A house music obsessive with a manic fixation on drums, snares and grooves, Timmy P has already made a solid mark on labels such as Local Talk, Lower East & Dessous, with his trademark raw, disco infused house sound.
We invited him along for an interview and guest slot on the radio show.
What is your background & how did you get into music? Were you a DJ or Producer first?
I probably started DJ’ing about 12 years ago now, with a real passion initially for drum and bass (the more liquid side of things, hospital records etc etc). I then purchased Ableton and began producing a couple of years later. Since then I haven’t been able to put it down. My parents were really into music so I spent a lot of time growing up listening to records – We used to listen to loads of Jean Michel Jarre, I also used to love anything by Mike Oldfield (mainly Tubular Bells!).
You have a really classic analogue sound to your productions. What is your production process and what are your key pieces of studio kit?
Unfortunately I haven’t got a lot of hardware. I have a Macbook Pro, Maschine, KRK VXT6’s, a few midi keyboards and a tonne of Plugins. I’ve also got a set of 1210’s which I tend to sample vast amounts of music on which can often be the reason the classic analogue sound pops into some of my tracks. I’ve also converted one of the bedrooms in my place into a studio which is super handy. Process wise, I’ll tend to dig through some records/samples and crack on with the drums and go from there. I’ve also got access to a couple of professional studios in the area where I tend to finish off/mixdown tracks.
How do approach each project, do you have a method or is each one different?
I’m pretty random when it comes to making tracks and I also go in spurts of about 2 weeks where I’ll make a few I’m really happy with, then about 2 months where I can’t seem to produce anything! My hard drive is full of loops I’ve just completely ditched. It feels like it’s luck of the draw sometimes!
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Do you think there has been a key defining moment in your career so far?
Hmmm, tough… I’ve had a few moments so it’s hard to capture one but playing at Glastonbury 2016 was definitely up there. My agent Kal said he received an email from Gideon who runs Block9 and five months later I was on the Genesys stage (one of the most incredible stages I’ve ever seen!!!). I’ve also managed to sign to some of my favourite labels over the years, Lower East, Nofitstate and Local Talk which is definitely something I’m super proud of.
What’s your dream label to release on?
Strictly Rhythm or Karlovak! I’m completely obsessed with Karlovak and everything they put out. Fantastic label! Oh and ONE Records!
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Where do you get your inspiration from – in music and in life?
I’m very fortunate to be able to listen to music at work – I use this opportunity to listen to a massive range of genres and try and get some ideas and think about potential samples. Inspiration wise, I’ve always been a huge fan of Kerri Chandler, MAW, Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, Jordan Peak, Subb-an and Adam Shelton to name a few. I was also very fortunate to get a load of vinyl off my parents (they had tonnes growing up) and I go through those when I have some free time and just listen!
Tell us your deepest darkest secret?
Nice try!
What has been the most crazy or interesting gig you have had since you have been performing as a DJ?
Glastonbury was mental, I have another couple of really memorable gigs. First was in Sheffield for Tramlines and Debug. I was booked to play for an hour and a half and ended up playing for about 4/5 hours in the car park with the sun setting in the background. Such a wicked night. I’ll also never forget a gig I had in Birmingham on a roof terrace. They really stand out!
What do you have coming up in the near future – releases and gigs?
Release wise I’ve got a few bits! I have a VA track on Josh Butlers label Origins. I’ve got a 3 track EP on Itchy Rich and Waifs & Strays Lovecrimes label, I’ve also got a VA track with the guys later on in the year. I’ve then got a two track EP on Flashmobs label. Gig wise I have a few bits in the pipeline, but I’ve actually just returned from the states after a few months break – slowly getting back into it now!
How did you put together your guest mix for the radio show & what have you included – any exclusives or surprises?
I’ve included a few new ones of mine and also a load of new tracks I’ve been really enjoying recently / would play out in clubs! Exclusives wise you’ll hear a track forthcoming on Origins and also a track from my Lovecrimes EP!
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