A Sit Down With DJ Tom Colontonio

A name like Tom Colontonio does not go unnoticed, but his music, is simply unforgettable. Tom Colontonio belongs to a successful new breed of DJ/Producers who have taken the scene by storm, and are giving the established globally acclaimed artists a run for their money. Tom is now on the pinnacle of breaking through to super-stardom.

As releases, remixes, collaborations and support from some of the biggest names in the electronic music industry continue to mount up, Tom Colontonio is beginning to see the world through the eyes of an international DJ.The future looks bright for this up and coming player, so be on the lookout for Tom Colontonio, his name will not be the only thing you’ll remember.

 

“House attracts females and men follow the women, let’s be real here. “

 

Describe your early musical background. What were some of your early musical influences, and what turned you onto the world of EDM?

I started playing guitar at age 12 because a good friend played piano and we wanted to start a rock band. My earliest influence was Eddie van Halen and Steve Vai. I played guitar for up to 10 hours a day and studied classical and jazz guitar. I was turned onto dance music when I started hitting clubs a lot in the mid 90s. It was repetitive craziness to me when I first heard it, but I fell in love with it! Me and a friend started going to all the Philadelphia clubs on a weekly basis and checking out DJs. We had a huge scene then and the clubs were always thriving four nights a week! Back then I was playing all house music on vinyl.

What are you using in your Studio at the moment?

Currently Im using Logic Pro 9 and various soft synths along with an Access Virus TI. The Soft VST’s are becoming so powerful now you can get sounds you could only obtain on Analog synths years ago. The music software industry is constantly evolving so its getting easier to find the right tools to make what you need! Logic is such a powerful tool and the possibilities are limitless!

You have played alongside names like Andy Moor, Cosmic Gate, Sean Tyas and many more, what would be the most memorable location you have spun at?

That would be the Sunrise festival in Poland last year. It was on the day of my birthday and I was standing in front of all those people having the time of my life.

How were your early forays into producing, and when did you create your first track?

I started producing in March of 2005. I basically had reached my limits being a local DJ in Philadelphia/Atlantic City and had to make the decision to produce music to move forward. I went to the guitar center and bought Logic, speakers and a keyboard. A friend kind of steered me in the direction of what I needed. I brought it all home and thought “Great, now I’m going to make some tracks.” But it wasn’t that easy…not even close. I guess I made my first song within a month. It was horrible. I used to send it to (fellow trance producer) Sean Tyas and tell him “Dude, check this out.” We still laugh about it. It’s horrendous!

Being a Guitar player from the age of 11, what is your take on the Sunlounger project by DJ Shah, could we see maybe your trance influence leaning towards the guitar direction and who would some of your favourites guitar legends be?

I have always been a fan of Shah and really enjoy what he does. My fav guitar player of all time would have to be Steve Vai… he’s simply amazing!

Who, in your mind, are the top producers on the horizon?

There are so many talented young kids coming along and destroying it this year (2012). The computer generation has made it much easier and accessible for people to have access to the tools needed to make music. It’s up to the producer to hone the craft of doing it in order to produce top notch stuff. Andrew & Jeremiah from Philadelphia/Delaware, Ryan Mendoza from San Francisco, and Des McMahon from Philly–all are some of my favorites who I think will make an impact in EDM in 2013. They have great skills and the drive to make it happen!

Your career is a classic underdog story. How does it feel being from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and getting signed to the big names in Europe like Armada Music, Spinnin’ Records, and Discover Records?

It has been an incredible ride for me! I remember saying “One day I’m gonna do this,” and I just tried and tried until it happened for me. In a nutshell: I was discovered by a few artists such as John O’Callaghan, Sean Tyas, John Askew, and Paul Van Dyk, all within a few months. Two tracks made that happen, which were passed around, and the rest is history. Once Paul van Dyk started playing my tracks it happened very fast. I was signed to Discover Records alongside the best talents in trance at the time. Soon Armin and Tiesto were supporting my music too. I knew I made an impact when I signed an autograph in the Cherry Hill Mall (Ed. great mall) because this girl recognized my name on my credit card. It’s definitely been a great feeling accomplishing what I have, and I’m very thankful for it all! Touring the world is an amazing feeling.

You’re local to the NY/NJ area. What are your thoughts on the EDM scene here in New York City and United States in general?

The USA has some great things going on now and I think the scene has come back a lot in the past few years. There’s pockets of parties and trance lovers in every state NYC still has a great scene too. The people come out in full force to support the artists and the parties are always exciting and fun to attend. I love playing in NYC for Massive Event.. always ROCKIN’. I also am a big fan of Atlantic City for the nightclubs and the 24 hour bars too

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