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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
56
Tom Swoon
10

Tom Swoon returns to the Top 100 for a second year after debuting in 2015. He’s just spent the past 12 months as one of the most sought-after remixers in the game. Seriously, this guy’s been everywhere — Maxximize, Armada Zouk, Flamingo, you name it! And that’s not to mention all the live dates that have seen him physically go everywhere too — Ultra Miami, Ultra Japan and so many other clubs and festivals we’d need a whole double-page spread to mention them all. In fact, it was during his touring that the Polish DJ/producer says he had his craziest experience of the year: “I almost got stuck in China,” he tells DJ Mag, “they had a problem with my visa, held me like some criminal for six hours with no explanation and then gave me back my passport just like that.” Eeek!

Thankfully, Tom is now back in action and looking forward to 2017. But what exactly are his plans? Well, to (almost) quote the legendary Daft Punk, he’s aiming to achieve four simple things: “Bigger. Better. Faster. Stronger.”

What have been the new frontiers for you this year? “I visited and played in lots of new places, actually! I really loved Mexico, also a few debuts in Asia, like the Philippines and Thailand. Most importantly, I had my first times at Ultra Miami, Ultra Japan and Alfa Future People in Russia. I will never forget these experiences!” 

Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art-form? “I think it’s not yet taken that seriously, but it’s definitely going that way. As electronic music establishes and merges more into the mainstream, it’s slowly gonna be treated with as much recognition/acclaim as rock or pop.” 

What’s the best new bit of DJ/production technology, and why? “Odesi by the Mixed In Key guys — it’s an amazing tool which helps with writing/composing music. And you can continue on your DAW right where you left it on Odesi!”

If you had to switch your style to another genre, what would it be? “I’d most definitely play guitar in some alternative rock band, like I used to just before I got into electronic music.” 

As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ? “My kidney.” 

What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events? “Definitely being more responsible and sensible. So not taking things you don’t know from people you don’t know. The war on drugs cannot in any way become a war on all things music. Let’s be practical and real here. We can’t get rid of drugs at events (not only dance) completely, as taking drugs, in the end, is a personal choice — in this case, drug-testing stations would help too.” 

How can we increase diversity in dance music? “Some of the new producers should stop copying entire songs and hope that just a slightly different melody or overused idea/formula will get them somewhere. We need more people with enough patience and passion to work hard ‘til they create something fresh.”