Renaissance Manic
DJ Tom Middleton gathers ambient and kinetic house sounds on new three-disc collection
The concept of reincarnation – that life is indeed a loop – has been explored since the acid-house era modern electronic dance music. British electronic music artist Tom Middleton, a contemporary of the rave generation, has come full circle, too. In the early ’90s he DJ’d with Aphex Twin and, as part of Global Communication, helped launch the heyday of ambient music. The duo’s 1996 track “The Way” even went onward to dizzy, Daft Punk-defeating house music. And Middleton soon became one half of house act Jedi Knights, a name that drew a legal threat from George Lucas’s people – surely a badge of honor. These days the 36-year-old Middleton, like some of his contemporaries (Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Underworld), is back, bigger and perhaps better than ever. His ambient masterwork, Lifetracks, was unleashed late last year and featured a faded photo of his late mother on the cover. It is spaced-out music for dreamers (in the mold of Ulrich Schnauss or Aphex Twin) but it comes back to the club and bathes you in liquid ecstasy on tracks such as “Shinkansen.” Last month Middleton unleashed a three-disc compilation, Renaissance 3D – Tom Middleton, featuring more ambient, down-tempo, and remixed house on two themed discs, “Home” and “Studio.” But it’s the “Club” disc that highlights the man’s DJing talents: Bubbly, kinetic tech house is relentlessly buoyant and upbeat. On the cover there’s a hazy photo of the man himself. Recently, we asked him a few questions.
CityBeat: Are you trying to help ambient make a comeback with Lifetracks?
Tom Middleton: I would like to think that I am predicting a revival in the celebration of pure, honest, and emotive electronica. It’s just a matter of time before music lovers get tired of all this dull, highly derivative, single-season “fashion music.” I, for one, get tired of many of the new crossover dance-rock acts.
What kind of mood or feelings were you trying to communicate with Lifetracks?
For “Optimystic,” a tandem skydive in Australia was about the most profoundly life affirming and intense physical and emotional episode of my life. I just had to get composing after going through this unique and intense experience.
How does the instant, digital communication of today affect your music?
It’s vital to have an online brand presence, to communicate with your fan base and have direct links to digital music retailers. In addition, for a digital DJ such as myself, being able to access the promotional sites as well as the digital record stores makes an immense difference. I can augment my expanding digital music library and update my DJ sets every week. I find it both daunting and exciting. There is still the thrill of discovering new acts but, with so much choice, it’s getting harder and harder to filter out the rubbish. I would say that much of the best new music has come from recommendations from other trusted DJs via iChat conversations.
What processes and gear do you use to make music?
I tend to create my own loops and samples from scratch. I prefer to make original music using my programming and classical compositional skills. Imagining real world instrument performances helps with the authenticity of programmed music.
Your music on the Renaissance 3D “Club” disc is brilliant. How would you describe it?
This is a collection of warm, uplifting, mostly deep house [tracks] with a touch of jazz, soul, funk, disco, techno, and electro influences. I’ve deliberately avoided big anthems, as I don’t believe they have the longevity. I like a nice bouncy, shuffling groove and I really like warm harmonies [and] strong melodic hooks.
What are your feelings about the current, dance-music revival?
I’m still going after nearly 20 years, and I still love new music. There are clearly those who are pioneering and innovating, and those who are just jumping on the bandwagon and imitating. I believe it’s better to craft a really interesting sonic excursion with dramatic peaks and swells and shifts in emotion.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ve been performing Lifetracks live with my band to synchronized visuals and will continue to tour throughout this year. I’m still researching and exploring new styles in the studio for a second Lifetracks LP and for EPs and future compilations. This is all driven by the desire and quest to define, find and make beautiful music.
Check out some of Middleton’s music at myspace.com/tommiddleton and at reddogtv.blip.tv.
2008-02-14
Published: 02/13/2008
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