Acid sprinklers Scott and Dominic of TTandom deliver us a SoundOf mix ahead of their Nightowl set on April 11th.

 

 

First of all thanks for doing an exclusive mix for us, what did you go for in the mix? Is this a representation of what you play out now or more what you listen to at home?

D: We went for a groovy warm up mix, the sort of music that people can expect to hear from us in the box on April 11th. At home I listen to all kinds of music - I’m a massive fan of indie and rock bands as well.

S:I’m a big fan of most electronic music at home or on a night out, mostly minimal/tech stuff but I also love a bit of funk or disco too.

 

For those who may be new to your music, how would you describe your sound?

Deep,groovy with a touch of acid!

 

How did you first get into music, when did you know you wanted to be DJs?

D:I first got into house music at the age of 13. Listening to house music was kind of unknown as a lot of people I went school with were into rap and pop music. I was deemed a weirdo for listening to these 4x4 beats and basslines!  A friend had a set of decks so I went round to his religiously and he taught me the basics of mixing. I can remember being absolutely terrible when I first started!

S:I never set out to be a DJ either, I got a set of decks about 12 years ago just to play around with the house music that was big at the time. Then came the mix CDs that I'd give out to mates etc. I only ever intended to play one event to help out a mate (which was the first ever Nightowl), but after that there was no turning back.

 

How are you finding the move from individual artists to DJ duo?

S:The move to a duo has worked well, we both have slightly different styles which works as a big positive, as it encourages both of us to push the boundaries just the right amount each time we play.

D: It also helps to keep ideas very fresh, both behind the decks and also in the studio.

 

What have you got coming up on the horizon?

S: We recently relocated our studio which was finally finished this week so we’re looking forward to putting it to the test and getting our latest ideas for tracks out there.

D: We have two big Nightowl gigs coming up which we can’t wait for! The Box at Ministry of Sound with Reboot, krankbrother & Michel Cleis, and then later in the month we’re supporting Kerri Chandler & DJ W!LD at Motion in Bristol.

 

What do you think of the state of dance music at the minute?

D: For me Dance music is in a great place at the moment! With the current trend of underground house records crossing over to the mainstream, it means that as people start to delve a little deeper, they’ll start to discover the smaller producers and labels too - which can only be a good thing.

S: Quality underground music is getting the recognition it deserves. There will always be pros and cons of any good music becoming popular, but the amount of good music available in so many places at the moment is fantastic. It just means you have to look harder for the undiscovered gems!

 

Who are the most exciting underground artists that our readers might not have heard of, but who you think will be big names to come?

D: One of the most exciting guys around at the moment for us is Cabarza. He’s been constantly sending over great tunes, which are coming out on some big labels!

S:Also, Theo Kottis who's had some great releases on Moda Black!

 

You’ve been working for Nightowl for a while now, what is it you like about the event?

D:Every time it has to be the crowd at Nightowl, it’s consistently full of clubbers who are there for the music and nothing else.

 

How do you find working as a duo, do you take it in turns to mix tracks in when preforming or are you working together?

D: We normally do a few records each but whilst one is mixing the other might be adding a vocal or doing something creative. That's why I love playing longer sets as we never plan what we do. We just make sure we've got enough music for the night and see what happens!

S: Sometimes we will mix together, and sometimes we will do a track or 2 each, it completely depends on the track or the mood of the night.

 

Who are your biggest influences?

D: Guys like Darius Syrossian and Hot Since 82. These are guys who have grafted in the industry for years, proving that hard work and dedication does pay off.

S: As a DJ over the years it has to be Carl Cox. He has consistently stayed at the top level throughout, letting his quality shine through and his DJing do the talking. Mainly though he just makes the dancefloor work so well, and can read a crowd brilliantly. The man is superb!

 

What do you like to do on your day off, what’s a typical Sunday like for you?

A typical Sunday usually consists of nursing a hangover and then spending some time in the studio trying to write records or looking for those hidden gems that nobody else has!

 

How do you prepare for a gig?

D:We’ll have a couple of sessions in the studio, work out what's new and good to play depending on the set time, then we will play depending on how the crowd is on the night. We've never been those DJs to take a set playlist and just play the same 20 tracks every time, otherwise what' the point of DJing? Might as well put an ipod on and have a beer!

 

Who are your dream collaborators, past or present?

D:My collaborator would have to be Noel Gallagher. I believe the man is a musical genius, and has proven it with all the records his sold and brought out.

S: My dream collaborator would be John Lennon or Trentemoller. Oddly enough I'm sure they would have worked pretty well together!

 

Tell us something we don’t know about TTandom?

D:One of us has more hair then the other, and it's not by choice ;-)

S:And its probably not the one who you would choose by looking at us!

 

Tickets for Ttandom, along with Reboot and Michel Cleis can be found here.