VIRTUS //
TOM
LAWS
WITH AN UNPARALLELED DRIVE THAT IS SURE TO PROPEL HIM INTO THE PREMIER RANKS OF THE TECHNO PRIME AND GLOBAL ACCLAIM WITH SUPPORT ACROSS THE WORLD, WE CAUGHT UP WITH TOM LAWS AHEAD OF HIS DEBUT EP ON WE ARE THE BRAVE...
Hello Tom, thanks for taking the time to speak with us at Virtus...where in the world are you right now?
Brighton
What's the current music & nightlife scene like there?
Well it’s not as good as it used to be but very good location right near London and Gatwick for travel etc.
You've been releasing music for near on a decade, can you tell us how you first became interested in electronic music and wanting to be a DJ?
Yeah, well I think like most of us in this position I was a massive raver... I remember the first party I went to I was still at school maybe I shouldn't be saying that but back then was different. I heard of a free party going on at the weekend and didn’t really know what it was so my mates older brother crammed a load of us in the back of their cars and we went along. I remember the convoy of cars was so exciting as I’d not seen anything like it, obviously being 13! When we got there, the place was packed, it was in this huge car park in the woods. Still to this day, I'll never forget having to the clear the woods so the all UV bits could hang from trees – not forgetting to mention that the music blew my head off and I've never looked back since!
What would you say your biggest influences are when it comes to making music?
Well I have loads as I was a drummer for years and can sort of play the guitar so all aspects of music, but obviously electric music is my thing. But like a lot of producers I get influenced by the vibe and there is nothing more powerful in my eyes than techno - so I try and keep it solid and how I'd like to hear it on the dance floor.
Your upcoming EP on Alan Fitzpatrick's We Are The Brave really showcases your sound as a producer, how does it feel to have such a stalwart of techno appreciating your music to the point of a release on his label?
Its feels great and makes all the years plugging away seem worth it. But yeah it is definitely a great feeling knowing someone you look up to digs your work!
What is your personal favourite from the EP?
100% ‘Feel You’ I knew when making it, that it was going to be a big track. I have made tracks in the past I don't even like as I’m sure loads of us have, but this one I knew was a solid number for sure.
When you are in the studio, what is your go-to hardware/software plugin that you like to use?
Well I’m in the studio as much as I can although not as much as I’d like recently as I am in the process of moving to a new house, so it’s been packed away what seems like for ever! I use Ableton, I personally thinks it’s easy the best and most efficient, but then again, they all are if you know how to use them - but it's my go to choice. As for plug in's I use soundToys - they are wicked for delays and reverbs etc. Also, U-HE are an awesome bunch of plug-ins.
What other producers are you really feeling at the moment?
It’s such a hard question because there is so many amazing tracks flying out from people I've not even heard of. Maceo Plex’s music is a little soft for me but the guy is a freak in the studio especially his older Maetrik stuff – I’d love to get in the studio with him! I really like Skober, Spektre and a guy called Henry Cullen who actually tough me how to use Ableton. He is an amazing engineer - we have still remained good mates although I do my own thing and have done for years, but a really good artist if you have not yet discovered his music. Of course, a fellow We Are The Brave artist - Reset Robot is the nuts as well, such a great guy and is so sick in the studio. I love his productions so much, and obviously - Alan Fitz!
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone starting out a career as a DJ/Producer, what would it be?
Yeah definitely keep raving as it gives you inspiration, don't let anyone say they’re too old to rave because we all start somewhere and its usually on the dance floor. Never give up and stick to your guns. Don’t get disheartened if people don't like your music because we all have rejections, and always listen to people more experienced than you, you can never learn enough in my opinion.
What more can we expect from Tom Laws in the coming months?
Loads more bangers I hope and I run two festivals so we are planning a huge day party in a Tudor castle next year!
https://www.facebook.com/tomlawsmusic/
https://soundcloud.com/tomlawsmusic
Tom’s debut EP ‘Feel You’ on We Are The Brave is available on the 26th July