches with what the audience is looking for. Honestly, i dont believe there is a certain description on what makes a perfect dancefloor song. In my eyes the audience always appreciates honesty and originality. In other words, staying true to your ears.



What about Mobilee inspires you to make that label your home?

Well, in mobilee we function like a big family. We push each other creatively and there is a very good chemistry between our characters. Also the high level of professionalism from both Anja and Ralf in the administrative field really convinced me for making mobilee my "home" label. Its not everyday one finds this creative dynamic within a very organised label. This makes this platform very special for me.



What kind of hardware/software/sample packs do you use and recommend?

I use many different hardware and software for producing. My main production software is logic audio and i also draw a few sounds out of hardware like the access virus TI polar synthesizer.



You have created both Mobilee "back to back" cds. Tell us about your process and the experience/intention behind these releases?

Compiling the Back to back vol.2 was a great challenge for me. My main intention was to present to the audience the different sides of the label's sound, as well as presenting formally my skills as a dj. The concept behind the back to back series is to present recent releases of the label as full compositions on one cd and within a mix in the second. So on the first disc you are introduced to the more musical side of the label, including full unmixed tracks with strong melodic arrangements. Whereas on the second disc, my mix focuses on the pure functionality of the label's sound on the dancefloor.



What is your social philosophy behind your DJ performances. Are you looking to just create a fun experience or are you aiming for something deeper?

Well, people go out to clubs to enjoy themselves. Then, in my opinion, its up to the dj to turn this outing to something special. My intention is to build the atmosphere within a room, to initiate an exchange of energy between the audience and myself. It feels like charging them with every mix,while receiving their response for the next one.



Do you have any opinions on things that could stand to change about the dance underground? What are your biggest peeves and what would make the dance community stronger?

A community gets stronger as it grows. I feel that people should have their ears open for fresh talent and not only follow the trends. After all, it is fresh ideas which cross over to the mainstream that create these trends.



Have you been charted by any of your musical idols? If so how was that experience for you and what lofty goals do you have next in line?

It is always of great satisfaction to see people who inspire me chart or license my music. When i finish a track i like to make predictions on who it would apply for. I must say up to now they have been quite precise. Next in line are a few ideas for the future, such as performing a limited series of live performances.



What does the rest of 2008/early 2009 hold for you?

I am currently in talks on a new release and a remix for a good friend of mine, but i dont want to spoil the surprise......



Do you have any comments about this exclusive mix for the FWD.dj listeners?

I hope your listeners will enjoy the mix and that it will be an invitation to my shows.